Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, recently shared his summer reading list on the Gates Notes blog, offering Canadians and Americans a window into the titles he’s been turning to for ideas, reflection, and imagination during the warm months. The list is a curated mix of fiction and non-fiction, each selection chosen for its capacity to spark thoughtful conversation and broaden the reader’s perspective across borders and cultures. It’s a tangible reminder that even a high-profile entrepreneur makes time for books that challenge the mind and nourish the heart.
The first book on Gates’s list is Power by Naomi Alderman. This science fiction work imagines a world where power dynamics shift as women develop a new physical advantage, prompting readers to rethink gender roles, social structures, and the roots of oppression. Gates notes that his eldest daughter, Jennifer, introduced him to this provocative narrative, and he has since found in it a platform for examining how power shapes policies, relationships, and everyday life. For readers in Canada and the United States, Power offers a gripping entry point into conversations about gender justice, social equity, and the stories we tell about who holds influence and why.
In praising the book, Gates emphasizes the way Alderman’s speculative scenario exposes injustices and abuses faced by women around the world. He expresses gratitude toward activists both in the US and internationally who confront these issues daily, and the sentiment resonates with readers navigating similar challenges in their communities. The narrative’s tension and emotional stakes invite a cross-border dialogue about representation, safety, and the responsibilities of societies to protect the vulnerable while pursuing progress.
Another prominent title on the list is Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Gates describes this as a sweeping adventure tale centered on a teenager who, along with his siblings and a circle of friends, embarks on a journey that tests loyalty, resilience, and the bonds of family. For readers in North America, the novel’s setting and themes echo the expansive landscape of the continent, inviting reflections on migration, opportunity, and the hopeful pursuit of a better life. The book’s generous storytelling mirrors the big canvas of the American and Canadian historical imagination, offering both escape and contemplation in equal measure.
Also recommended is Kim Stanley Robinson’s Ministry for the Future, a science fiction work that tackles climate change through a near-future lens. Robinson crafts a narrative that blends science, policy, and human courage, illustrating how communities can respond to environmental threats with ingenuity and collective action. Gates calls the book’s execution compelling, noting how its ideas bloom into practical discussions about strategy, governance, and the ethical implications of technological progress. For readers who want to connect climate realities with personal choice, Ministry for the Future provides a thoughtful, sometimes sobering, but ultimately hopeful framework for discussion and action.
Rounding out the list are Why We’ve Been Polarized by Ezra Klein and How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil. These non-fiction selections offer rigorous, accessible analysis of political divisions and the broad forces shaping global systems. Klein’s book invites readers to consider how media, institutions, and public discourse contribute to polarization, while Smil’s work delivers grounded insights into energy, technology, and the underpinnings of modern society. Gates presents these titles as practical guides for Canadians and Americans alike who want to understand the forces behind current events, economic shifts, and policy debates. The combination of thoughtful essays and data-driven explanations helps readers form well-rounded opinions and engage more effectively in civil discourse across diverse communities.
Gates’s summer reading picks reflect a blend of storytelling and scholarship, a deliberate mix designed to stimulate both empathy and critical thinking. The selections encourage readers to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and consider how literature can illuminate real-world issues—from social justice to climate resilience and political dynamics. For those in Canada and the United States seeking a purposeful, reflective reading path, this list offers a balanced itinerary that spans immersion in memorable characters, pondering ethical questions, and examining the structures that shape daily life. The conversational tone of Gates’s notes adds a personal touch, inviting readers to join the conversation and share their own interpretations as they turn each page with intention and curiosity.
Overall, the Gates Notes summer reading list serves as a practical guide for readers who value diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis. It demonstrates how fiction can expand imagination while non-fiction grounds understanding in real-world contexts. As readers in North America dive into these books, they may find new angles on familiar topics, from justice and governance to science, technology, and family dynamics. The selections stand as a reminder that literature remains a powerful tool for reflection, dialogue, and growth across borders and cultures, encouraging ongoing learning long after the last page is turned. Source attributions accompany the selections to acknowledge the authors and publishers who contribute to a richer reading experience for audiences in Canada and the United States.