Steve Wittenberg’s 2025 Summer Reading List
Leadership, Legacy, and a Good Book by the Beach
At Independent Wealth Solutions, we feel summer isn’t just a time to relax, it’s a chance to reset. A season to refocus on what matters, both personally and professionally. For Steve Wittenberg, that includes time with family, time outdoors in Encinitas, and yes, time with a good book in hand.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your thinking, immerse yourself in history, or simply get lost in a great story, here are five titles on my 2025 summer reading list—each one offering a different kind of insight and inspiration.
📘 Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne
This Pulitzer Prize finalist tells the dramatic story of Quanah Parker and the Comanche tribe, offering a raw look at the collision between Native American culture and westward expansion. It's history at its most vivid, gritty, compelling, and full of lessons about leadership, resilience, and transformation.
📗 From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks
This thoughtful and practical book explores how to find deeper meaning and satisfaction as we move through life’s transitions. Brooks combines psychology, spirituality, and personal anecdotes to guide readers toward a more intentional and peaceful second act—something that resonates with many of the clients and families we serve.
📕 The Women by Kristin Hannah
A deeply emotional and beautifully written novel that sheds light on the forgotten women who served as nurses in the Vietnam War. It’s a powerful reminder of courage, sacrifice, and how history often overlooks some of its most vital participants. A page-turner that stays with you.
🌊 The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides
An extraordinary exploration of Captain James Cook’s final, fatal voyage—this book reads like an epic maritime thriller. Sides takes us into the Pacific of the 18th century while reflecting on the cost of ambition and the complexity of cross-cultural encounters.
🔄 Atomic Habits by James Clear
Exploring Clear’s insights into how small changes compound over time applies to both financial planning and life. Whether you’re building a business or a healthier routine, the strategies here are simple and effective.
Why Summer Reading Matters
As financial professionals, we understand the importance of continuous learning—not just about markets or tax codes, but also about people, purpose, and growth. Reading helps us expand our worldview and reconnect with timeless values, from perseverance to innovation.
We hope this list sparks your own curiosity or inspires quiet reflection.
If you have a recommendation for what I should read next—especially something off the beaten path—we’d love to hear it.
— Steve Wittenberg
