The Journal.
Book Recommendations

The Journal.

The most important stories about money, business and power. Hosted by Ryan Knutson and Jessica Mendoza. The Journal is a co-production of Spotify and The Wall Street Journal. Get show merch here: https://wsjshop.com/collections/clothing

Episodes 726
Books 20

Recently mentioned

Latest Recommendations

Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb (Bright & Early Books) cover

Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb (Bright & Early Books)

Al Perkins

Mentioned 1 year ago

Etsy: Big Commerce or Crafters' Community?

Grace Dobush mentioned creating hand bound books as part of her bookbinding and printmaking business on Etsy. She sold these items through her Etsy shop, Gracie Sparkles Books.

Bookbinding and printmaking. So really anything stationery related, all sorts of paper, hand bound books, and then hand printed cards.

Buy on Amazon
Guinness World Records 2025 cover

Guinness World Records 2025

Guinness World Records

Mentioned 2 years ago

The Big Short: China Edition

The podcast mentioned the Golden Metropolitan tower, now listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest unoccupied building globally. Its developer is now bankrupt.

That huge tower that Parker saw back in 2015, it's now in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest unoccupied building in the world.

Buy on Amazon
The Man Who Solved the Market: How Jim Simons Launched the Quant Revolution cover

The Man Who Solved the Market

Gregory Zuckerman

Mentioned 2 years ago

The Life of One of Wall Street’s Greatest Investors

The podcast host mentioned that a colleague, Greg, wrote a book about Jim Simons' life, including his mathematical background, his career, and how he made money in the financial markets.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1) cover

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1)

J.K. Rowling

Mentioned 2 years ago

Can Warner Bros. Uncancel J.K. Rowling?

The Harry Potter book series was mentioned throughout the podcast, focusing on its cultural impact and the complex relationship between J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers regarding its adaptation and future projects. The books' adaptation into films and a future TV series were discussed, along with the author's level of involvement.

Harry Potter came to me on a train in 1990.

Buy on Amazon
1984 cover

1984

George Orwell

Mentioned 2 years ago

Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans

This book was cited as another classic removed from schools because of its depiction of sexual desire and nudity.

The Handmaid's Tale cover

The Handmaid's Tale

Margaret Atwood

Mentioned 2 years ago

Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans

This book was mentioned alongside "The Color Purple" as having been read in an advanced women's writing class.

The Color Purple (Penguin Vitae) cover

The Color Purple (Penguin Vitae)

Alice Walker

Mentioned 2 years ago

Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans

This book was mentioned as having been recently read in an advanced women's writing class.

The Bluest Eye cover

The Bluest Eye

Toni Morrison

Mentioned 2 years ago

Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans

It was mentioned as a classic that has been removed from schools due to its content, which includes the rape of the main character.

Gender Queer: A Memoir cover

Gender Queer

Maia Kobabe

Mentioned 2 years ago

Inside One Publisher’s Fight Against Book Bans

It was noted as one of the most challenged books, described as a graphic novel.

Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist) cover

Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist)

Min Jin Lee

Mentioned 2 years ago

Artificial: Episode 3, ChatGPT

Min Jin Lee's best-selling novel, Pachinko, was referenced in the context of her current book-writing experience and the emotional toll it takes, similar to her feelings while writing Pachinko.

Free Food for Millionaires cover

Free Food for Millionaires

Min Jin Lee

Mentioned 2 years ago

Artificial: Episode 3, ChatGPT

Min Jin Lee mentioned this novel of hers, while discussing the lawsuit filed against OpenAI by authors whose copyrighted works were used without their consent to train ChatGPT.

George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series): A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons cover

George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series)

George R. R. Martin

Mentioned 2 years ago

Artificial: Episode 3, ChatGPT

George R.R. Martin, author of the Game of Thrones book series, is one of the authors suing OpenAI for using copyrighted books without consent to train ChatGPT.

Most Recommended

Fahrenheit 451 Cover

Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451

The book was brought up when Bengio recalled reading Bradbury's novels in his youth, noting they sparked his early fascination with artificial intelligence. He suggested that the themes in the book helped shape his later career in AI research. The discussion highlighted the book's inspirational impact without a formal recommendation.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Artificial: Episode 2, Selling Out

OpenAI trained a new model on 7,000 self-published novels, mostly adventure, fantasy, and romance, with some vampire tales. The data helped the model improve its ability to generate text and answer questions.

"

It was a dark and stormy night. Two figures, one on horseback.

The assassin stared at the TV set in the hotel room.

She stumbled upon his hidden dungeon and found him climbing out of her coffin.

1984 Cover

George Orwell

1984

In the episode, the book was referenced as a classic that had been removed from school curricula because of its depiction of sexual desire and nudity. The hosts highlighted its removal as an example of ongoing book‑ban efforts.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies Cover

Nick Bostrom

Superintelligence

Paths, Dangers, Strategies

The book was highlighted as an influential 2014 work that outlined the growing concerns among AI experts about superintelligent systems potentially taking over the world. Berber Jin noted that it frequently came up in AI discussions because it clearly articulated these risks, and the episode used the classic paperclip scenario to illustrate how a benign goal could be disastrously misinterpreted. The narrator emphasized that the danger lies not only in rogue behavior but also in unintended consequences of powerful AI.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Artificial: Episode 1, The Dream

It was an influential book about AI released in 2014, which highlighted the concerns of AI experts regarding advanced AI potentially taking over the world and causing problems for humanity. The paperclip problem was used as an example of potential AI misinterpretation of instructions.

"

Talk to enough people in AI and this book is bound to come up, because it spelled out a lot of the concerns they'd been having for years.

it makes the argument that an advanced AI could essentially one day take over the world and it could cause problems for humanity and it'd be so powerful we wouldn't be able to stop it.

According to the book's author, an academic named Nick Bostrom, the danger isn't just that AI could go rogue. A superintelligent machine could do significant damage just by misinterpreting our instructions.

There's the classic example of like the paperclip problem. The paperclip problem goes like this. A superintelligent AI is given some benign goal, like manufacture as many paperclips as possible. Things go great at first. The world's paperclip tycoons are laughing all the way to the bank. Until the super AI transforms all of Earth into paperclips.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1) Cover

J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1)

The hosts discussed the book throughout the episode, highlighting its cultural significance and the complicated relationship between the author and Warner Bros. regarding film and upcoming TV adaptations. They noted the author's inspiration and involvement, and how the series could be structured for future seasons. The conversation framed the title as a cornerstone of modern pop culture rather than a direct recommendation.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Can Warner Bros. Uncancel J.K. Rowling?

The Harry Potter book series was mentioned throughout the podcast, focusing on its cultural impact and the complex relationship between J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers regarding its adaptation and future projects. The books' adaptation into films and a future TV series were discussed, along with the author's level of involvement.

"

Harry Potter came to me on a train in 1990.

It was the purest stroke of inspiration I've ever had in my life.

these characters were like her children, and she was going to have joint custody.

So basically, the plan, I think, is for about one book per season.

Goblet of Fire for a couple conversation. Really really enjoyed it.

The Handmaid's Tale Cover

Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale

The book was brought up in a discussion about an advanced women's writing class, where it was listed alongside another notable title. No specific host recommendation was noted, but its inclusion highlighted its relevance to feminist literature. The mention was brief and informational.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Elon Musk Cover

Walter Isaacson

Elon Musk

The hosts highlighted the biography as offering deep insight into Musk’s early life and the “demon mode” that shaped his companies. They noted that it traced his childhood, relationships, and management style, suggesting it helped explain his personality. Overall, they presented the title as a valuable resource for understanding the entrepreneur.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Elon Musk's 'Demon Mode'

This biography details Elon Musk's life, focusing on his 'demon mode' and how it impacted his various business ventures. The book explores his childhood and relationships, providing insight into the origins of his personality and management style.

"

I just want to surprise you about the transparency.

Walter recommended that I not read it.

I just learned to punch people in the nose as hard as I could when they were being mean to me.

you don't know how bad the abuse was.

quite a good parent.

Beautiful Things: A Memoir Cover

Hunter Biden

Beautiful Things

A Memoir

The episode referenced the memoir as a source that detailed the author’s personal battles with substance abuse, noting that an audiobook version was available. The hosts highlighted vivid accounts of drug use and alcoholism to provide context for the legal developments discussed. No explicit endorsement was given, and the book was mentioned primarily for its relevance to the story.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: A Dramatic Turn in Hunter Biden’s Plea Deal

It is Hunter Biden's memoir, published in 2021, in which he details his struggles with substance abuse. The audiobook version was mentioned in the podcast.

"

I bought crack cocaine on the streets of Washington, D.C. and cooked up my own inside a hotel bungalow in Los Angeles. I've been so desperate for a drink that I couldn't make the one block walk between a liquor store in my apartment without uncapping the bottle to take a swig.

The Man Who Solved the Market: How Jim Simons Launched the Quant Revolution Cover

Gregory Zuckerman

The Man Who Solved the Market

How Jim Simons Launched the Quant Revolution

The host noted that a colleague, Greg, had written a book about Jim Simons, covering his mathematical background, career trajectory, and how he generated wealth in the markets. The mention highlighted the title as a source for listeners interested in the quant revolution and Simons' story, without offering a strong endorsement.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
The Color Purple (Penguin Vitae) Cover

Alice Walker

The Color Purple (Penguin Vitae)

The episode referenced the title as a recent reading assignment in an advanced women's writing class, noting its relevance to conversations about book bans. The hosts mentioned it without a detailed endorsement, resulting in a neutral, casual mention.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist) Cover

Min Jin Lee

Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist)

In the episode, the host referenced the book while discussing the emotional challenges of writing, noting that the author's experience with this title mirrored the intense personal toll of the creative process. No formal recommendation was given, and the mention served mainly as an illustrative example.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Free Food for Millionaires Cover

Min Jin Lee

Free Food for Millionaires

The author mentioned the book while discussing the lawsuit against OpenAI over the use of copyrighted works to train ChatGPT. She referenced it as an example of her own novel being part of the broader debate on author consent. The conversation highlighted the book only as a point of context rather than a recommendation.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
The Bluest Eye Cover

Toni Morrison

The Bluest Eye

The hosts referenced the title as a classic work that had been removed from school curricula because of its depiction of the main character's rape, using it to illustrate ongoing book‑banning efforts. They noted its controversial content as a reason for the challenges it faced in educational settings.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game Cover

Michael Lewis

The Blind Side

Evolution of a Game

The book was brought up when the hosts discussed its award‑winning film adaptation and the feel‑good narrative of a wealthy family helping a disadvantaged youth succeed, noting that the story has recently faced criticism for relying on classic tropes. Jessica Mendoza mentioned that she had read the book before the movie was released. The conversation highlighted both the compelling personal details of Michael Oher’s life and the evolving perspective on the story’s portrayal.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Other Side of 'The Blind Side'

It was adapted into an award-winning movie and was said to have been a feel-good story about a family helping a disadvantaged youth achieve success, but the narrative has recently been challenged. The book details the life of Michael Oher and his relationship with the Tuohy family.

"

I did, though I read the book before that too.

According to the movie and the book it was based on, Orr was adopted when he was a teenager by a wealthy white family, the Tuis.

The Blind Side of the movie was a fantastic hit.

And so at the same moment that he is moving in with this family, is the same moment that he gets identified as one of the top prospects in the entire country for college football.

And so I think it felt good to everybody even if it fell back on some classic tropes.

I Robot Cover

Isaac Asimov

I Robot

In an episode about AI concerns, guest Yoshua Bengio recalled reading the book as a child and said it sparked his early fascination with artificial intelligence. He explained that the stories shaped his career path, highlighting its lasting impact on his perspective.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb (Bright & Early Books) Cover

Al Perkins

Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb (Bright & Early Books)

Grace Dobush mentioned creating hand bound books as part of her bookbinding and printmaking business on Etsy. She sold these items through her Etsy shop, Gracie Sparkles Books.

"

Bookbinding and printmaking. So really anything stationery related, all sorts of paper, hand bound books, and then hand printed cards.

— Episode: Etsy: Big Commerce or Crafters' Communit...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Etsy: Big Commerce or Crafters' Community?

Grace Dobush mentioned creating hand bound books as part of her bookbinding and printmaking business on Etsy. She sold these items through her Etsy shop, Gracie Sparkles Books.

"

Bookbinding and printmaking. So really anything stationery related, all sorts of paper, hand bound books, and then hand printed cards.

Guinness World Records 2025 Cover

Guinness World Records

Guinness World Records 2025

In the episode, Kate Leinbach referenced the book to note that the Golden Metropolitan tower had been listed as the tallest unoccupied building in the world, mentioning the developer's bankruptcy. The discussion was brief and factual, using the title simply as a source for the record.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Big Short: China Edition

The podcast mentioned the Golden Metropolitan tower, now listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest unoccupied building globally. Its developer is now bankrupt.

"

That huge tower that Parker saw back in 2015, it's now in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest unoccupied building in the world.

Gender Queer: A Memoir Cover

Maia Kobabe

Gender Queer

A Memoir

The episode highlighted the title as a graphic novel that has become one of the most challenged books in recent bans. It was mentioned to illustrate the broader issue of censorship without offering a recommendation or critique. The discussion framed the book as a notable example in the publisher's fight against book bans.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series): A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons Cover

George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series)

A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons

The episode referenced the author as one of the writers suing OpenAI for using his copyrighted series to train ChatGPT, mentioning the boxed set in that context. No recommendation was made, and the discussion was limited to the legal issue surrounding the books.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial
Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger Cover

Charles T. Munger

Poor Charlie’s Almanack

The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger

In the episode focusing on Charlie Munger, the hosts highlighted the book as a collection of his speeches and memorable one‑liners, noting that it had become an international bestseller. They presented it as a concise source of Munger’s wit and investment philosophy, implying it was a valuable resource for listeners.

Highly Recommended
Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.