Summer Reading List 2025

Contributors

Mary Mannion

Editorial staff, J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

Curiosity: it’s where transformation begins. It guides us through moments of change – from quiet reflection to bold discovery, from seeking meaning within to searching for understanding beyond.

Join us as we reflect on transformational ideas with J.P. Morgan’s Summer Reading List 2025.
 

Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life by Shigehiro Oishi, PhD

LIFE IN THREE DIMENSIONS: HOW CURIOSITY, EXPLORATION, AND EXPERIENCE MAKE A FULLER, BETTER LIFE

By Shigehiro Oishi, PhD

Find a new path to fulfillment. Psychologist Shigehiro Oishi challenges the two common ways of measuring a good life – happiness and meaning – by introducing a third dimension: psychological richness. Oishi explores how this concept, which prioritizes curiosity, spontaneity and diverse experiences, can lead to personal growth. Using examples from psychological studies, books and films, famous innovators such as Steve Jobs, personal acquaintances and his own family, Oishi makes the case for an adventure-filled life.
 

Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career by Suzy Welch, Acclaimed NYU Professor and New York Times Bestselling Author

BECOMING YOU: THE PROVEN METHOD FOR CRAFTING YOUR AUTHENTIC LIFE AND CAREER

By Suzy Welch

Discover your true self and build a fulfilling career with Suzy Welch, director of NYU Stern’s Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing. Drawing from her popular NYU class, Welch provides a dynamic, step-by-step guide to uncovering your purpose in today’s fast-paced world. Through compelling stories from students and her own journey from crime reporter to tech entrepreneur, Welch offers a warm and witty guide to learning how to live authentically and meaningfully.
 

Reset: How to Change What's Not Working by Dan Heath

RESET: HOW TO CHANGE WHAT’S NOT WORKING

By Dan Heath

Looking to get unstuck and shift direction? Bestselling author and podcast host Dan Heath offers a framework to break free from entrenched work habits while making the most of minimal resources. Heath uncovers “leverage points” where small efforts yield big results, helping readers unlock progress toward their highest goals. With fascinating examples from vastly different workplaces such as fast-food drive-throughs and a couples therapy office, Heath outlines strategies to accelerate meaningful change, eliminate waste and boost motivation.
 

The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward by Melinda French Gates

THE NEXT DAY: TRANSITIONS, CHANGE, AND MOVING FORWARD

By Melinda French Gates

While transition periods can be profound moments of change, they are often filled with confusion or fear. In The Next Day, Melinda French Gates provides a guiding light for navigating these shifts, offering insights on moving forward when the ground feels unsteady. Reflecting on her own life transitions, from parenthood to leaving the Gates Foundation, French Gates emphasizes embracing uncertainty, shedding perfectionism and supporting others in crisis. With wisdom and candor, she delivers practical advice for facing life’s inevitable transitions.
 

Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible by James Lawrence, Guinness World Records Title Holder for 100 Triathlons in 100 Days

IRON HOPE: LESSONS LEARNED FROM CONQUERING THE IMPOSSIBLE

By James Lawrence

Renowned endurance athlete James “Iron Cowboy” Lawrence reveals his secrets for mental toughness. Famous for completing 50 full-distance triathlons in 50 states over 50 days, Lawrence attributes his success not to physical strength, but to an unbreakable mindset. In 2021, he pushed to break boundaries again, attempting 100 Iron Man competitions in 100 days. By keeping small promises and building momentum, Lawrence shows readers how to develop the mental fortitude to turn any goal – no matter how ambitious – into reality.
 

The Tell: A Memoir by Amy Griffin, Oprah's Book Club 2025

THE TELL: A MEMOIR

By Amy Griffin

Amy Griffin, founder and managing partner of investment firm G9 Ventures, recounts her lifelong journey of running – from Amarillo, Texas, to the University of Virginia and the streets of New York – while unknowingly fleeing a hidden secret. Her daughter’s poignant question, “Where are you, Mom?” sparks a quest to uncover buried childhood trauma. Through therapy and a return to her Texas hometown, Griffin explores perfectionism and the search for validation. With honesty and hope, she reveals the power of embracing our true selves to deepen connections with others and ourselves.
 

Coming of Age: How Technology and Entrepreneurship Are Changing the Face of MENA by Noor Sweid with testimonials from Deepak Chopra and Bill Ford and foreword by Reid Hoffman

COMING OF AGE: HOW TECHNOLOGY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP ARE CHANGING THE FACE OF MENA

By Noor Sweid

Founder and managing partner of Global Ventures, Noor Sweid, explores the rise of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as a tech and entrepreneurship hub. With the world’s largest population of young digital natives, MENA is poised to challenge the global order. Coming of Age spans 25 years of entrepreneurial evolution, highlighting transformative ventures in fintech, healthtech, agritech and more. Through interviews with 35 pioneering founders, Sweid showcases MENA’s ascent to a formidable global market force, driven by its innovative youth.
 

The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West by Alexander C. Karp and Nicholas W. Zamiska with testimonial from Walter Isaacson

THE TECHNOLOGICAL REPUBLIC: HARD POWER, SOFT BELIEF, AND THE FUTURE OF THE WEST

By Alexander C. Karp and Nicholas W. Zamiska

In a compelling analysis, Palantir co-founder and CEO Alexander C. Karp along with Palantir executive Nicholas W. Zamiska delve into the challenges of the West’s technological landscape. This groundbreaking treatise offers strategies for the software industry to tackle urgent issues amid rapid technological changes and artificial intelligence advancements. Through insights into Palantir’s journey, the authors inspire a proactive approach to ambitious innovation and bold thinking to maintain a competitive edge. Their view of technology’s potential is relevant for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, politics and society.
 

Inevitable: Inside the Messy, Unstoppable Transition to Electric Vehicles by Mike Colias

INEVITABLE: INSIDE THE MESSY, UNSTOPPABLE TRANSITION TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES

By Mike Colias

In this gripping exploration of the electric vehicle revolution, veteran Wall Street Journal automotive reporter Mike Colias examines the transformative pivot reshaping the $2 trillion automotive industry – a shift already sending ripples across the global economy. Traveling from Detroit to Japan to Germany to China, Colias highlights the global effects of this transformation on economies and lives. From the boardrooms where executives strategize to compete against Tesla and Chinese competitors to the family dealerships navigating whether to sell EVs, Inevitable examines the dynamism and challenges of this transition.
 

Raising AI: An Essential Guide to Parenting Our Future by De Kai

RAISING AI: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PARENTING OUR FUTURE

By De Kai

How is the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) impacting our world and culture? As the pioneer of translation AIs such as Google, Yahoo and Bing translate, De Kai provides an insightful guide to understanding how AI can empower the future. As AI reshapes civilization, Raising AI prompts readers to consider its ethical implications and our active role in this shift, advocating for a future where humanity and AI coexist harmoniously. Offering a new framework for navigating AI’s influence, this book is a must-read for anyone curious about engaging with the AI revolution responsibly.
 

Mirror Mirror: The Reflective Surface in Contemporary Art by Michael Petry

MIRRORMIRROR: THE REFLECTIVE SURFACE IN CONTEMPORARY ART

By Michael Petry

Featuring over 150 artists such as Cindy Sherman and Yayoi Kusama, MirrorMirror explores the use of reflective surfaces in art. Michael Petry, director of London’s Museum of Contemporary Art, recounts how mirrors have inspired artworks throughout history, from Van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait to Velázquez’s The Rokeby Venus, then goes on to show how artists of today are exploring mirrors as objects of magic, transformation and power. Alongside analyses of works including Jeff Koons’s Balloon sculptures and Subodh Gupta’s life-sized trees made from stainless steel, Petry discusses the impact of selfies and the ways in which smartphones are modern-day mirrors to the self.
 

The Fricks Collect: An American Family and the Evolution of Taste in the Gilded Age by Rizzoli Electa

THE FRICKS COLLECT: AN AMERICAN FAMILY AND THE EVOLUTION OF TASTE IN THE GILDED AGE

By Ian Wardropper

In this captivating story of ambition, wealth and patronage, Frick Collection director Ian Wardropper chronicles the journey of industrialist Henry Clay Frick and his daughter, Helen, in building one of America’s premier art collections. Through collaborations with esteemed dealers and decorators, this richly illustrated volume unveils the interiors of the Frick family’s Pittsburgh and New York homes, offering insights into the Gilded Age’s artistic legacy and the influence of the Frick Collection, now reopened after a multi-year renovation. This book is a testament to the enduring allure of art and the transformative power of patronage in shaping cultural institutions.
 

Mars: Photographs from the NASA Archives

MARS: PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE NASA ARCHIVES

By Nikki Giovanni, James L. Green, Emily Lakdawalla, Rob Manning and Margaret A. Weitekamp

Ever wonder what it would be like to travel to Mars? Taschen offers a look at the Red Planet through six decades of NASA’s groundbreaking photographs, revealing its secrets and striking similarities to Earth. From the first close-up images by Mariner 4 in 1965 to vistas captured by rovers, this collection highlights the planet’s diverse landscapes, from ancient riverbeds to towering volcanoes. With essays and commentary from NASA experts, scientists and cultural figures, this book explores Mars as both a scientific frontier and a source of fascination, bringing us closer than ever to understanding our neighboring world.
 

Liiving with Flowers by Aerin Lauder

LIVING WITH FLOWERS

By Aerin Lauder

Legendary hostess and style icon Aerin Lauder invites readers to infuse their homes with the beauty and joy of flowers. Inspired by her grandmother, Estée Lauder, and mother, Jo Carole Lauder, she shares creative ideas for incorporating flowers into daily life, from simple kitchen arrangements to elegant floral wallpapers. Whether it’s a bouquet of daisies to welcome dinner guests or a single stem to brighten a workday, Living with Flowers reveals how flowers can elevate spaces and spark joy.
 

The Values Compass: What 101 Countries Teach Us About Purpose, Life, and Leadership by Dr. Mandeep Rai with testimonial from Deepak Chopra

THE VALUES COMPASS: WHAT 101 COUNTRIES TEACH US ABOUT PURPOSE, LIFE, AND LEADERSHIP

By Dr. Mandeep Rai

In The Values Compass, former BBC and Reuters journalist Dr. Mandeep Rai takes readers on a journey through 101 countries, exploring how the core values of different nations can shape our personal beliefs and guide our decisions. From Moroccan compromise to Armenian survival and American entrepreneurship, Rai illustrates the profound impact of these values. Updated with a new introduction for 2025, this book serves as a guide to understanding our own values, helping us view ourselves through a global lens and inspiring us to navigate life with purpose and intention.
 

Our Dollar, Your Problem: An Insider's View of Seven Turbulent Decades of Global Finance, and the Road Ahead by Kenneth Rogoff

ECONOMIC SPOTLIGHT
OUR DOLLAR, YOUR PROBLEM: AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF SEVEN TURBULENT DECADES OF GLOBAL FINANCE, AND THE ROAD AHEAD

By Kenneth Rogoff

With all eyes on the U.S. economy, Kenneth Rogoff’s latest book provides an examination of the global rise of the U.S. dollar and poses questions about its future stability. Rogoff, the Maurits C. Boas Professor of Economics at Harvard University and former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, traces 70 years of global finance, highlighting the dollar’s dominance over the Japanese yen, Soviet ruble and the euro, while addressing contemporary challenges posed by cryptocurrencies, the Chinese yuan, political instability and more. Through a sweeping portrait of the international monetary system, Rogoff illustrates how America’s outsized power could lead to financial instability in the country as well as abroad.
 

CONTINUE DISCOVERING WHAT'S NEXT

This year’s list expands on the J.P. Morgan NextList 2025, a collection curated in the winter highlighting recommendations for “what’s next” across the arts, culture, sports and more.

DATALAND, AI arts and digital ecosystem museum

DATALAND

Los Angeles, CA

DATALAND, the world’s first museum of AI arts and digital ecosystem, explores the intersection of human imagination and the creative potential of machines. Under the artistic leadership of Turkish-American media artist Refik Anadol, DATALAND will unite pioneers across the arts, science, AI research and cutting-edge technology at its flagship location, launching in 2025 at The Grand LA. Inviting visitors to experience the latest sensory and visualization technologies at scale, DATALAND establishes a new model for cultural institutions in the digital age.
 

Maybe Happy Ending, Broadway musical

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING

New York, NY

Maybe Happy Ending is the latest sensation on Broadway, starring Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen as two lifelike service robots who, after being abandoned by their owners, begin to question their programmed existence. Set in a near-futuristic Seoul, the musical explores themes of love, identity and what it means to be alive, combining humor with heart to offer a fresh perspective on human-robot interactions.
 

Hill Family Estate, Napa Valley winery

HILL FAMILY ESTATE

Napa Valley, CA

At Hill Family Estate, the story of winemaking is rooted in the passion and dedication of Ryan Hill and his family. As the next generation of vintners, they have embraced sustainable practices and innovative techniques to craft wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley. Visitors can explore the estate’s picturesque vineyards and enjoy tastings of its award-winning varietals. With a focus on quality and authenticity, Hill Family Estate offers a glimpse into the future of winemaking, where tradition meets innovation in the pursuit of excellence.
 

SailGP, international sailing championship

SailGP

New York, NY

With adrenaline-pumping races in iconic global locations, SailGP delivers the most exciting competitions on water to captivate the next generation. The international sailing championship gathers the world’s elite sailors to compete in electrifying Grand Prix events across five continents, in cities including New York, Abu Dhabi, Geneva and beyond. With high-speed catamarans and a thrilling, fan-friendly experience, SailGP is bringing this traditional sport into the future through cutting-edge innovation.
 

Connect with a Wealth Advisor

Reach out to your Wealth Advisor to discuss any considerations for your current portfolio. If you don’t have a Wealth Advisor, click here to tell us about your needs and we’ll reach out to you.

Connect now

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This material is for informational purposes only, and may inform you of certain products and services offered by J.P. Morgan’s wealth management businesses, part of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (“JPM”). Products and services described, as well as associated fees, charges and interest rates, are subject to change in accordance with the applicable account agreements and may differ among geographic locations. Not all products and services are offered at all locations. If you are a person with a disability and need additional support accessing this material, please contact your J.P. Morgan team or email us at accessibility.support@jpmorgan.com for assistance. Please read all Important Information.


GENERAL RISKS & CONSIDERATIONS
Any views, strategies or products discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all individuals and are subject to risks. Investors may get back less than they invested, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Asset allocation/diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Nothing in this material should be relied upon in isolation for the purpose of making an investment decision. You are urged to consider carefully whether the services, products, asset classes (e.g. equities, fixed income, alternative investments, commodities, etc.) or strategies discussed are suitable to your needs. You must also consider the objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with an investment service, product or strategy prior to making an investment decision. For this and more complete information, including discussion of your goals/situation, contact your J.P. Morgan representative.

NON-RELIANCECertain information contained in this material is believed to be reliable; however, JPM does not represent or warrant its accuracy, reliability or completeness, or accept any liability for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect) arising out of the use of all or any part of this material. No representation or warranty should be made with regard to any computations, graphs, tables, diagrams or commentary in this material, which are provided for illustration/reference purposes only. The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed in this material constitute our judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. JPM assumes no duty to update any information in this material in the event that such information changes. Views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein may differ from those expressed by other areas of JPM, views expressed for other purposes or in other contexts, and this material should not be regarded as a research report. Any projected results and risks are based solely on hypothetical examples cited, and actual results and risks will vary depending on specific circumstances. Forward-looking statements should not be considered as guarantees or predictions of future events.

Nothing in this document shall be construed as giving rise to any duty of care owed to, or advisory relationship with, you or any third party. Nothing in this document shall be regarded as an offer, solicitation, recommendation or advice (whether financial, accounting, legal, tax or other) given by J.P. Morgan and/or its officers or employees, irrespective of whether or not such communication was given at your request. J.P. Morgan and its affiliates and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transactions.

Legal Entity and Regulatory Information.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.

Bank deposit accounts and related services, such as checking, savings and bank lending, are offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

This document may provide information about the brokerage and investment advisory services provided by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“JPMS”). The agreements entered into with JPMS, and corresponding disclosures provided with respect to the different products and services provided by JPMS (including our Form ADV disclosure brochure, if and when applicable), contain important information about the capacity in which we will be acting. You should read them all carefully. We encourage clients to speak to their JPMS representative regarding the nature of the products and services and to ask any questions they may have about the difference between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the obligation to disclose conflicts of interests and to act in the best interests of our clients.

J.P. Morgan may hold a position for itself or our other clients which may not be consistent with the information, opinions, estimates, investment strategies or views expressed in this document.  JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates may hold a position or act as market maker in the financial instruments of any issuer discussed herein or act as an underwriter, placement agent, advisor or lender to such issuer.