Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has recommended books to read each summer, for the past decade. However, this year, he decided to break the pattern and try something different.

What Happened: Alongside two book recommendations, Gates also shared a compilation of the things that he has "enjoyed lately," including a TV series and a collection of songs.

The first book on Gates' list was "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin. This novel delved into the lives of two childhood friends who bonded over their shared love for Super Mario Bros. Gates said he found a personal connection to the story — "it reminded me a lot of my relationship with Paul Allen and our work together at Microsoft."

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The second book recommendation was "Born in Blackness" by Howard French. Gates acknowledged that this "thoughtful, well-researched book" offered him new insights. "I mean it as a compliment when I say that Born in Blackness left me wanting to know more," Gates said.

In terms of television, Gates recommended the Danish political drama series, "Borgen," available on Netflix. "I've binged all four seasons," he said. The show revolves around Denmark's (fictional) first female prime minister, Birgitte Nyborg, as she navigates the complexities of the political landscape. Gates said, "Borgen is entertaining above all else, but I've learned a ton from watching it too."

As an additional component to his list, Gates shared his summer playlist, which could be accessed on Spotify. It featured a diverse collection of tracks, ranging from timeless classics by Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole to contemporary favorites such as Vampire Weekend, Adele and U2. Gates said these songs have "stuck with me over the years."

Why It Matters: Gates' departure from his usual book recommendations and the inclusion of other media forms highlights the importance of exploring diverse sources of inspiration. Gates said in his blog post that he hoped this list would provide people with a range of options to enhance their summer experiences.

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