By Scott Ronalds

It’s that time of year. Summer reading lists are making the rounds. Bill Gates recently released his beach reading, the Wall Street Journal has picked its 10 books to read this summer and JP Morgan’s well publicized annual summer reading list is just around the corner.

We’re building a tradition of our own. Some of our previous recommendations have drawn a lot of interest from clients (see Elective Reading and Must-Reads on Investing), so I canvassed the office and came up with a list this year that has a little of everything – business, investing, murder, wine and Neanderthals. We’ll call it our 2nd Annual Elective Reading List ... although we’re open to a better moniker.

Younger Next Year, by Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry Lodge. David recommends this read on how to live strong, fit, and turn back our biological clocks. It explores the need to exercise at reasonably high heart rates to slow the process of aging. Seems to be working for our high-energy Toronto partner, who competes regularly in mountain and road bike races.

Red Notice, by Bill Browder. Tom suggests this true story, which reads like fiction, about an American investment manager who made his fortune running the largest investment fund in Russia and was expelled from the country after he exposed corruption and Putin turned on him. Plans for a Steadyhand outpost in Moscow have been put on hold.

Business Model Generation, by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur. Neil’s a big consumer of books on better business practices and startups. He recently read Zero to One (venture capitalist Peter Thiel’s book on startups) but didn’t love it. His pick instead is this handbook for developing, implementing or improving a business model.

Neanderthal Man: In Search of Lost Genomes, by Svante Pääbo. This is Salman’s pick. In his words, “This book isn’t just for evolutionary biology or genetics geeks (all 3 of you). Readers from all walks of life can relate to the desire to do the impossible, the emotional rollercoaster that comes with success, and the politics Pääbo and his team contend with – all while learning more about DNA and the groundbreaking research his team has been able to do on our ancient ancestors.” Whoa!

Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth, by Margaret Atwood. This is Chris’ choice, and it’s a timely topic, given how awash the world is in debt right now. Atwood examines the history of debt and its role in our culture, sprinkled with anecdotes and humour to keep readers engaged.

The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins. Lori recommends this amnesia thriller for those looking for an easy beach read. It’s along the lines of Gone Girl, with lots of twists and jolts along the way. (As an aside, she’s half-way through The Bond King, but is reserving judgment until she’s finished it.)

The Road to Burgundy, by Ray Walker. This one is mine. It’s about a young American who gives up a career in finance to move to France to try his hand at making wine, with little money and minimal experience. There are many stories of deep-pocketed people in the investment business buying vineyards and throwing their name on wine labels. Ray Walker’s road is much different.

If nothing on our list grabs your interest, it never hurts to re-read a classic like Moby-Dick, Robinson Crusoe, or It’s Still Not Rocket Science. And if you want to share something on your list, we’d love to hear it.