If you can’t decide what to read today, check out our Bill Gates reading list, full of recommendations from Microsoft’s co-founder and prolific reader.

Bill Gates’s reading list

Bill Gates is a technology mogul and billionaire philanthropist. He’s both the Microsoft co-founder and the co-founder of the charity organization known as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. However, he’s also an investor, business strategist, and author and, in recent years, has become one of the most influential people commenting on a wide range of political issues, including climate change and gender equality.

With his vast experience and knowledge, Gates is an excellent source for book recommendations. In fact, he even regularly posts book reviews on www.gatesnotes.com. In this article, we’ll share a book list of recommendations from Bill Gates for readers looking for the best books of inspiration and insight.

Bill Gates’s favorite books

These are just some of Gates’s favorite books that everyone should check out. From non-fiction to sci-fi, there’s something on this list for anyone looking for a new book.

Energy and Civilization - Vaclav Smil

Energy and Civilization: A History by Vaclav Smil is a comprehensive look at the role of energy in human history. The book examines how energy has enabled civilizations to progress, from using fire to developing modern technologies. It looks at how energy has shaped our societies, economies, and cultures and how it will continue to shape our future. Gates believes that understanding the past can help us make better decisions for the future.

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams - Matthew Walker

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker is a book that explores sleep science and its importance to our overall health and well-being. Walker also delves into the potential of dreaming to improve our waking lives. This piece offers a fascinating look at sleep and a compelling case to which we all need to pay attention. It has the potential to change your life.

A Gentleman in Moscow - Amor Towles

A Gentleman in Moscow is a wonderful book that tells the story of a man forced to live in a hotel as a form of imprisonment. The work is full of intrigue and romance, and it is easy to see why Bill Gates recommends it. The story is captivating, and the characters are believable and likable. The book is an excellent read for anyone looking for a story with an unusual premise.

Why We’re Polarized - Ezra Klein

Ezra Klein’s Why We’re Polarized is a compelling and provocative read that offers readers a much-needed look at the state of American politics. It’s a book that Bill Gates recommends for its insights into how our political divisions have grown and what we can do to heal them.

Stranger in a Strange Land - Robert Heinlein

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein is a story about a man born on Mars who then comes to Earth. He learns about our ways and starts a new religion. It’s a book that makes you think about our society and how we treat each other. Gates recommends this book because it makes you think about the future and its possibilities.

Team of Rivals - Doris Kearns Goodwin

If you’re looking for a book that will give you a greater understanding of American politics, look no further than Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals. This book provides a thorough account of Abraham Lincoln’s administration and how he united rivaling opponents while the country was on the brink of the Civil War. Gates recommends this book because it’s a great example of how effective leadership can be in times of crisis.

Factfulness - Hans Rosling

In his book Factfulness, Hans Rosling argues that much of what we think we know about the world is wrong. He challenges commonly-held beliefs about the global economy, poverty, and population growth and provides a more accurate picture of today’s world. The book offers clear and concise explanations, dispelling myths about the world that many of us take for granted.

If you’re looking for a book that will challenge the way you think about the world, Factfulness is a good place to start.

Surrender - Bono

Surrender by Bono is a book about love and loss and how to find hope in the aftermath of tragedy. The book is told through the lens of Bono’s life and his journey from humble beginnings growing up in Dublin to becoming a world-famous rock star. Surrender is a moving and inspirational book that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced hardship. Gates strongly recommends this book to any U2 fan.

Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress - Steven Pinker

Pinker’s book is a passionate and convincing defense of Enlightenment ideology. He shows how this ideal has helped to create the modern world and how, despite all the gory headlines, the world is far better off than it’s ever been. This book is excellent for anyone interested in understanding today’s world and how we got here.

Sapiens - Yuval Noah Harari

Sapiens is a book that explores the history of humankind, from our humble beginnings to our current status as the most dominant species on Earth. It’s a fascinating look at our ability to think abstractly and how, despite making us powerful, it hasn’t always made us happy. Whether interested in history or futurism or want to learn more about the human condition, Sapiens is sure to enlighten and entertain.

Speechify Audiobooks - Find some of Bill Gates’s favorites

Bill Gates has a reading list for you whether you’re looking for new books or old great books, and audiobooks are an excellent way to get started on the list. If you’re interested in listening to any of these books, why not give Speechify a try and check out Gates’s favorite authors?

Speechify Audiobooks is a service that allows you to purchase your favorite audiobooks individually or pay a monthly subscription, granting you access to thousands of titles to purchase. And they have many titles on Bill Gates’s reading list, including everything from Science fiction titles and business books to Amazon best-sellers. So whether you’re in the mood for fiction or non-fiction, there’s something for you on Speechify.

Plus, you can sign up for Speechify Audiobooks today and receive your first audiobook for free.

FAQ

What does Bill Gates read every day?

Bill has an extensive reading list of non-fiction and fiction books to read daily.

What type of books does Bill Gates read?

Bill Gates primarily reads non-fiction books dealing with society, technology, and science issues, but he also enjoys reading sci-fi.

What is the most popular book in the world?

The most-read book in the world is still The Bible, followed closely by the Quran and Lord of the Rings.

How many books does Bill Gates read in a year?

Bill Gates reads about 50 books per year, mainly non-fiction.

Why does Bill Gates read more than most people?

Bill Gates has developed a habit of reading up to an impressive 150 pages per hour, which is an outstanding reading speed for anyone.

What is one book Bill Gates recommends?

How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil is the book Bill Gates would recommend to anyone.

What is Bill Gates reading now?

As of the end of 2022, Bill Gates had read The Power by Naomi Alderman.