As a business professional, you will want to switch off when you head for the hills, the beach (or wherever you go this summer to relax, and that includes the Olympics). Now you can read that book that you had left on the pile while you were hard at work. So, which one do you pack?
Some books on this year’s summer reading list* do not stray far from the world of finance, funds and fund management. Some pick up on fairly recent developments including a notorious boom-bust saga, while others dive into issues around the culture in the often helter-skelter, rapidly evolving scene of big bucks (and big egos).
A topic close to our hearts, sustainability gets innovative treatment in a graphically illustrated discussion of the climate crisis, growth, and the need for change (in French).
To end on an uplifting note, we are including two books with life lessons from a notable actor and a former US Green Beret. The books allow you to step back and reflect on what really matters. To make life easier, both can be enjoyed as audiobooks.
Here are suggestions by some of our experts and specialists.**
Suggested by Jean-Philippe Olivier, Deputy CIO
The Fund: Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates, and the Unravelling of a Wall Street Legend by Rob Copeland
A book about controlling the narrative (as Dalio himself tried to do), good intentions, ‘radical’ transparency and its cost. It describes a blend of surveillance, internal ‘trials,’ and other flaws of what can be seen as a social experiment gone wrong. Given the success of The Fund, one wonders about small-mindedness, too.
Going Infinite by Michael Lewis
Told in true Michael Lewis fashion, it is about Sam Bankman-Fried who, motivated by the effective altruism doctrine, rose to become one of the planet’s richest men before it all came crashing down. You will also learn a few things about quant hedged funds.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Uplifting lessons from the actor based on successes and failures, joys and sorrows, give the reader an opportunity to step back to reflect on what really matters. The audiobook edition narrated by the author makes you feel like you are listening to a friend’s stories.
Scars and stripes by Tim Kennedy
A former Green Beret and UFC fighter, Kennedy presents lessons on embracing failure and growing a better self. Refreshingly narrated by the author, the audiobook is full of candour, priceless anecdotes and the odd bit of humour.
Suggested by Sophie Vallat, Steering Officer, Deputy CIO
Le monde sans fin, miracle énergétique et dérive climatique by Jean-Marc Jancovici (author) and Christophe Blain (Author, Illustrator)
A graphic account (literally!) resulting from an encounter between Jancovici, partner at Carbone 4 and a recognised energy and climate expert, and comics author Blain. The book explains the far-reaching changes our planet is experiencing and their consequences. It tackles the race for growth and the need for the energy transition in the context of climate change, providing a better understanding of our world.
Le Monde sans fin, miracle énergétique et dérive climatique de Jean-Marc Jancovici (auteur) et Christophe Blain (auteur, illustrateur)
Un récit graphique (au sens propre !) résultant d’une rencontre entre Jancovici, associé chez Carbone 4 et expert reconnu de l’énergie et du climat, et Blain, auteur de bandes dessinées. Ce livre explique les changements profonds que subit notre planète et leurs conséquences. Il aborde la course à la croissance et la nécessité de la transition énergétique dans le contexte du changement climatique, offrant une meilleure compréhension de notre monde.
Suggested by Deena Friedman, Portfolio Manager Equities
Conflicted by Michael Culp
Written by the former head of research at Prudential Securities and PaineWebber, this is a worthwhile novel about life inside a bull market Wall Street research department, covering conflicts of interest and the ethics and biases inherent in sell-side analysis.
*Earlier Summer reading articles
Summer reading – Cooling off with a book, but which one? (bnpparibas-am.com)
Summer reading – You want to, but which book to pick? (bnpparibas-am.com)
**These suggestions are those of the contributors. They are personal and do not reflect the views of BNP Paribas Asset Management or an endorsement by BNPP AM.
