What is Bill Gates reading this summer? Here are some book recommendations to add to your list

“I’m recommending just two books—one novel and one nonfiction—plus a mix of other things I’ve enjoyed lately, including a TV series set in Denmark and a few dozen songs that are on regular rotation for me,” he explained.

“I’m recommending just two books—one novel and one nonfiction—plus a mix of other things I’ve enjoyed lately, including a TV series set in Denmark and a few dozen songs that are on regular rotation for me,” he explained.

The well known investor and philanthropist however insisted that while there was “more to life than reading” it was still “the best”.

The well known investor and philanthropist however insisted that while there was “more to life than reading” it was still “the best”.

Gates recommended ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’ by Gabrielle Zevin for those inclined towards fiction. He also said that the story had reminded him of his own journey with Microsoft.

Gates recommended ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’ by Gabrielle Zevin for those inclined towards fiction. He also said that the story had reminded him of his own journey with Microsoft.

“This terrific novel tells the story of two friends who grow up bonding over Super Mario Bros. and then, in college, start making their own games together. I really related to the story—in fact, it reminded me a lot of my relationship with Paul Allen and our work together at Microsoft,” he explained.

“This terrific novel tells the story of two friends who grow up bonding over Super Mario Bros. and then, in college, start making their own games together. I really related to the story—in fact, it reminded me a lot of my relationship with Paul Allen and our work together at Microsoft,” he explained.

He also recommended ‘Born in Blackness’ by journalist Howard French.

He also recommended ‘Born in Blackness’ by journalist Howard French.

“I’m a student of Africa, but I still learned a lot from this thoughtful, well-researched book…I mean it as a compliment when I say that Born in Blackness left me wanting to know more,” Gates added.

“I’m a student of Africa, but I still learned a lot from this thoughtful, well-researched book…I mean it as a compliment when I say that Born in Blackness left me wanting to know more,” Gates added.

He recommended a Danish political drama called Borgen. “Named for the palace in Copenhagen where the Danish government is based, it follows the country’s (fictional) first female prime minister as she navigates a complex political landscape. I’m fascinated by how political coalitions come together and stay together, and I loved watching the PM, Birgitte Nyborg, figure it all out,” he explained.

He recommended a Danish political drama called Borgen. “Named for the palace in Copenhagen where the Danish government is based, it follows the country’s (fictional) first female prime minister as she navigates a complex political landscape. I’m fascinated by how political coalitions come together and stay together, and I loved watching the PM, Birgitte Nyborg, figure it all out,” he explained.

“I can’t imagine my life without music. Some of my fondest childhood memories took place in Paul Allen’s basement, where he’d turn on the record player and turn me on to artists like Jimi Hendrix and albums like Are You Experienced?” he recalled, sharing his summer Spotify playlist.

“I can’t imagine my life without music. Some of my fondest childhood memories took place in Paul Allen’s basement, where he’d turn on the record player and turn me on to artists like Jimi Hendrix and albums like Are You Experienced?” he recalled, sharing his summer Spotify playlist.