Jolabokaflod

Christmas Book Flood • Reading for Pleasure

Fantasy, science fiction, myth and legend

Please visit the Jolabokaflod Google Form to add more personal book recommendation choices for us to include in the Book Bulletin catalogue.

Mark Zuckerberg – Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card

This is the only book I reference in my Facebook profile

American businessman and programmer • Co-founder Facebook and its parent company Meta Platforms • Chairman, CEO and controlling shareholder: Mta

  • Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI): Founded with his wife Priscilla Chan in 2015, this organization focuses on curing diseases, improving education, and reforming the criminal justice system.
  • BookCareless People: A Memoir of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025): A critical, inside account of working with Zuckerberg, written by a former Meta executive regarding the company’s culture and political impact
  • Latest project: Mark Zuckerberg is heavily focused on transforming Meta into an AI-first company, with his latest projects centered on building advanced AI agents and developing massive infrastructure. He is is reportedly building a photorealistic 3D AI version of himself (an “AI agent”) to interact with employees, answer queries, and manage day-to-day executive tasks. This digital clone is designed to mimic his voice, mannerisms, and strategic thinking.

Roger Federer – The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

It’s an inspirational story about destiny and perseverance

Swiss former professional tennis player

  • The Roger Federer Foundation: Dedicated to improving access to quality early learning and education for children, specifically in Southern Africa and Switzerland. The foundation has reached over 1.5 million children
  • BookFederer (Assouline, 2024): Produced in close collaboration with Roger and Mirka Federer, this book features never-before-published photographs, memorabilia, and personal insights into his journey on and off the court
  • Latest project: Roger Federer’s latest major project is the 2024 documentary Federer: Twelve Final Days, streaming on Prime Video. The film captures his emotional retirement from tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup. He also recently released a visual autobiography through Assouline and continues philanthropic work through his Foundation

Pharrell Williams – The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

It has been inspirational in my creative journey

American musician, record producer and fashion designer

  • Black Ambition: An initiative aimed at investing in Black and Latino entrepreneurs, offering funding for startups to bridge the wealth gap.
  • Book: Pharrell-isms – An essential, inspiring collection of quotations about creativity, social justice, and more from musician, producer, artist, and designer Pharrell Williams 
  • Latest project: include launching VIRGINIA, a creative brand and community platform, partnering with NIGO for the Japa Valley Tokyo hospitality district, and unveiling the Drophaus design concept for Louis Vuitton’s FW26 show. He also recently produced a new Clipse album

Jung Kook – The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

It’s a story about following your dreams

South Korean singer and songwriter

  • Weverse Live: He is famous for hosting casual, long-form livestreams, often cooking, drinking, or singing karaoke for fans, which helps him connect on a personal level.
  • Book: “The Meaning of Jungkook: The Triumph of BTS and the Making of a Global Pop Superstar” by Monica Kim (Release: June 10, 2025): An in-depth, unofficial tribute that explores his rise to fame, the K-pop industry, and his impact on global music.
  • Latest project: heavily focused on the upcoming BTS comeback album, Arirang, and is preparing for a new world tour following his mandatory military service

Caitlin Clark – Red Rising – Pierce Brown

I read for leisure when not focused on homework; I prefer  fantasy over non-fiction. I highly recommend the Red Rising series

American professional basketball player

  • Philanthropy & Community (Caitlin Clark Foundation): She created her foundation to uplift children through education, nutrition, and sports. She has specifically partnered with local organizations, such as the Coralville Food Pantry, to combat food scarcity, hosting events where fans can donate items for a chance to meet her
  • Book: “On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports” by Christine Brennan (2025): This book covers Clark’s collegiate stardom, her transition to the WNBA, and her role in boosting the league’s popularity. It explores the cultural impact of her career, including the controversies surrounding her entry into the league and her role as a major financial driver.
  • Latest project: As of April 2026, Caitlin Clark is returning to full health for the Indiana Fever’s upcoming season after a 2025 injury-riddled year. Recent highlights include her active involvement in a Habitat for Humanity build in Indianapolis and a creative “photography project” documenting the Pacers-Lakers game. She also recently rejected an offer to join the rival “Project B” league

Erling Haaland – The Prose Edda – Snorri Sturluson

I want the book always to lie open so that people can read about those who came from where I come from, from Bryne and Jæren. Books give so many more people the chance to dream big, see new possibilities and find their own path

Norwegian professional footballer

Latest project: investing in Norway Chess and its new tour format, the Total Chess World Championship Tour. Haaland has ambitious plans to contribute to make chess a broader and more spectator-friendly sport

Sleep and Recovery: Promote his “biohacking” routine, which includes wearing blue-light glasses to improve sleep quality.

BookHaaland: The Incredible Story Behind the World’s Greatest Striker by Lars Sivertsen (2023/2024) – Written by a highly regarded football journalist, this biography covers his journey from his hometown of Bryne to Molde FK, Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund, and Manchester City. It is noted for offering insights from those close to him.