The list, compiled by the Publishers Association, showcases books suggested by 38 members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, among them Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State for Trade Policy, Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Chief Whip, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, and Valerie Vaz MP, Chair of the APPG for Publishing.
In addition to their primary picks, parliamentarians were asked to name a title linked to a personal hobby, with those selections slated for release on the association’s social channels in the coming weeks.
Rebecca Sinclair, President of the Publishers Association and Chief Brand Officer of Penguin Random House UK, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many parliamentarians sharing the books they love, especially during the National Year of Reading. Book recommendations have a wonderful way of bringing people together and inspiring conversations, and this year’s list is a brilliant reminder that there’s something out there for everyone.”
Dan Conway, CEO of the Publishers Association, added: “I always enjoy seeing the breadth of books parliamentarians recommend as their summer reads. This year the list features everything from recent non‑fiction about the big issues of our time to twisty thrillers and a classic children’s book which demonstrates the wide scope of the UK’s publishing industry.”
The initiative aligns with the National Year of Reading, which aims to encourage more people across the UK to explore their interests through books, and the association hopes the list will spark further dialogue between the publishing sector and government.