A top financial institution is inviting its clients to trade in a “hot girl summer” for something a bit more cerebral. Maybe call it a “thought girl summer” — or even a “Harvard fellow with thoughts on monetary policy summer.”
While the phrase “summer reading list” might conjure images of dog-eared paperbacks wedged between bottles of sunscreen in a sandy beach tote — a splashy thriller here, a swoony romance there — this isn’t that list.
JPMorgan Chase (JPM) just announced the 26th edition of its Summer Reading List, which functions somewhat of a cultural mood board for the global elite. What started as solely a collection of nonfiction has evolved into a full-blown curiosity cabinet, curated from hundreds of recommendations submitted by JPMorgan’s wealth advisors and clients around the world.
The 2025 edition comprises 16 titles spanning economic treatises, cosmic explorations, and reflections on purpose and progress — and shows what the wealthy are (or should be) reading this summer.
“Our 2025 Summer Reading List is a celebration of curiosity’s boundless power,” said Darin Oduyoye, the firm’s chief communications officer for asset and wealth management. “This year’s selections challenge us to think and explore boldly. With topics ranging from personal values to innovative frontiers such of AI, electric vehicles and the universe’s wonders — this list is designed to inspire growth and forward-thinking.”
So whether you’re enjoying your summer from a Manhattan rooftop, an Ibiza lounge chair, or a rather less exclusive (and much more weedy) corner of your nearby park, here’s JPMorgan’s official invitation to read like the one percent. The vibe? Less fruity cocktail in hand, more black coffee and big ideas.
Here are the books that made the cut.
In this book, psychologist Shigehiro Oishi introduces “psychological richness” as a third path to a fulfilling life (alongside happiness and meaning) by showing how curiosity and diverse experiences lead to growth.
In this book, Suzy Welch draws from her popular NYU class and personal experience to look at how to uncover your purpose and build an authentic, meaningful life in a fast-paced world.
In this book, Dan Heath provides a framework for breaking out of unproductive habits and initiating change.
In this book, Melinda French Gates reflects on personal and professional transitions (from parenthood to leaving the Gates Foundation), offering insight into navigating change with clarity and courage.
In this book, endurance athlete James Lawrence shares his mental toughness secrets and mindset that allowed him to complete 50 full-distance triathlons in 50 states over 50 days — and to attempt 100 Iron Man competitions in 100 days.
In this book, venture capitalist Amy Griffin explores her lifelong habit of running as a metaphor for escaping childhood trauma.
In this book, Global Ventures founder Noor Sweid looks at the rapid rise of tech and entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) — particularly at how young innovators are reshaping global markets across key sectors.
In this book, Palantir (PLTR) CEO Alexander Karp and executive Nicholas W. Zamiska look at the West’s technological future in the face of global change, offering strategies for the software industry.
In this book, Wall Street Journal (NWSA) reporter Mike Colias explores the electric vehicle revolution and its sweeping effects on the global auto industry.
In this book, AI translation pioneer De Kai explores how to understand and ethically engage with AI to empower the future — a future where humanity and AI coexist in harmony.
In this book, art historian Michael Petry features over 150 artists, including Cindy Sherman and Yayoi Kusama, to explore the symbolic and aesthetic role of mirrors in contemporary art.
In this illustrated history, Ian Wardropper tells the story of industrialist Henry Clay Frick and his daughter, Helen, as they built one of America’s most influential art collections.
This visual collection showcases decades of NASA’s most iconic images of Mars with commentary from scientists and writers.
In this book, Aerin Lauder draws on her family’s legacy to shares simple, elegant ways to incorporate flowers into everyday life.
In this book, former journalist Dr. Mandeep Rai looks at the core values of 101 countries and how they shape identity, leadership, and purpose.
In this book — JPMorgan’s “Economic Spotlight” pick — economist Kenneth Rogoff looks at the rise of the U.S. dollar and its stability moving forward, considering the risks and realities of America’s financial dominance in an increasingly unstable global system.
The post What wealthy people are reading this summer, according to JPMorgan Chase appeared first on Quartz.
