Billionaire Bill Gates has released his summer reading and watching list on his Gates Notes blog, recommending a mix of books and a TV show that focus on the theme of service to others. Among the recommended reads is “The Women” by Kristin Hannah, a story about a U.S. Army nurse in Vietnam that Gates describes as a tribute to veterans who deserve more appreciation for their sacrifices. Hannah, who gained popularity on TikTok, saw her book become a bestseller, selling over 661,000 copies in its first three months.
In addition to “The Women,” Gates recommends three nonfiction books that delve into different aspects of service and human relationships. One of the recommended reads is “Brave New Worlds” by Sal Khan, which explores how artificial intelligence can impact the lives of students and teachers. The other two books are “How to Know a Person” by David Books, a guide to improving social skills, and “Infection Giving” by Chris Anderson, a blueprint for increasing the impact of everyday acts of generosity. Gates also suggests watching the Apple TV+ show “Slow Horses,” a British spy thriller starring Gary Oldman.
Gates has a tradition of sharing book recommendations twice a year, during the summer and holidays. In past years, his recommendations have included a mix of fiction, nonfiction, and TV shows. Last summer, he recommended books such as “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin and political drama “Borgen” on Netflix. Gates has also continued his tradition of donating to charitable causes through his Gates Foundation and has co-founded The Giving Pledge, which encourages wealthy individuals to donate a significant portion of their fortunes.
As of the latest Forbes valuation, Gates has an estimated net worth of $131.2 billion, making him the ninth richest person in the world. He co-founded Microsoft in the 1970s and still owned a portion of the company’s shares when he stepped down from the board in 2020. Gates has been a prominent figure in the world of philanthropy, donating billions of dollars through his foundation and advocating for charitable giving among the wealthy. His recommendations for summer reading and watching reflect his commitment to service and giving back to others.
Overall, Bill Gates’ summer reading and watching list offers a diverse selection of books and a TV show that explore themes of service, artificial intelligence, and human relationships. By recommending titles that provoke thought and inspire action, Gates continues to promote the importance of giving back to others and making a positive impact in the world. The billionaire’s tradition of sharing his favorite books and shows with the public highlights his dedication to philanthropy and his belief in the power of knowledge and storytelling to drive positive change.
