Five new books we’re looking forward to reading

House of Huawei: The Secret History of China’s Most Powerful Company

Eva Dou

Drawing on extensive interviews and research, the Washington Post’s China correspondent, Eva Dou unravels the enigmatic rise of Huawei and the company’s evolution into a global tech powerhouse, and profiles its reclusive founder, Ren Zhengfei. It also explores the geopolitical tensions ignited by the 2018 detention of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, delving into Huawei’s intricate web of power, influence – and controversy.

House of Huawei is out now, published by Hachette (£25).

Source Code: My Beginnings

Bill Gates

The technologist, business leader, and philanthropist reflects on his journey from a curious, rebellious child in Seattle to co-founding Microsoft; en route sharing his family influences, early friendships, and love for coding (which sparked his vision for solving complex problems) in this much anticipated memoir. Key moments include dropping out of Harvard and meeting pivotal figures (a certain Steve Jobs included); and culminates in the late-1970s when Microsoft signed its first deal with Apple… there will surely be a second volume.

Source Code will be published on 4 February by Penguin (£25).

The Bright Side: Why Optimists Have the Power to Change the World

Sumit Paul-Choudhury

Astrophysicist-turned-journalist Sumit Paul-Choudhury explores the science and power of optimism in his debut book, arguing that it is not only natural to humanity but essential for survival and progress. Drawing on history, science, and personal experience, he demonstrates how optimism benefits relationships, careers, and mental wellbeing – while also offering practical advice for embracing it in these desperately challenging times. Essentially, it’s both a guide and a manifesto for real change.

The Bright Side is out now, published by Canongate (£25).

I Want to Talk to You: And Other Conversations

Diana Evans

The acclaimed novelist and journalist offers an intimate and thought-provoking collection of essays from the past 25 years, on everything from midlife, family, motherhood, the British monarchy, yoga, lockdown, the Grenfell tragedy, and grief. As a young culture editor, Evans also engaged with luminaries such as Lauryn Hill, Viola Davis, Alice Walker, and Edward Enninful, and here she captures their essence while reflecting on her own creative evolution, sharing her journey as a writer shaped by literary influences such as Jean Rhys, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison.

I Want to Talk to You will be released on 6 February, published by Penguin (£18.99).

Ocean: How to Save Earth’s Last Wilderness

Sir David Attenborough and Colin Butfield

Sir David Attenborough (who needs no introduction) and Colin Butfield, the co-founder of Open Planet, present this timely exploration of the world’s oceans, from the polar seas to remote coral islands – and, more urgently, their potential for recovery. Drawing on decades of experience, they reveal the vital role oceans play in regulating our climate, creating the air we breathe, and shaping the land we live on. The book spans a century of ocean exploration, offering insights into eight unique marine habitats, diverse species, and the latest scientific research. It’s a hopeful vision of a restored marine world – one that could yet flourish if we act now.

Ocean: How to Save Earth's Last Wilderness will be published on 8 May by Golden Hare Books (pre-order £28).