Hot, Flat, and CrowdedHot, Flat, and Crowded
Score Modern
What it's about
Thomas Friedman argues that the world faces three linked crises: global warming ('hot'), the rise of a huge global middle class consuming more energy ('flat') and population growth ('crowded'). He makes the case that America should lead a 'green revolution' in clean energy, which he says would strengthen its economy and security.
Why it's worth reading
It hit #1 on the New York Times list. It's a big-picture argument for clean energy.
You'll love it if you liked
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster
The World Without Us
From Beirut to JerusalemGood to know
It's from 2008, so its data and technology are dated.
By the numbers
- Readers1 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller43 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #84 of the 85 self-help and business books we rank
- #1528 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #2754 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Practical
More by Thomas L. Friedman
If you like this, read next
Atomic Habits
Becoming
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It
Greenlights
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Tuesdays with MorrieExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Self-help and business booksTop 25 · 85 ranked
Modern booksTop 25 · 1,573 ranked
Books of the 2000sTop 25 · 490 ranked
Fantasy booksTop 25 · 459 ranked
Mysteries and thrillersTop 25 · 555 ranked
Literary novelsTop 25 · 309 ranked
Memoirs and biographiesTop 25 · 290 ranked
Science fiction booksTop 25 · 313 rankedQuick answers
Is Hot, Flat, and Crowded worth reading?
Yes. It hit #1 on the New York Times list. It ranks #2,754 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 53.9 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Hot, Flat, and Crowded about?
Thomas Friedman argues that the world faces three linked crises: global warming ('hot'), the rise of a huge global middle class consuming more energy ('flat') and population growth ('crowded'). He makes the case that America should lead a 'green revolution' in clean energy, which he says would strengthen its economy and security.
How long does it take to read Hot, Flat, and Crowded?
About 11 hours (448 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Hot, Flat, and Crowded?
If you liked it, try How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates, The World Without Us by Alan Weisman or From Beirut to Jerusalem by Thomas L. Friedman.