by Scott Ronalds

“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” — J.K. Rowling

We all know the power of a good book. It can transport you to another place and time, teach you things, entertain you, sharpen your mind, ground you, or simply help you unplug. That’s why we put a lot of thought into our Summer Reading List each year.

As usual, this year’s edition spans a variety of topics. From business and investing to poetry and Pacino, there’s sure to be a title with your name on it.

Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World, by Parmy Olson
Recommended by our Co-founder, Tom Bradley, this 2024 Financial Times Business Book of the Year is a must-read for anyone curious about artificial intelligence. In his quest to learn more about the technology, Tom thoroughly enjoyed Supremacy. It takes readers through the development of AI and follows the paths of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Demis Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind (now part of Google). Despite the complex subject, Olson makes it engaging and accessible—Tom says that even he could follow it. An important read in these rapidly changing times.

All the Glimmering Stars, by Mark Sullivan
Lori Norman, one of our Investor Specialists, recommends this powerful novel inspired by true events. It tells the story of two teenagers kidnapped by African warlord Jospeh Kony in 1990s Uganda and forced into slavery as child soldiers. Kony, later indicted by the International Criminal Court, was responsible for thousands of murders and the enslavement of over 20,000 children. All the Glimmering Stars is a story of hope and resilience, and as Lori says, “Some stories are meant to leave a mark.”

Crypto Confidential: An Insider’s Account from the Frontlines of Fraud, by Jake Donoghue
Our CEO, Neil Jensen, recommends this first-hand account of how the crypto industry operates. Written under a pseudonym, the author is a former insider who co-founded the U.K.’s top crypto marketing agency and worked with some of the biggest names in the business. Now a whistleblower, he pulls back the curtain on the darker side of digital assets. Neil found the book to be “a lively and entertaining ride through the heyday of crypto promotion.” Equal parts thrilling and sobering.

The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science, by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt
David Toyne, our Chief Development Officer, recommends this cookbook, which is his go-to source for culinary tips. In David’s words, “It’s not just full of great recipes, it’s a deep dive into the why behind cooking, rooted in science, testing, and curiosity. I’ve learned a ton about how to properly cook fish, meat, poultry, and more, and I find myself returning to it again and again.” The book comes with high praise outside the Toyne household, too, winning the James Beard Award for General Cooking. With summer heating up, take your grilling skills to the next level with The Food Lab.

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, by Robert Fisher and William Ury
Chris Stephenson, one of our longstanding Investor Specialists, recommends this international bestseller on the art of negotiation. First published in 1981, the book has helped millions of people learn and practice a better way to negotiate through a step-by-step strategy that draws on the work of the Harvard Negotiation Project. Chris found it a great resource, noting “I have a tendency to get in my own way and this book is a great reminder to ‘separate people from the problem’ and ‘focus on interests, not positions.’” It’s sure to come in handy, too, as you negotiate with your kids over summer chores and ice cream.

Home Body, by Rupi Kaur
Our Chief Investment Officer, Salman Ahmed, endorses this collection of poetry by the celebrated Canadian author. Home Body is Kaur’s third book, following her acclaimed New York Times Bestseller Milk and Honey, and The Sun and Her Flowers. It’s a “collection of raw, honest conversations with oneself – reminding readers to fill up on love, acceptance, community, family, and embrace change.” Salman received the book as a gift and initially scoffed at the idea of reading poetry. By the end, he was wondering why he doesn’t read more of it.

Sonny Boy: A Memoir, by Al Pacino
This one’s my pick. If you’re a fan of The Godfather, Scarface, or Scent of a Woman, you’ll want to dive into this memoir. From childhood escapades in the Bronx to behind-the-scenes stories from some of his biggest films, Pacino shares the journey of an unlikely Hollywood legend. Full of interesting nuggets—like the fact his grandparents hailed from the town of Corleone, Sicily, the very name that became iconic in The Godfather—Sonny Boy is a fun read, perfect for a road trip. There are even some financial lessons to take away. Despite earning a fortune, Pacino went broke due to overspending and a lack of financial literacy. A shame he wasn’t a Steadyhand client.

Happy reading!