• JPMorgan has released its 21st annual summer reading list.
• The summer reading list for this year hopes to "light a path forward" post-pandemic.
• Books on the list range from science and innovation to interior design, inspiration, and more.
• See more stories on Insider's business page.

JPMorgan has released its 21st annual summer reading list.

The theme for this year's list is energy and optimism for the future after more than a year marked by the pandemic.

With books ranging from a thought-provoking Adam Grant novel to Robert Reffkins' entrepreneurial inspiration, the list is full of summer reads to bring some much-needed encouragement, enlightenment, and positivity. JPMorgan says that this year's list "features new books about people, places, and the pathways we can take to lead us to a brighter future."

'Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know'

In his most recent book, "Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know," Adam Grant takes readers on a journey through the art of critical thinking. The book challenges readers to step outside the comfort of social norms, and become more open-minded about questioning one's own opinion while simultaneously being open to other people's opinions, even if they aren't views they necessarily agree with.

'The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race'

Are you looking for a book that dives into the world of science and its constantly evolving landscape? "The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race" gives readers a look inside the world of Nobel Prize recipient Jennifer Dounda and how she and her colleagues launched the gene-editing tool CRISPR.

'Wonderworks: The 25 Most Powerful Inventions in the History of Literature'

"Wonderworks: The 25 Most Powerful Inventions in the History of Literature" dives into the world of writing and its impact on society dating from ancient Mesopotamia to the present. "Fletcher provides a new lens through which to examine and appreciate diverse literary works from ancient times to the present," JPMorgan says. "And reveals how the field of story science may be relevant to our daily lives."

'Never Enough: A Navy SEAL Commander on Living a Life of Excellence, Agility, and Meaning'

As a former Commander of Navy SEAL Team TWO, Mike Hayes has experienced some of the most intense moments someone could ever go through. From being held at gunpoint, helping amputate a teammate's leg, and making split-second life-affecting decision, in "Never Enough: A Navy SEAL Commander on Living a Life of Excellence, Agility, and Meaning," Hayes, gives readers insight into high stakes lessons, excellence, agility, and meaning across their personal and professional lives.

'No One Succeeds Alone: Learn Everything You Can from Everyone You Can'

Robert Reffkin's story of defying the odds and becoming the youngest ever White House fellow, creating multiple non-profit organizations, and founding a multi-billion dollar company is a story that is bound to leave you inspired for the future. In "No One Succeeds Alone: Learn Everything You Can from Everyone You Can", Reffkin highlights "the importance of accepting help from others along the way," JPMorgan says. "Reffkin's optimism, interpersonal connections and empathy led him to take his company public earlier this year, making him one of the youngest and most successful Black CEOs of his generation."

'My Shanghai: Recipes and Stories from a City on the Water'

Cooking at home this summer? Take a trip to Shanghai with this vibrant and flavorful cookbook.

"Family, culture and memory inspired My Shanghai, Betty Liu's modern take on the centuries-old cuisine from this vibrant, food-rich Chinese city," JPMorgan says. "Through over 100 recipes categorized by season and accompanied by stories, photographs and cultural touchpoints, Liu encourages home chefs to experience her family's city from their own kitchens."

'Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance'

Having trouble reading your coworkers' body language? Or maybe you're not sure how to decode those over exemplified slack messages or unenthusiastic texts and emails? Erica Dhawan brings clarity to readers in her new book "Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance", a guide to better understanding social cues, personalities, and proper body language through technology.

By Design: The World's Best Contemporary Interior Designers

If you're looking for inspiration for renovating your new home or just updating an old space, "'By Design' spotlights some of today's most innovative designers whose work merges the best of modern art, style and architecture. Spanning country estates, apartments, hotels and restaurants from around the world," JPMorgan says. "This collection of spectacular designs captures the aesthetic of today and is an inspiration-rich resource for seasoned and newly minted home decorators."

'How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need'

Billionaire Bill Gates has been passionate about climate change for years, "In 'How to Avoid a Climate Disaster,' he shares his findings and draws upon the work of experts in science, finance, engineering and politics," JPMorgan says. "To lay out a pragmatic plan for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to zero and ultimately saving the planet."

'What the Road Said'

"What The Road Said" is a book that can speak to all ages. "In her first picture book, poet and activist Cleo Wade weaves an inspiring and uplifting story about leadership, curiosity and compassion," JPMorgan says. "And what occurs when we're faced with the possibility of choosing the wrong path."

Told through the point of view of a young child, readers embark on an "adventurous journey" with illustrations by Lucie de Moyencourt.