Tech billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates has revealed his annual list of summer reading recommendations for 2024. While Gates is an eclectic reader, his summer hit lists often have a theme running through them and this year is no exception, with a focus on books that describe service to others, from the experience of Vietnam war nurses to exploring how AI might be used for good in education.
Here are the works that Gates finds have inspired him this year “to appreciate those who help others and think about how we can be more generous in our own lives.”
1. The Women, by Kristin Hannah
The Vietnam war has seen its fair share of revisits in film and fiction but this novel reveals a different perspective on the conflict, from the point of view of “a US Army nurse who serves two tours on the frontlines in Vietnam before returning home to a country rocked by protest and anti-war sentiment.” In Gates’ words: “It’s a beautifully written tribute to a group of veterans who deserve more appreciation for the incredible sacrifices they made.”
2. Infectious Generosity, by Chris Anderson
The author of this book has been a TED Talks curator for over 20 years, and here he explores the internet’s power for harnessing good, looking at viral fundraising campaigns like the icebucket challenge but not ignoring how, too often, the online space is a magnet and amplifier of outrage. Gates says: “If you want to help create a more equitable world but don’t know where to start, Infectious Generosity is for you.”
3. Brave New Words, by Sal Khan
Sal is the man behind the Khan Academy, a non-profit worldwide schooling foundation. He has been a guest on Gates’ podcast and here Gates recommends a book that argues in favour of AI’s potential positive impact and its ability to “radically improve both outcomes for students and the experiences of teachers, and help make sure everyone has access to a world-class education.”
4. How to Know a Person, by David Brooks
Gates describes himself as a fan of Brooks and praises the original premise of How to Know a Person, a book that makes a case for proactive teaching and learning of “conversational and social skills”. In particular, Gates picks out the concept of “‘loud listening,’ a practice that can help the people around you feel heard and valued. It’s more than a guide to better conversations; it’s a blueprint for a more connected and humane way of living.”
