Ted Truscott, Chief Executive Officer
I recommend Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe. It’s a fascinating and comprehensive book about “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland. The book provides wonderful descriptions of several main actors from the Provisional IRA including the Price sisters and Gerry Adams. 

Melda Mergen, Global Head of Equities
Whistling Vivaldi by Claude M. Steele is a great book (recommended to me by my daughter) about approaching stereotypes and identity from different angles. The book not only brings awareness to the problem through research, but more importantly it also lays out a plan for mitigating “stereotype threats.” 

I also liked Parenting the New Teen in the Age of Anxiety by Dr. John Duffy. This is a must-read for all parents with children between the ages of 9 and 24 (you did not misread that — the teenage years last until 24 now). The book touches on all subjects related to today’s overwhelming circumstances and helps parents understand the changing landscape of adolescence.

Gene Tannuzzo, Global Head of Fixed Income

Dovetails in Tall Grass by Samantha Specks is a great read. The novel is historical fiction about the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, told from the perspective of two young girls. Even though the story takes place more than 150 years ago, it’s remarkably relevant to today, demonstrating that even as cultural differences drive conflict, we can still be united by finding common ground.

Josh Kutin, Head of North America Asset Allocation

I liked The 36 by Josh Even-Chen. It’s a breezy archaeological thriller, very much in the vein of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. The setting is Israel, with flashbacks going back 2,000 years. Not only is the story entertaining, it’s also filled with many interesting facts about Israel and its history. I was not surprised to learn the author is an active tour guide.

Anwiti Bahuguna, Head of Multi-Asset Strategy

I’m afraid my reading this year has been academic — 21^st Century Monetary Policy: The Federal Reserve from the Great Inflation to COVID-19 by former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke. This is a well-written, easy-to-digest history of U.S. monetary policy. Bernanke was one of the most innovative central bankers of our time. I’d also recommend The New Map: Energy, Climate and the Clash of Nations by Daniel Yergin. The book explains how global energy markets were remade by the American fracking surge (which raised supply and lowered the cost of oil and gas), by Vladimir Putin’s geopolitics and by the continued rise of Xi Jinping and China (his strategic designs on the South China Sea and expansionist aims, including his massive international investment strategy known as Belt and Road, are recasting political influence).

Fred Copper, Senior Portfolio Manager

I very rarely reread books for the simple reason there are too many good books out there to read. However, there are two exceptions, and I’m recommending them both. The first is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, which I have read no less than ten times. It’s epically creative, funny and enjoyable. The other is Forrest Gump by Winston Groom. I read it before the movie came out and have lent it out more times than I can count — even though now it’s held together by tape and hope. I can remember reading it very self-consciously on the train ride home because people don’t usually laugh out loud on trains. 

Kari Montanus, Senior Portfolio Manager

I recommend Circe by Madeline Miller. It’s a retelling of the Greek epic The Odyssey through the eyes of Circe. For those who want something more related to business, I thought that Think Again by Wharton Professor Adam Grant was a good read. He highlights the importance of rethinking and relearning opinions and how this approach can improve decision-making and outcomes. It’s highly relevant in today's world of information overload.