Books for Your 2024 Holiday Reading

The holidays are a great time to catch up on your reading, whether you’re relaxing at home, skiing in the mountains, or recharging any other place where you get away. A good thriller or romantic novel is always a solid choice, and so is a well-written nonfiction book that helps you develop your skills or knowledge of the world. We asked our Wealth Institute team to help us curate the perfect holiday reading list for 2024. Here are the books they thought you might enjoy.

Ather Bajwa, Managing Director, Investment Research

“The Missing Billionaires: A Guide to Better Financial Decisions” by Victor Haghani and James White
The book delves into an often overlooked aspect of investing: determining the right amount to invest. The authors provide practical advice on integrating investing and saving decisions.

“Shell Game” by Evan Ratliff — Podcast
This podcast is an entertaining and unnerving exploration of the realities of artificial intelligence and large language models. It was named one of the best podcasts of 2024 by New York Magazine, a top 10 podcast of 2024 by The Economist, one of the five most insightful podcasts of the summer by The Week, and one of the five best tech and business podcasts of the year by The Information. In the first season’s episodes, Ratliff creates a voice clone of himself and talks to friends, family, scammers and spammers, and other voice agents. He discovers how amazing, ridiculous, and scary things can be.

Daniel Fiedler, Senior Portfolio Manager

“The Honjin Murders” by Seishi Yokomizo
Everyone likes a good mystery! This classic Japanese whodunit follows scruffy detective Kosuke Kindaichi as he attempts to unravel a baffling crime. Originally published in 1946, the story was only recently translated into English, according to the book’s introduction. “The Inugami Curse,” published in 1951, is another of many stories featuring Detective Kindaichi — it is also very good, but the plot is tougher to follow.

Tom Jarecki, National Director, Wealth Planning

“Revenge of The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell
“Revenge of the Tipping Point” is a compelling read that dives into how small changes can trigger seismic shifts in our lives and society. Building on Malcolm Gladwell’s original concept of the “tipping point,” the book explores what happens after that pivotal moment is reached, examining the often-unexpected aftermath of tipping points in business, culture, and personal lives. The author brings insightful anecdotes and real-world examples that make complex ideas accessible and relatable. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the ripple effects of change and how even the smallest actions can lead to profound impacts.

Paul Kieffer, Senior Wealth Planner

“Elevate and Dominate: 21 Ways to Win On and Off the Field” by Deion Sanders
Not only was Deion Sanders a great player in the NFL (inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility) but also a strong leader. In this book, he shares many of the lessons he learned, which can help the reader become a better spouse, parent, or friend. Also shared are how to address the challenges of working toward the life you always wanted and achieve career fulfillment. The 21 ways to win highlighted in this book are based on Sanders’ personal experiences from his childhood, when he was brought up by a single parent, through his present coaching position for the Colorado Buffaloes.

As sports-focused as Sanders’ life is, many of the lessons covered are truly life lessons that can easily be translated to all walks of life. The book gets to the points quickly and directly and leaves little room for excuses.

George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer

“How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen” by David Brooks
In a time where an increasing and alarming number of people suffer from loneliness, David Brooks examines a multitude of disciplines to answer the question: What does it mean to be understood? “How to Know a Person” helps readers become more understanding and considerate toward others and discover the personal joy that comes from being seen. As Brooks writes: “There is one skill that lies at the heart of any healthy person, family, school, organization, or society: the ability to see someone else deeply and make them feel seen — to accurately know another person, to let them feel valued, heard, and understood.” It’s a message we can all relate to and grow from pondering it.

Renee Porter-Medley, Regional Director for Wealth Planning

“Blue Mind: How Water Makes You Happier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do” by Wallace J. Nichols
I am an advocate for leveraging financial wealth to increase overall well-being. Are you trying to decide what holiday gift to give yourself or others? Making travel plans for 2025? Give yourself and others the gift of water. “Blue Mind” author Wallace J. Nichols reveals the remarkable truth about the benefits of being in, on, under, or simply near water. Grounded in cutting-edge studies in neurobiology, cognitive psychology, economics, and medicine, and made real by stories of innovative scientists, doctors, athletes, artists, environmentalists, businesspeople, and lovers of nature — stories that fascinate the mind and touch the heart — “Blue Mind” will awaken readers to the vital importance of water to the health and happiness of us all.

“Buffet’s Early Investments: A new investigation into the decades when Warren Buffet earned his best returns” by Brett Gardner
This book explores the key initial ventures that shaped Warren Buffet’s approach to wealth-building. The author provides readers with a closer look at how Buffet’s financial instincts and disciplined strategies helped lay the groundwork for his later success.

Joseph Velkos, Key Wealth National Tax Director

“The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene
“The 48 Laws of Power” examines 48 key steps to understanding how to use and enforce your power. These fundamental laws are a combination of actions, thoughts, and tactics that you can employ to play the power game. The author understands and clearly outlines how power can be effective in furthering your business potential.

For additional recommendations or to pass along your own, please contact your advisor.