Apolitical Summer 2023 Reading list for Public Servants - Policy reads for government nerds Public

Ezra Klein called this “the book I wish every policymaker would read." It explains how the growing hierarchical wedge between policymaking and delivery is preventing government from keeping up with pressing modern challenges — with deadly consequences.

Choppy waters test the mettle of good leaders. This book boils down five decades of research into four great presidents and tries to identify what made them succeed beyond expectations.

Consultancy giants have a growing footprint in government. This book argues that their services are undermining the strength and sustainability of the public sector. Moreover, as in the case of McKinsey in South Africa, they can often have nefarious goals.

“Good examples of what can be achieved when you engage local communities in public sector policy”

—Thanks to Wyn Jones, Workforce Transformation Lead, within the English National Health Service for the recommendation

“With our skies filled with smoke and the news chock full of heatwaves and flooding, this book is a much-needed pick-me-up. Winner of the National Business Book Award and a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award for Nonfiction.”