5 books that Bill Gates recommends reading this summer

Bill Gates has unveiled his traditional summer reading list — this time featuring memoirs that influenced his own autobiography, *Source Code*, released in February. Writing the book was a challenging task for him, so he drew inspiration from the best examples of the genre. All five books share a common theme: personal experiences of overcoming adversity, leadership, and the pursuit of justice. Each one tells the story of a person capable of changing the world around them. Bill Gates wrote in his blog, GatesNotes: "I hope these memoirs inspire you as much as they inspired me."

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Personal History, Katharine Graham

Confidential memoirs of the publisher of The Washington Post, who took over the newspaper after her husband's suicide. Despite pressure and inexperience, she guided the publication through its greatest crises. Gates calls the book a model of courage and strength of character. By the time of her death, Graham had increased the company's revenue by more than $1 billion.

Chasing Hope, Nicholas Kristof

The story of a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who dedicated 40 years to fighting poverty, war, and disease. His article on child mortality inspired Gates to create the Gates Foundation. The memoirs are filled with examples of courage and the desire to maintain hope even in the darkest circumstances.

Educated, Tara Westover

Childhood in a fundamentalist Mormon family without school, hospitals, or documents, a journey from complete isolation to a doctorate from Cambridge. Gates calls the book inspiring—it is a story of incredible will and the pursuit of knowledge despite systemic and personal obstacles.

Born a Crime, Trevor Noah

Autobiography of a comedian and former host of The Daily Show about life in South Africa during apartheid. Born out of an illegal union, Noah describes his childhood with humor and pain. Gates was particularly impressed by the theme of language as a means of overcoming division and violence.

Surrender, Bono

Autobiography of the U2 frontman about the journey from a Dublin teenager to a global star and activist. Even knowing Bono personally, Gates admitted that he found much that was new in the book—from complex relationships with his father to the behind-the-scenes of the band. Bono's story inspired Gates to be more open in his own book.