Steve Wittenberg’s 2026 Summer Reading List
Five books to kick off your summer reading
Each summer, Steve Wittenberg shares a short reading list with clients and friends. It is not meant to be exhaustive or overly curated. Just a handful of books that stayed with him for different reasons.
This year’s list leans toward reflection, human behavior, and the kinds of stories that quietly shape how we think. That is part of why Steve shares this list each year. Not as a recommendation for what you should read, but as a starting point for thinking a little differently.
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Backman has a way of writing about ordinary relationships that feels anything but ordinary.
My Friends is a reminder that the people around us often shape our lives more than the big decisions we spend time worrying about. It explores connection, loyalty, and the subtle ways friendships evolve.
It is the kind of book that does not try too hard, but stays with you anyway.
Patient Zero by Lydia Kang and Nate Pedersen
This one takes a different direction.
Patient Zero examines the origins of some of history’s most significant diseases and the individuals associated with them. It blends storytelling with science in a way that makes complex topics accessible.
What stands out is not just the history, but the perspective. It is a reminder of how interconnected health, society, and decision-making really are.
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
This is a quieter book.
Theo of Golden centers around a small-town doctor and the lives he touches over time. It is thoughtful, patient, and grounded in the idea that small moments often carry the most meaning.
There is no rush in this story, and that is part of its appeal. It gives you space to reflect rather than pushing you forward.
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
Hartnett’s writing tends to blend humor with something deeper, and this book is no exception.
The Road to Tender Hearts explores grief, resilience, and the unexpected ways people find connection again after loss. It is both light and serious at the same time, which makes it feel real.
It is the kind of story that does not follow a straight line, much like life.
The Way I Heard It by Mike Rowe
If you are looking for something more episodic, this one fits.
The Way I Heard It is a collection of short stories inspired by real events and people, told in a way that keeps you guessing. Each story builds toward a reveal that reframes what you thought you knew.
It is easy to pick up, easy to put down, and surprisingly insightful.
If you are looking for a place to start
If you prefer something reflective, start with Theo of Golden or My Friends.
If you want something more factual, Patient Zero offers a different perspective.
If you are short on time, The Way I Heard It works well in small pieces.
— Steve Wittenberg
