Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

"Summer’s almost over. If you have time to sneak in another book or two – here are a few I recommend."

"If you want a brief but thorough education in numeric thinking about many of the fundamental forces that shape human life."

"Summer’s almost over. If you have time to sneak in another book or two – here are a few I recommend."

"Presents a stimulating and engaging story, spanning decades and continents."

"Summer’s almost over. If you have time to sneak in another book or two – here are a few I recommend."

"Seems to be saying that our personal journeys are never as linear or predictable as we might hope."

"Summer’s almost over. If you have time to sneak in another book or two – here are a few I recommend."

"Fundamentally about American politics, but it’s also a fascinating look at human psychology."

"Summer’s almost over. If you have time to sneak in another book or two – here are a few I recommend."

"I gained a stronger and more visceral sense of the abuse and injustice many women experience today."

"Documents a story of remarkable scientific innovation and how it has improved the lives of almost all cystic fibrosis patients and their families."

"I would say to anyone who likes tennis as much as I do, you have to read String Theory."

"The amazing story of the eradication of smallpox."

"Offers an eye-opening look into how the criminal justice system unfairly targets communities of color, and especially Black communities."

"A great addition to the literature focused on that [World War II] tragic period."

"Every bit as exciting as my favorite spy novels."

"Read this book and you’ll never look at a pencil or razor the same way."

"A guide to worrying in the 21st century."

"I would say this even if I weren’t married to the author: The Moment of Lift is a terrific read."

"Dweck and her research have helped my foundation colleagues and me understand more about the attitudes and habits that allow some students to persevere in school despite big challenges."

"My family loved reading this book together."

"Its subject is the history of humanity, focusing on why our species has succeeded and how we should think about the future."

"[I] had no idea how informative On Immunity would be, even for someone like me who has been supporting and learning about vaccine research for many years."

"The case studies you’re about to explore and the tools you’re about to gain have never been more relevant. This is an ideal moment to be reading this book."

"A good read for anyone who wants to understand what actually determines whether a developing economy will succeed."

"On the short list of books that I recommend to people."

"If someone wants to understand what happened during what they call the 'Great Panic,' this is one of the books they should be read."

"Peter Buffett writes about the values he absorbed growing up as one of three children of Warren Buffett and the late Susan Buffett."

"A great introduction to the use of statistics, and a great refresher for anyone who’s already well versed in it."

"Fascinating.... Lays a foundation for understanding human history."

"An engaging, well-illustrated science textbook offering compelling answers to big questions, from how the universe formed to what causes earthquakes."

"Looks at five countries—Singapore, Canada, Finland, China, and Australia—where students are doing significantly better on global assessments than students in the U.S."

"If you’re going to read one book about modern China in the period after Mao, then this is the book you should read."

"Mukherjee once again shows his gift for making hard science easily accessible."

"A biography of Norman Borlaug, a brilliant agricultural scientist who [...] saved a billion people from starvation."

"My favorite [Vaclav Smil] book."

"Goes deep and broad to explain how innovations in humans’ ability to turn energy into heat, light, and motion have been a driving force behind our cultural and economic progress over the past 10,000 years."

"I’ve told everyone at our foundation that I think it is worth taking the time to read The Idealist."

"Anyone who occasionally gets overly logical will identify with the hero. [...] one of the most profound novels I’ve read in a long time."

"This is one of two Randall Munroe books I’ve read, and it is (by design) the funnier of the pair."

"One of those original thinkers who makes you say: More people should know about this guy’s work."

"It got me thinking about my own motivations and limitations in new ways."

"Munroe’s approach is a great way to learn about science."

"Belongs in the subgenre of hard science fiction, which means it emphasizes scientific accuracy."

"I recommend this book to anyone who reads nonfiction. It is very well written and full of great insights."

"Lifelong learners will appreciate this book about the history of everything."

"As a creator of successful companies, Eli Broad has few equals, and The Art of Being Unreasonable clearly shows why."

"About something I’m also keenly interested in—the polarization we’re seeing in the U.S., Europe, and other places."

"An entertaining narrative weaving together the clever characters, incremental innovations and historical context behind the steam engines that gave birth to our modern world."

"Makes a compelling case that all this [human] activity is leading to the sixth mass extinction in the Earth’s history."

"Made me think about how we have had to overcome some deeply ingrained behaviors in order to develop a modern, interconnected society."

"Most people think strength is a positive quality in a leader, but this book proves them wrong."

"Quite good at giving examples of how you create environments that can encourage good ideas."

"Has me thinking of my old friend. A true visionary."

"A clear, compelling guide to some of the most pressing debates in technology today."

"If you want to read an unvarnished, first-hand account of life in one of India’s slums you should pick up Behind the Beautiful Forevers."

"Offers amazing tips on preparing kids for college, a career, and life."

"Explains the energy transitions that have driven social, economic and technological change worldwide over time."

"Even if you don’t read many inspirational books, try this is one."

"Gave me a better sense of what it is like to be very poor in this country than anything else I have read."

"I loved Team of Rivals."

"My favorite book."

"If you want to learn about why human welfare overall has gone up so much over time, you should read The Great Escape."

"Explains how things we can’t touch are reshaping the economy."

"I loved [this] brilliant book about cancer."

"Sheds light on every facet of [Leonardo da Vinci]’s life."

"Melinda and I really like The Great Gatsby. When we were first dating, she had a green light that she would turn on when her office was empty and it made sense for me to come over."

"An economist explores a controversial subject: teacher accountability."

"Gives a great sense of how hard it was to get KIPP going and how intense the focus on good teaching is."

"Technically historical fiction, but you’d be just as accurate calling it a thriller or a love story."

"[I] gained a new appreciation for all the materials that make modern life possible."

"Builds a persuasive case that many non-traditional students, such as working adults, parents and those at risk of dropping out, are not well served by traditional institutions."

"A wise and funny memoir from a young woman facing her own mortality."

"Helps you appreciate that physics is pretty basic stuff."

"Shines a light on the real successes of aid."

"Has charted a course for making the most of the opportunities created by technology while also facing up to the hard questions."

"Makes a strong case that a lot of GDP measurements we thought were accurate are far from it."

"An entire book about the development and impact of gas turbines and diesel engines."

"Gave me new perspective on why so many big challenges get bogged down in political battles rather than being focused on problem-solving."

"About predictions in many domains besides politics."

"This thrilling story about a double agent lived up to the hype."

"The most honest account of the American story I’ve ever read, and one of the most beautifully written."

"Examines the various predictions that have been made in the past and are still being made about energy use."

"Raises some fundamental and surprising questions about the quality of U.S. undergraduate education."

"Shows just how difficult it is going to be to improve education."

"Explains that humans have evolved to work together and be social."

"Gave me insights about leadership."

"Argues that schools can and must improve dramatically without additional resources – even, despite budget cuts."

"A compilation of forty-plus years’ worth of coverage of Warren [Buffett] by the writers of Fortune."

"Probably the [science fiction book] I read the most when I was younger."

"A series of dialogues between Hiroshi—founder of the Internet company Rakuten—and his father, Ryoichi, a respected economist and author."

"For a basic understanding of where education money comes from and how it gets spent."

"For anyone who wants to learn about the science of seeds and the challenges faced by farmers."

"I couldn’t put down this thriller with a tragic ending."

"A 700-page treatise on economics translated from French."

"A highly readable account for anyone who wants to know more about [Chris Murray]’s work and why it matters."

"A thoughtful look at what may be in store for humanity."

"Makes the case for why the U.S. health care system needed reform and how Obamacare sets out to fix the problems."

"Mostly about globalization, but there is also a larger story here that touches on business and philanthropy more broadly."

"Quite comprehensive in looking at many different kinds of energy."

"Explains why some nations flourish in tough times."

"Explores the different sides of a complicated man."

"If you have seen Eddie’s stuff and you like it [...] I promise you’ll love this book."

"I came away with new insights into the multifaceted cultural and family dynamics that contribute to poverty."

"Helped me see microorganisms in a whole new light."

"Everything you wanted to know about blood."

"I mostly agree with their message that the answers to America’s economic challenges are to be found in its past."

"I did find his historical analysis, which makes up the bulk of the book, utterly fascinating."

"Nuclear physics, space travel, and other topics made easy."

"A quick, condensed tour of [Jimmy Carter]’s fascinating life."

"A moving look at how incarceration changes relationships."

"Despite being a work of fiction, it offered fresh insight that made me rethink parts of [Abraham Lincoln's] life."

"This powerful graphic novel explores parenthood and life during wartime."

"How Teddy Roosevelt and William Taft changed America."

"Amanda’s story is personal, filled with moments of anguish, grief and love but she also tries to draw attention to what she discovers is a flawed health care system."

"Looks at current efforts to use technology for online learning and to measure achievement."

"A useful history of efforts to eliminate diseases."

"Gives as clear and as numeric a picture as is possible of how humans have altered the biosphere."

"For anybody who wants to understand the complexities of the role of the Secretary General, this book is an illuminating read."

"Influenced the decision that Melinda and I made to make polio eradication the top priority of the foundation, as well as my own personal priority."

"A short, readable book with smart insights, and along the way he crosses paths with some colorful characters."

"Anyone who wants to discuss how artificial intelligence is shaping the world should read this book."

"Ray Dalio has provided me with invaluable guidance and insights that are now available to you in Principles."

"A refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like."

"Trevor Noah’s funny and moving account of growing up in South Africa."

"The book I had been waiting for. I can’t recommend it highly enough."

"The best business book I've ever read."

"Explains how neglecting sleep undercuts your creativity, problem solving, decision-making, learning, memory, heart health, brain health, mental health, emotional well-being, immune system, and even your life span."

"On the surface it’s about math, but it’s really about how much math plays into our daily lives without our even knowing it."

"I never thought much about whether I could improve my memory across a wider set of domains, but now I think I could, after reading Moonwalking with Einstein."

"A fantastic book, and I hope a lot of people read it."

"You will rip through it in three hours, tops. But you’ll wish it went on longer, because it’s funny and smart as hell."

"There is no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil."

"I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a fun, engaging look at early human history."

"I can’t think of anyone better equipped to present a clear-eyed analysis of this subject than Vaclav Smil."

"One of the most important books I’ve read—not just this year, but ever."

"[Melinda and I] enjoyed The Rosie Effect so much that we invited Graeme to come to Seattle to talk to us about it."

"This book left me in tears."

"One of the most unusual novels I’ve read in years."

"A super interesting look at the science of immunity."

"Makes a lot of great points."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2012."

"Gives excellent advice about how to move on constructively from mistakes, which I’ve tried to follow both on and off the court over the years."

"Patrick McGovern shaped the way that millions of people grew to understand the enormous potential of computers and how they would change the world."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2019."

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"A fascinating look at what it’s like to steer a country through challenging times."

"About a number of the ways that people are intervening with nature, including gene drive and geoengineering."

"Like most people, I was first introduced to Weir’s writing through The Martian. His latest novel is a wild tale about a high school science teacher who wakes up in a different star system with no memory of how he got there. The rest of the story is all about how he uses science and engineering to save the day. It’s a fun read, and I finished the whole thing in one weekend."

"The CRISPR gene editing system is one of the coolest and perhaps most consequential scientific breakthroughs of the last decade. I’m familiar with it because of my work at the foundation—we’re funding a number of projects that use the technology—but I still learned a lot from this comprehensive and accessible book about its discovery by Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Jennifer Doudna and her colleagues. Isaacson does a good job highlighting the most important ethical questions around gene editing."

"I love a good robot story, and Ishiguro’s novel about an “artificial friend” to a sick young girl is no exception. Although it takes place in a dystopian future, the robots aren’t a force for evil. Instead, they serve as companions to keep people company. This book made me think about what life with super intelligent robots might look like—and whether we’ll treat these kinds of machines as pieces of technology or as something more."

"Few subjects have captured the imaginations of science fiction writers like artificial intelligence. If you’re interested in learning more about what it might take to create a true AI, this book offers a fascinating theory. Hawkins may be best known as the co-inventor of the PalmPilot, but he’s spent decades thinking about the connections between neuroscience and machine learning, and there’s no better introduction to his thinking than this book."

"If you’re a Shakespeare fan, you’ll love this moving novel about how his personal life might’ve influenced the writing of one of his most famous plays. O’Farrell has built her story on two facts we know to be true about “The Bard”: his son Hamnet died at the age of 11, and a couple years later, Shakespeare wrote a tragedy called Hamlet. I especially enjoyed reading about his wife, Anne, who is imagined here as an almost supernatural figure."

"I think [the author's] ideas even help explain some of Microsoft's success."

"Does a great job of bringing alive the complexities of poor people’s lives."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"You don't have to take a course [to learn physics]. If you're hardcore, read [this series] and do the problems."

"A great read."

"Melinda thought I would love The Heart. She was right."

"You want to learn to do software? Read [this series]. Good luck doing the problems."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2012."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2012."

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"A recapitulation of the history of materials told in an interesting and approachable way."

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"List of books Bill Gates read in 2012."

"A fascinating look at how science develops and how human curiosity has evolved over the millennia."

"If you want to try meditation for yourself, one good way to ease into it—especially if you’re as skeptical as I was—is to pick up a copy of The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"The amazing story of Jim Grant, whose influence in making vaccines widely available in the developing world is credited with saving the lives of 25 million children."

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"Looks at college costs in the context of the larger economy, and offers suggestions for policy to increase access."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"An excellent guide for navigating unprecedented times."

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"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"If you want to read just one book about malaria, The Fever is probably the best choice."

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"As Bad Blood is to biotech, Billion Dollar Whale is to international finance... a wonderful read... Thrilling."

"Provides a roadmap for eliminating hunger in the world."

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"Walks you through every step of his journey, from starting a company in his college dorm to pulling off the largest all-tech acquisition in history."

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"If someone wants an overall view of how energy gets used, where it comes from, and the challenges in switching to new sources, this is the book to read."

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"An unflinching look at the mistakes and missteps made by GE’s leadership."

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"The newest of 39 brilliant books by one of my favorite thinkers."

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"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

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"[This] basic theme is in the culture of Microsoft."

"One of my favorite sci-fi novels of all time."

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"A major disappointment. I found the authors’ analysis vague and simplistic."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"My second favorite book."

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"A super fun read about how a boy from the suburbs of Dublin grew up to become a world-famous rock star and philanthropist."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

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"Points out [why comparisons of the US] with the decline of the Roman Empire fall short."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2011."

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"An excellent book about another key factor: how we make stuff."

"List of books Bill Gates read in 2018."