What we're reading on the beach this summer

Published: Monday, August 11, 2025 at 7:00 am

Summer Reading Recommendations with an Economic Twist

The Indicator from Planet Money has released its annual summer reading recommendations, offering a selection of books that blend entertainment with economic insights. This year's picks include three titles designed to provide engaging content for beachgoers while also sparking thought about various aspects of society and the economy.

The first recommendation is "Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service" by Michael Lewis. This book delves into the world of government workers, exploring their roles and impact. The second selection is "El Dorado Drive" by Megan Abbott. The final recommendation is "Algospeak: How Social Media is Transforming the Future of Language" by Adam Aleksic. This book examines the evolution of language in the digital age, specifically focusing on how social media platforms are shaping communication.

The recommendations are accompanied by related episodes that explore the intersection of economics and leisure, including topics like "Beach reading with a side of economics" and "How to beach on a budget." Listeners can access sponsor-free episodes through Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

BNN's Perspective:

The selection of books this year offers a diverse range of topics, from the inner workings of government to the impact of social media. While the choices may not appeal to everyone, the inclusion of economic themes adds an intellectual layer to the summer reading experience. It's a reminder that even during leisure time, there's always an opportunity to learn and engage with important societal issues.

Keywords: summer reading, book recommendations, economics, government, social media, language, Michael Lewis, Megan Abbott, Adam Aleksic, beach reading, public service, El Dorado Drive, Algospeak, The Indicator from Planet Money

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