Sant Jordi 2026: 12 books to gift, recommended by professionals from the BioRegion of Catalonia

This science fiction novel envisions a future where an epidemic eliminates the Y chromosome and all babies are born female. Based on this premise, it reflects on the biological, social and cultural implications of a world where humanity is all one sex. “A provocative, stimulating read that combines science, social reflection and fiction to make us rethink everything we thought we knew about gender,” highlights the CEO of Versa Biomedical.

Set in 14th-century Barcelona, this historical novel follows Arnau’s life and the construction of the Santa Maria del Mar church. A plot shaped by power struggles, injustice, love and ambition. “It is a historical novel that portrays daily life in medieval Barcelona through the story of an emblematic building, with an inspiring human perspective,” explains the Managing Director of the Corporate Area at HIPRA.

This book provides a clear, accessible guide for entrepreneurs looking to build strong, sustainable businesses by putting the customer at the center of every decision. Through practical examples and proven methodologies, the book emphasizes the importance of having a deep understanding of real user problems before rushing to design solutions. “A practical guide to fostering innovation, validating ideas and avoiding common mistakes that cause startups to fail,” says the CEO of Biorce.

Written by Dr. Fei-Fei Li, one of the most influential figures in the development of modern artificial intelligence and a professor at Stanford University, this book combines her personal journey with the evolution of this technology in recent decades. Drawing on her academic and scientific experience, the author offers an accessible perspective on how AI has evolved from its earliest applications to become a key tool for innovation. “Through her experience, she shows both the potential and the challenges of a technology that is transforming the world,” explains the President of AstraZeneca Spain, referring to this book named one of the year’s best by the Financial Times.

A very recent book built around the hypothesis that “species succeed when they have sparring partners”, which the author applies to Homo sapiens, whose decline began when it eliminated other species, especially the Neanderthals. The most interesting aspect of the narrative is that this decline and potential extinction could be stopped through the very science and technology we have developed. “A book that argues our decline began when our species was left without competitors, and that science could help reverse it,” says the founder and CEO of Infonomia. A fascinating read by Henry Gee, editor of Nature and winner of the Science Book Prize.

A thriller that follows Inspector Kraken as he faces a threat that challenges his family’s past. The investigation, in a race against the clock, draws him into a mystery spanning Vitoria and Madrid, full of secrets, old books and hidden identities. “It’s a book that keeps you fully absorbed and in suspense from beginning to end. A read that allowed me to disconnect, imagine multiple endings and explore possible solutions to the challenges. It also helped me look beyond my immediate surroundings and put problems into perspective,” explains the co-founder and CEO of Wivi Vision and president of Catalonia.Health.

A novel that tells the life of William Stoner, a young man of humble origins who discovers literature and changes his fate. Through a life of personal and professional challenges, the main character explores the search for meaning and inner peace. “It tells the story of a good man’s life —seemingly simple, where nothing extraordinary really happens, but everything that gives meaning to a life does happen,” says the Director of TIC Salut i Social.

It turns out that the world, despite its imperfections, is a much better place than we think. But if we spend our lives worrying about everything instead of building a fact based view of the world, we may lose the ability to focus on the problems that truly threaten us. “This book was given to me by Noelia Mateo, who is currently global director of Advanced Therapies at Hospital Clinic, and I’ve already given it as a gift several times myself. In today’s global geopolitical context, it’s a must-read. Ultimately, it reminds us that deep change takes time and only accurate comparisons allow us to truly measure progress,” explains the Managing Director of CG Health Ventures.

Based on real events, the novel tells the story of Hedy Lamarr, who escaped an oppressive marriage and became a huge Hollywood star while inventing technology that would shape the future of communications. “The main character pushes the limits imposed by power, sexism and history, showing how passion, intelligence and freedom often coexist in tension,” explains the Director of IDIBAPS.

This book is a commemorative edition that brings together six poetry collections, unpublished texts and complementary materials to rediscover the legacy of Clementina Arderiu, one of the great voices of Catalan literature. In Josep Samitier’s words, “Clementina Arderiu’s poetry stands out above all for its musicality and delicate expressiveness. As Joan Triadú aptly said of her verses, ‘She has the delicate virtue of suggesting that she knows more than she says, and that she stops at the threshold of saying it, as if it were unnecessary.’ Undoubtedly, a great poet.”

Set in traditional Mexico, this magical realism novel follows Tita, who channels her emotions through cooking. A story that blends love, repression and feelings that transform everyday reality. “This book, by one of the great authors of magical realism, is a tribute to food as cultural heritage and a window into the intimate lives of women who have sustained the household in silence,” highlights the co-founder and CEO of Integra Therapeutics.

An essay arguing that modern capitalism not only generates material prosperity, but also requires and fosters virtues like love, faith, hope, courage and prudence. “Personally, I was drawn to it because it highlights a vision of progress that goes beyond material implications,” explains the CEO of SpliceBio.