Summer is the ideal time to enjoy one of life’s rarest luxuries: the chance to slow down with a good book. Fewer meetings, fewer distractions and, hopefully, a break from the constant stream of notifications. That’s why our team has selected 10 books worth taking on holiday or keeping by your bedside: novels, non-fiction and fresh ideas that might broaden your perspective – or simply make for a great summer read. If you’re looking for your next book, you may well find it on this list.
Power and Prediction: the disruptive economics of Artificial Intelligence (Ajay Agrawal, 2022)
Artificial intelligence is transforming far more than technology – it is reshaping the economics of decision-making. Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans and Avi Goldfarb explain how AI lowers the cost of prediction and what this means for businesses, markets and society. A thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the long-term economic impact of AI.
Broken Money: why our financial system is failing us and how we can make it better (Lyn Alden, 2023)
Lyn Alden traces the evolution of money, from early monetary systems to today’s digital assets, to explain the strengths and weaknesses of modern finance. Blending history, economics and monetary theory, she explores topics such as inflation, debt and financial innovation. An insightful read for investors looking to better understand the foundations of the global financial system.
AI Engineering: building applications with foundation models (Chip Huyen, 2024)
As generative AI moves from experimentation to real-world deployment, Chip Huyen offers a practical guide to building applications with foundation models. Covering everything from model selection to deployment and evaluation, the book bridges technical concepts with business applications. Essential reading for anyone interested in the future of AI-powered products and services.
When Genius Failed: the rise and fall of long-term capital management (Roger Lowenstein, 2001)
This classic account tells the extraordinary story of Long-Term Capital Management, the hedge fund run by some of the brightest minds in finance before its spectacular collapse. Roger Lowenstein explores how excessive leverage, overconfidence and unexpected market events combined to threaten the global financial system. A timeless reminder of the importance of risk management.
The Signal and the Noise (Nate Silver, 2012)
Why do some forecasts succeed while so many others fail? Nate Silver explores how to separate meaningful information from the overwhelming amount of noise surrounding us, drawing on examples from finance, politics, science and sport. A fascinating introduction to probability, uncertainty and better decision-making.
Culpability (Bruce Holsinger, 2026)
A fast-paced thriller that explores the intersection of technology, social media and justice. Bruce Holsinger examines how reputation, truth and accountability are shaped in a world where information spreads instantly and public opinion can change overnight. An engaging novel that raises timely questions about trust in the digital age.
The Psychology of Money (Morgan Housel, 2020)
Morgan Housel argues that successful investing depends less on intelligence than on behaviour. Through a series of engaging stories, he shows how emotions, habits and personal experiences shape financial decisions. A modern classic that offers practical lessons for building wealth and making better long-term investment choices.
Atlas of AI (Kate Crawford, 2021)
Kate Crawford looks beyond the hype surrounding Artificial Intelligence to examine the environmental, social and political systems that make it possible. From data collection to labour, natural resources and power, she explores the hidden costs of AI. A compelling perspective on one of the defining technologies of our time.
Chip War (Chris Miller, 2022)
Semiconductors have become one of the world’s most strategic resources, shaping everything from smartphones to military technology. Chris Miller explains how the global race to control chip production has become central to geopolitics, innovation and economic growth. An essential guide to understanding one of today’s most important industries.
The New Map (Daniel Yergin, 2020)
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Daniel Yergin explores how energy is reshaping the global balance of power. Covering oil, natural gas, renewables and geopolitics, he explains how the transition to new energy sources is influencing international relations and economic strategy. A comprehensive overview of the forces driving today’s energy landscape.
*As with all investing, financial instruments involve inherent risks, including loss of capital, market fluctuations and liquidity risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. It is important to consider your risk tolerance and investment objectives before proceeding.
