As summer beckons with its warm embrace and longer days, J.P. Morgan, the renowned financial institution, unveils its highly anticipated 25th annual Summer Reading List. This curated collection of literary gems serves as a beacon, guiding readers through diverse ideas, cultures, and experiences. Spanning from the Peruvian jungle to the heart of Tennessee, Formula 1 racetracks, and beyond, this year’s selection promises to captivate and inspire.
A Legacy of Inspiration
For a quarter of a century, J.P. Morgan has promoted intellectual exploration and cultural enlightenment through its Summer Reading List initiative. Spearheaded by Darin Oduyoye, Chief Communications Officer of J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management, this year’s list continues the tradition of curating thought-provoking titles that resonate with a global audience.
Unveiling the Selections
Let’s delve into the eclectic array of titles that grace the pages of the 2024 Summer Reading List:
Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg’s latest offering delves into the intricate nuances of effective communication. Drawing from diverse contexts, ranging from a jury room to a CIA recruitment scenario, Duhigg unveils the layers of every conversation—practical, emotional, and social. Through compelling anecdotes and insightful analysis, he empowers readers to harness the power of communication and forge deeper connections in both personal and professional spheres.
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt shines a spotlight on the pervasive impact of modern technology on adolescent mental health. With smartphones and digital distractions reshaping the landscape of childhood, Haidt issues a clarion call to address the alarming rise in mental illness among teens. Offering a blend of stark realities and actionable solutions, his book serves as a rallying cry for collective action to safeguard the well-being of future generations.
Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys by Phaidon
Celebrating the convergence of art and culture, Giants showcases a curated selection of works from the esteemed Dean Collection. Curated by musical icons Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, this collection pays homage to multigenerational Black American, African, and African diasporic artists. With exclusive insights and captivating visuals, Giants invites readers to journey through the rich tapestry of contemporary artistry.
Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing) by Salman Khan
Salman Khan, the visionary behind Khan Academy, offers a glimpse into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education. Dispelling fears of automation, Khan elucidates how AI can augment human learning experiences, fostering creativity and personalized learning journeys. Brave New Words charts a course towards a more inclusive and dynamic educational landscape, from adaptive learning algorithms to tailored interventions.
Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest by Fawn Weaver
Entrepreneur Fawn Weaver unveils the captivating saga behind one of America’s most iconic whiskey brands. Set against the backdrop of Lynchburg, Tennessee, Love & Whiskey pays homage to the unsung heroes behind Jack Daniel’s legacy. Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Weaver immortalizes the contributions of Nearest Green, a 19th-century African American distiller, and underscores the power of friendship and resilience.
The Formula: How Rogues, Geniuses, and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World’s Fastest-Growing Sport by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg
Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg offer a thrilling exposé on the evolution of Formula 1 racing. From its humble beginnings to its meteoric rise as a global phenomenon, The Formula unravels the secrets behind F1’s enduring allure. With unprecedented access to key players and behind-the-scenes insights, Robinson and Clegg deliver a high-octane narrative that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Secret Stays: Pioneering Hosts of the New Chic by Melinda Stevens, Issy von Simson, and Tabitha Joyce
Melinda Stevens, Issy von Simson, and Tabitha Joyce invite readers to bespoke hospitality with Secret Stays. This captivating coffee table book showcases 22 hidden gems that redefine luxury travel, from secluded monasteries to Japanese townhomes. Secret Stays celebrates the art of personalized hospitality in an ever-evolving landscape through vibrant imagery and evocative storytelling.
Finding Fortunato: How a Peruvian Adventure Inspired the Sweet Success of a Family Chocolate Business by Adam Pearson
Adam Pearson uncovers the untold story of Fortunato Chocolate, a family-owned business born out of a Peruvian adventure. Delving into the depths of the northern Peruvian jungle, Pearson traces the origins of the legendary Nacional white cacao bean and the entrepreneurial spirit that propelled its discovery. Through a narrative brimming with intrigue and resilience, Finding Fortunato pays homage to the transformative power of exploration and innovation.
Uptime: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing by Laura Mae Martin
Laura Mae Martin offers a roadmap to peak productivity and well-being in Uptime. Drawing from her experience as an executive productivity advisor at Google, Martin distils actionable strategies to optimize time management and prevent burnout. From mastering email overload to fostering a balanced lifestyle, Uptime equips readers with the tools they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles by Jake Gyllenhaal and Greta Caruso
Jake Gyllenhaal and Greta Caruso deliver a heartwarming tribute to the joys of aunt and unclehood in The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles. They celebrate the unique bond between children and their beloved aunts and uncles through whimsical storytelling and enchanting illustrations. From impromptu adventures to cherished memories, this charming picture book captures the essence of familial love and camaraderie.
Anniversary Spotlight: The Worth of Water
In commemorating the 225th anniversary of JPMorgan Chase’s earliest predecessor, the Manhattan Company, J.P. Morgan shines a spotlight on The Worth of Water by Gary White and Matt Damon. As champions in the fight against the global water crisis, White and Damon’s book offers a compelling narrative of hope and resilience. Their pioneering efforts illuminate the path towards a sustainable future where access to clean water is a universal right.
