Some books arrive by chance. Others arrive through conversation sparked by a shared curiosity, or the intuition that someone just knows what you need next. This Summer Reading List is a trace of those moments and connections.
I've designed it to inspire my circle with contemporary and future thought - through the power of the written word. In a world where content can be generated in seconds, it feels even more vital to return to what's been crafted, words shaped consciously, original thought built over time.
Each title carries a certain energy: a question, a lens, a shift. Some are deep dives. Some are playful light reads. All of them invite you to see and experience differently.
Here's what I've been reading, sharing, and reflecting on lately:
If Cats Disappeared from the World, Genki Kawamura
I’m a cat lover, and I also love Goethe’s Faust - and this book somehow brings it nicely together. It’s definitely about a cat but even more about a trade with the devil for a little more lifetime before death. A small, sweet read with surprising depth.
Learning to talk, Hilary Mantel
This book found its way to my letterbox out of a discussion with a dear client and friend about the power and beauty of language. Never underestimate the power of words - they are pure code. Not just in AI and large language models, but even more so in human connection. Excited to simply melt into beautiful words, as promised by this book.
Never split the difference, Christopher Voss with Tahl Raz
A recommendation from a CIO, definitely worth reading if you aim to become a top negotiator or coach - yes, it reminded me of my coaching training. Listen, stay interested, keep the dialogue flowing. Thats one of the ways how you’ll get the key insights you need to negotiate well and create win-win outcomes.
The body keeps the score, Bessel van der Kolk
Impressive insights from the work of Bessel van der Kolk, a dutch psychiatrist, author, researcher. It shows how the body, mostly unconsciously, stores trauma and how these imprints shape behavioral patterns. Looking at the well-known ice berg model, it’s definitely about the invisible part beneath the surface. Fascinating, enlightening, if you are up for a deep dive of your body’s intelligence and psyche. As I always say: the body never lies.
Biography of X, Catherine Lacey
Playing with narratives is definitely an art of its own and X is a heroine in shifting and twisting her story in ways that are paradox but nevertheless fascinating. Gifted to me by a mentor, an icon of narratives, who keeps inspiring me (and vice versa I guess). Must read if you like your brain twisted.
No finish line, Nike
A souvenir from a Nike exhibition at Vitra, showcasing the innovative spirit of a brand that emerged out of street culture. It’s been said that the best way to predict the future is to create it. - I am a huge fan of Nike’s design vision and innovation culture as it simply leaves everyone feeling strong, capable and included. The key to the future is in our hands - I do believe we are limitless, boundless beings and Nike knows too.
Speculative everything - Design, Fiction, and Social Dreaming, Anthony Dunne, Fiona Raby
I am obsessed with the future; how to imagine it, building scenarios, shaping future opportunities. This book from MIT is worth a read. It’s all about shifting perspectives, a timeless tool for creative solutions and critical thinking. And in times of AI, that’s more essential than ever. A recommendation from my sister, footwear designer and sparing.
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, Peter Attia
Can’t wait to finish this since longevity weaves together health, tech, and the future… all themes that make my heart beat faster. A recommendation by a friend and ophthalmologist during my research trip to DXB.
How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, Washington's Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde
I was deeply touched that Budde uses her voice and position to stand up against Trump. I read it in a day; her honesty about life, its complexities and decisive moments is clearing and strong.
Resonance - A Sociology of Our Relationship to the World, Hartmut Rosa
Written in 2019, this book couldn’t be more timely. Hartmut Rosa explores how today’s major crises from climate change to democratic erosion and psychological distress all stem from a deeper issue: our broken resonance with the world. A quiet powerful call for presence, reconnection, and a more resonant way of living. A profound read for the summer if you are are open to be touched by it.
Why nations fail, Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson
I’ll probably never manage to read this legendary book but I did manage to gift it to my father, one of those brilliant minds I still wish I had the brain capacity of. Maybe you do. Enjoy the read.
Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World, Mo Gawdat
This book was important to me - it opens with a major question: Imagine us sitting in nature, gathered around a fire. Are we hiding from the machines we’ve created or are we finally enjoying our leisure, while robots take care of the work? Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google [X], shares insights on how we can shape the course of AI so that it truly serves and sustains humanity.
In that context, I’d like to recommend two thought-provoking pieces:
A podcast: The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett: Godfather of AI: I Tried to Warn Them, But We’ve Already Lost Control! Geoffrey Hinton
Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer of neural networks and deep learning and 2018 Turing Award winner, left Google in 2023 to warn about the risks of AI. A gripping and honest exchange on what we’ve created with AI and what it might mean for us.
An essay in The New Yorker by D. Graham Burnett: Will the Humanities Survive Artificial Intelligence?
A beautifully written reflection on what makes us human in an age of accelerating machines. Must read!