The top 3 public health books I read in 2025
Here is a list of 5 Best Public Health Books to Read.
Public health books give you great insight and information on the challenges population’s face.
These 5 public health books are for all public health people – students, professionals, and enthusiasts.
Read these 5 best public health books to expand your public health knowledge.
1. When Crack Was King
About: This book explores why some communities are healthier than others. It talks about how the social determinants of health – where we live, learn, work and play – affect how healthy a community and the individuals in it are. It reveals social injustice to be the greatest threat to global health as we have the tools and resources to materially improve levels of health around the world.
Why Read: If you want to learn why some communities are healthier, this book helps you understand why and how we can make communities healthier. It illuminates the dramatic differences in health that community’s face and the link to social disadvantage.
2. The Science and Art of Social Connectedness
About: This book talks about the ‘dark history of medical experimentation on Black Americans form Colonial Times to the Present’. It highlights the shocking treatment and experimentation that happened on Black bodies since Black people were enslaved to now.
Why Read: If you want to learn more about the history of medical experimentation and historical injustices. It helps frame why Black and other marginalized communities have a strong distrust for the medical field.
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3. The Political Determinants of Health, by Daniel Dawes
About: This book talks about the political drivers that lead to health inequities and systemic injustices around health. It highlights how fundamental political systems are in shaping the health of communities through the policies enacted.
Why Read: If you want to learn how politics and policy influence social determinants of health and generate health outcomes. It shares how the political system is foundational to the social drivers communities face.