Best General Anthropology Books of 2025

Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents―and What They Mean for America's Future, written by Jean Twenge, is a groundbreaking book that offers a new perspective on the six generations living in the United States. Twenge examines the vastly different life experiences of these generations and how they connect, conflict, and compete with one another. She uses long-running, government-funded surveys and databases to answer questions about the differences between generations. The book explores how major historical events and the rapid evolution of technology differentiate the generations. Overall, Generations is a fascinating and informative read that will change the way readers view their parents, peers, coworkers, and children, no matter which generation they belong to.

Fingerprints of the Gods by Graham Hancock is a thought-provoking book that challenges the conventional understanding of human history. The author presents evidence from archaeo-astronomy, geology, and ancient myths to suggest that human civilization may be older and more advanced than previously believed. The book takes readers on a journey across the world, exploring ancient monuments and revealing the fingerprints of a lost civilization. The book also warns of a cataclysmic event that may recur in irregular intervals. Overall, the book is an intriguing and entertaining read that offers a fresh perspective on human history and the potential dangers that lie ahead.

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book that presents a comprehensive narrative of human history, debunking racist theories and revealing the environmental factors responsible for the broadest patterns. Diamond examines why Eurasians conquered, displaced, or decimated Native Americans, Australians, and Africans, instead of the reverse. The book offers an insightful analysis of the developmental paths of human societies, their differing fates, and how the modern world, and its inequalities, came to be. This artful, informative, and delightful book is a major landmark in our understanding of human societies and culture.

Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible by Brandon O'Brien and Randy Richards is a thought-provoking book that explores how modern Western biases impact our interpretation of the Bible. The authors identify nine key areas where Western readers tend to misunderstand the cultural dynamics of the Bible, and they provide examples to illustrate how better self-awareness and understanding of cultural differences can help us see the Bible in fresh and unexpected ways. This book is an essential read for anyone who wants to read Scripture as a member of the global body of Christ.

iGen by Jean Twenge is a must-read for parents, educators, and leaders who want to understand the unique characteristics of the first generation to spend their entire adolescence in the age of smartphones and social media. Twenge highlights the differences between iGen and previous generations, such as their attitudes toward religion, sexuality, and politics. She also explores the impact of technology on their mental health and socialization. Overall, iGen is a game-changer for anyone who wants to communicate, educate, or do business with this rising generation.

Food of the Gods by Terence McKenna is a thought-provoking exploration of humanity's relationship with plants and chemicals. The book provides a fascinating look at the history of drugs in both the East and West, from ancient spices and rum trades to modern-day marijuana and cocaine. McKenna's research on altered states of consciousness offers a unique perspective on our origins and our place in nature. The book proposes a shamanic understanding of drugs as a way to replace abuse with community, reverence for nature, and increased self-awareness. Overall, Food of the Gods is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of mind-altering substances and their impact on human evolution.

Debt: The First 5000 Years by David Graeber is a groundbreaking international best-seller that challenges conventional accounts of the origins of money and markets. Anthropologist Graeber argues that before there was money, there was debt, and that humans have used elaborate credit systems to buy and sell goods for more than 5,000 years. The book is a philosophical inquiry into the nature of debt, where it came from, and how it evolved. It also shows how the language of ancient works of law and religion derives in large part from ancient debates about debt. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in economic history and the evolution of our economic system.

The Gene: An Intimate History, by Siddhartha Mukherjee, is a compelling history of genetics and its impact on humanity. The author masterfully weaves science, history, and memoir to create an epic story that spans centuries of research and experimentation. Mukherjee's family history of mental illness adds a personal touch to the quest to understand human heredity. The book is a fascinating and often sobering account of how humans came to understand the roles of genes in making us who we are and what our manipulation of those genes might mean for the future.

The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name is a thought-provoking book that explores the use of visionary plants, herbs, and fungi in the origins of Western civilization. Author Brian Muraresku embarks on a quest for the Holy Grail, examining the archaic roots of the ritual that is performed every Sunday for nearly one-third of the planet. The book offers a radical picture of Christianity’s founding event and solves history’s greatest puzzle once and for all. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of religion and science and the history of Western civilization.

Frantz Fanon's Black Skin, White Masks is a profound contribution to critical race theory and the black identity. The book examines the black psyche in a white world, and its impact on civil rights and anti-colonial movements is unparalleled. The new translation updates its language for a new generation of readers. Fanon's work is a mix of revolutionary manifesto, metaphysics, prose poetry, and literary criticism. Its scientific analysis and poetic grace make it a vital force today. This book should be required reading for anyone seeking to understand the struggles of the African diaspora.