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Ender’s Game
Orson Scott Card

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Recommended by:
Mark Zuckerberg – American businessman and programmer • Co-founder Facebook and its parent company Meta Platforms • Chairman, CEO and controlling shareholder: Meta
Mark says: ‘This is the only book I reference in my Facebook profile’

Mark 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 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.

Founded with his wife Priscilla Chan in 2015, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) is an organisation that focuses on curing diseases, improving education and reforming the criminal justice system.

Book: Sarah Wynn-Williams, Careless People: A Memoir of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism
A critical, inside account of working with Zuckerberg, written by a former Meta executive regarding the company’s culture and political impact

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Recommended by:
Roger Federer – Swiss former professional tennis player
Roger says: ‘It’s an inspirational story about destiny and perseverance’

Roger’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.

The Roger Federer Foundation is 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

Book: Roger and Mirka Federer, Federer
This book features never-before-published photographs, memorabilia and personal insights into his journey on and off the court

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho

Recommended by:
Pharrell Williams – American musician, record producer and fashion designer
Pharrell says: ‘It has been inspirational in my creative journey’

Pharrell’s latest projects 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, Let God Sort Em Out

He established 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 

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Recommended by:
Jung Kook – South Korean singer and songwriter
Jung Kook says: ‘It’s a story about following your dreams’

Junkook is heavily focused on the BTS comeback album, Arirang (March 2026), and is preparing for a new world tour following his mandatory military service

He is famous for hosting casual, long-form livestreams at Weverse Live, often cooking, drinking or singing karaoke for fans, which helps him connect on a personal level.

Book: Monica Kim, The Meaning of Jungkook: The Triumph of BTS and the Making of a Global Pop Superstar
An in-depth, unofficial tribute that explores his rise to fame, the K-pop industry, and his impact on global music.

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Red Rising
Pierce Brown

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Recommended by:
Caitlin Clark – American professional basketball player
Caitlin says: ‘I read for leisure when not focused on homework; I prefer fantasy over non-fiction. I highly recommend the Red Rising series’

As of April 2026, Caitlin 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

The Caitlin Clark Foundation uplifts children through education, nutrition and sports. She has specifically partnered with local organisations, such as the Coralville Food Pantry, to combat food scarcity, hosting events where fans can donate items for a chance to meet her.

Book: Christine Brennan, On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports
This book covers Caitlin’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.

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

The Prose Edda
Snorri Sturluson

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com

Erling Haaland – Norwegian professional footballer
Erling says: ‘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’

Erling invests in Norway Chess and its new tour format, the Total Chess World Championship Tour. He has ambitious plans to contribute to make chess a broader and more spectator-friendly sport

Erling champions sleep and recovery, promoting his ‘biohacking‘ routine, which includes wearing blue-light glasses to improve sleep quality.

Book: Lars Sivertsen, Haaland: The Incredible Story Behnd the World’s Greatest Striker
Written by a highly regarded football journalist, this biography covers his journey from Erling’s hometown of Bryne to Molde FK, Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund. and Manchester City. It offers insights from those close to him.

Available in the UK via Bookshop.org and Amazon.co.uk
Available in the US via Amazon.com