J.P. Morgan’s 25th Annual Summer Reading List: Curated Books for the Wealthy

Every May, J.P. Morgan Private Bank releases its summer reading list, which has become a book club for billionaires. This year marks the list’s 25th anniversary and it is now called the J.P. Morgan Summer Reading List. The bank carefully curates 10 books that match the tastes and interests of its wealthy clients. The list is created by surveying J.P. Morgan’s more than 35,000 client advisors and employees worldwide, who recommend over 700 books. The recommendations are then narrowed down based on timeliness and appeal.

The clients of J.P. Morgan Private Bank come from diverse backgrounds, including business owners, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and art collectors. The bank ensures that there are books on the list to cater to the interests of each of these groups. Each client receives an elegant J.P. Morgan-branded box with a book or two from the list, recommended specifically by their client advisor. The advisor also includes a handwritten note and a commemorative bookmark.

The summer reading list serves as a way for J.P. Morgan’s advisors to connect with their clients during the slower summer months. It also helps with client events, as authors on the list often agree to do special dinners or speaking events for J.P. Morgan clients. Authors appreciate being on the list because J.P. Morgan buys thousands of books to hand out and clients often refer the books to others.

This year’s 25th anniversary edition of the list features a special “Anniversary Spotlight” on Water.org, the charity founded by Gary White and Matt Damon. Their book, “The Worth of Water,” addresses the global water crisis and offers solutions to empower communities and families with tools to address water shortages.

Now let’s take a closer look at some of the books featured on this year’s J.P. Morgan Summer Reading List:

1. “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection” by Charles Duhigg
In this book, Charles Duhigg shares the latest research on effective communication. He reveals how we can improve our communication skills by recognizing and tapping into the three layers of every conversation: practical, emotional, and social. Duhigg uses real-life examples to illustrate his points, showing that we all have the potential to be effective communicators.

2. “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt addresses the global epidemic of teen mental illness in this book. He argues that the pervasive use of smartphones and other technologies has had a negative effect on children’s social and neurological development. Haidt calls for collective action to reverse this trend and outlines steps that can be taken to improve children’s well-being.

3. “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” published by Phaidon
This book celebrates the world-class art collection of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. Curated by the Brooklyn Museum, it features works by legendary and emerging Black American, African, and African diasporic artists. The book includes exclusive conversations between Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, and curator Kimberli Gant.

4. “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, explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform education and the workplace. He shows how AI can enhance human interaction, adapt to each student’s individual pace, and create a more accessible education system. Khan offers practical implications for educators and insights on how AI can be used in an increasingly digital world.

5. “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 uncovers the untold story of Nearest Green, an African American distiller who played a pivotal role in developing Jack Daniel’s whiskey. Weaver’s research reveals Green’s contributions to the spirits industry and his friendship with Jack Daniel. Inspired by this story, Weaver spearheads the creation of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey to honor Green’s legacy.

These are just a few highlights from J.P. Morgan’s 25th Annual Summer Reading List. The full list includes books on a wide range of topics, from Formula One to hidden vacation spots. Each book offers unique insights and perspectives that cater to the diverse interests of J.P. Morgan’s wealthy clients.