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Bill Gates

Co-founder, Microsoft; philanthropist

Technology founder, investor, and philanthropist known for public book notes and global health work.

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Books by Bill Gates

Direct work from Bill Gates. This is the highest-signal lane because the ideas come from the operator, investor, researcher, or creator directly.

Climate Energy Technology

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster

by Bill Gates · 2021

Author signal

Bill Gates · Microsoft co-founder

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Books Bill Gates recommends, documented so far

This is the current verified catalog coverage. Every recommendation row links back to source evidence and the canonical book profile.

History Psychology Progress

The Better Angels of Our Nature

by Steven Pinker · 2011

Author signal

Steven Pinker · Cognitive scientist

It's probably my favorite book and the one I recommend most often.

Exact quote verified Recommended interview Bill Gates Discusses His Lifelong Love for Books and Reading

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TIME · 2017-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-18

The interview asks Gates what book he recommends most often and records his answer.

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Recommended · TIME interview · interview Source 2017-05-22

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Fiction Relationships Humor

The Rosie Project

by Graeme Simsion · 2013

Author signal

Graeme Simsion · Novelist

The Rosie Project is a great example of that.

Exact quote verified Recommended interview Bill Gates Discusses His Lifelong Love for Books and Reading

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TIME · 2017-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-18

The interview names The Rosie Project as an example of a recommendation Gates trusted from Melinda Gates.

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Recommended · TIME interview · interview Source 2017-05-22

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Global Health Data Progress

Factfulness

by Hans Rosling, Anna Rosling Ronnlund & Ola Rosling · 2018

Author signal

Hans Rosling · Global health statistician

Anna Rosling Ronnlund · Gapminder co-founder

Ola Rosling · Gapminder co-founder

One of the most important books I've ever read.

Exact quote verified Recommended interview Bill Gates Says This Book Is 'One of the Most Important' He's Ever Read

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

TIME · 2018-04-03 · accessed 2026-06-18

The interview headline and first question quote Gates's assessment of Factfulness.

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Recommended · TIME interview · interview Source 2018-04-03

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Humor Memoir Comics

Hyperbole and a Half

by Allie Brosh · 2013

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Allie Brosh · Author of Hyperbole and a Half

Each of these books made me think or laugh or, in some cases, do both.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Vanity Fair · 2015-05-19 · accessed 2026-06-22

The article says VF.com and Gates Notes teamed up to debut Gates's 2015 list and names Hyperbole and a Half as one of the seven books.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair · article Source 2015-05-19

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Science Education Hard Science

The Magic of Reality

by Richard Dawkins and Dave McKean · 2011

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Richard Dawkins · Evolutionary biologist

Dave McKean · Illustrator and artist

Each of these books made me think or laugh or, in some cases, do both.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Vanity Fair · 2015-05-19 · accessed 2026-06-22

The article says VF.com and Gates Notes teamed up to debut Gates's 2015 list and names The Magic of Reality as one of the seven books.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair · article Source 2015-05-19

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Science Humor Physics

What If?

by Randall Munroe · 2014

Author signal

Randall Munroe · Author of What If? and xkcd

Each of these books made me think or laugh or, in some cases, do both.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Vanity Fair · 2015-05-19 · accessed 2026-06-22

The article says VF.com and Gates Notes teamed up to debut Gates's 2015 list and names What If? as one of the seven books.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair · article Source 2015-05-19

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Comics Science Humor

xkcd

by Randall Munroe · 2009

Author signal

Randall Munroe · Author of What If? and xkcd

Each of these books made me think or laugh or, in some cases, do both.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Vanity Fair · 2015-05-19 · accessed 2026-06-22

The article says VF.com and Gates Notes teamed up to debut Gates's 2015 list and names xkcd as one of the seven books.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair · article Source 2015-05-19

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Statistics Decision Making Critical Thinking

How to Lie with Statistics

by Darrell Huff and Irving Geis · 1954

Author signal

Darrell Huff · Author of How to Lie with Statistics

Irving Geis · Illustrator of How to Lie with Statistics

I enjoyed [this book] so much that it was one of a handful of books I recommended to everyone at TED this year.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Vanity Fair · 2015-05-19 · accessed 2026-06-22

The article says VF.com and Gates Notes teamed up to debut Gates's 2015 list and quotes Gates saying How to Lie with Statistics was one of a handful of books he recommended to everyone at TED.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair · article Source 2015-05-19

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Food Systems Environment Energy

Should We Eat Meat?

by Vaclav Smil · 2013

Author signal

Vaclav Smil · Energy scholar

Each of these books made me think or laugh or, in some cases, do both.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Vanity Fair · 2015-05-19 · accessed 2026-06-22

The article says VF.com and Gates Notes teamed up to debut Gates's 2015 list and names Should We Eat Meat? as one of the seven books.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair · article Source 2015-05-19

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Health Medicine Public Health

On Immunity

by Eula Biss · 2014

Author signal

Eula Biss · Author of On Immunity

Each of these books made me think or laugh or, in some cases, do both.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Vanity Fair · 2015-05-19 · accessed 2026-06-22

The article says VF.com and Gates Notes teamed up to debut Gates's 2015 list and names On Immunity as one of the seven books.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair · article Source 2015-05-19

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Fiction Aging Relationships

Remarkably Bright Creatures

by Shelby Van Pelt · 2022

Author signal

Shelby Van Pelt · Novelist

Remarkably Bright Creatures delivered on that front.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Five books to read this winter

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Gates Notes · 2025-11-25 · accessed 2026-06-20

Gates named the book in his holiday reading list and described why it worked for him.

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Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2025-11-25

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Climate Energy Data

Clearing the Air

by Hannah Ritchie · 2025

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Hannah Ritchie · Data scientist

If you want a hopeful, fact-driven overview of where climate solutions stand, this is a great pick.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Five books to read this winter

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Gates Notes · 2025-11-25 · accessed 2026-06-20

Gates's source text explicitly calls the book a great pick for readers who want a fact-driven climate-solutions overview.

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Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2025-11-25

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Policy Infrastructure Progress

Abundance

by Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson · 2025

Author signal

Ezra Klein · Policy writer

Derek Thompson · Policy writer

Abundance doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but it asks the right questions.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Five books to read this winter

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Gates Notes · 2025-11-25 · accessed 2026-06-20

Gates's source text says the book asks the right questions about rebuilding the capacity to get big things done.

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Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2025-11-25

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Essays Tennis Writing

String Theory

by David Foster Wallace · 2016

Author signal

David Foster Wallace · Writer and essayist

Documented citation: You don't have to play or even watch tennis to love this book.

Documented citation Recommended article Bill Gates Picked These Books as the Best of 2016

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

TIME · 2016-12-05 · accessed 2026-06-22

TIME reports that Gates selected five top reads of 2016 from Gates Notes and identifies String Theory by David Foster Wallace as one of the picks.

Open source

Recommended · TIME report of Gates Notes list · article Source 2016-12-05

Nike Founder Memoir Consumer

Shoe Dog

by Phil Knight · 2016

Author signal

Phil Knight · Nike co-founder

Documented citation: A refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like.

Documented citation Recommended article Bill Gates Picked These Books as the Best of 2016

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

TIME · 2016-12-05 · accessed 2026-06-20

TIME reports Gates's 2016 Gates Notes book list and quotes his explanation for selecting Shoe Dog.

Open source

Recommended · TIME report of Gates Notes list · article Source 2016-12-05

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Science Genetics Biology

The Gene

by Siddhartha Mukherjee · 2016

Author signal

Siddhartha Mukherjee · Oncologist and Pulitzer-winning author

Documented citation: Mukherjee wrote this book for a lay audience.

Documented citation Recommended article Bill Gates Picked These Books as the Best of 2016

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

TIME · 2016-12-05 · accessed 2026-06-20

TIME reports Gates's 2016 Gates Notes book list and quotes his explanation for selecting The Gene.

Open source

Recommended · TIME report of Gates Notes list · article Source 2016-12-05

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Leadership Political History Institutions

The Myth of the Strong Leader

by Archie Brown · 2014

Author signal

Archie Brown · Political historian

Documented citation: The subject of this 2014 book by international-relations scholar Archie Brown made it an especially relevant read during the recent U.S. presidential election.

Documented citation Recommended article Bill Gates Picked These Books as the Best of 2016

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

TIME · 2016-12-05 · accessed 2026-06-22

TIME reports that Gates selected five top reads of 2016 from Gates Notes and identifies The Myth of the Strong Leader by Archie Brown as one of the picks.

Open source

Recommended · TIME report of Gates Notes list · article Source 2016-12-05

Infrastructure Energy Climate

The Grid

by Gretchen Bakke · 2016

Author signal

Gretchen Bakke · Anthropologist and infrastructure writer

Documented citation: The Grid had special resonance for Gates because his first job involved Northwest power-grid software.

Documented citation Recommended article Bill Gates Picked These Books as the Best of 2016

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

TIME · 2016-12-05 · accessed 2026-06-20

TIME reports Gates's 2016 Gates Notes book list, identifies The Grid as the honorable mention, and summarizes why it resonated with him.

Open source

Recommended · TIME report of Gates Notes list · article Source 2016-12-05

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Biography Science Art

Leonardo da Vinci

by Walter Isaacson · 2017

Author signal

Walter Isaacson · Biographer

More than any other Leonardo book I've read, this one helps you see him as a complete human being and understand just how special he was.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Bill Gates Shares the 5 Books You Should Read This Summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

TIME · 2018-05-21 · accessed 2026-06-20

TIME reports Gates's 2018 summer Gates Notes list and quotes his comments on Leonardo da Vinci.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via TIME · article Source 2018-05-21

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Memoir Illness Meaning

Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved

by Kate Bowler · 2018

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Kate Bowler · Historian and memoirist

It's inspiring to see this thoughtful woman face such weighty topics with honesty and humor.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Bill Gates Shares the 5 Books You Should Read This Summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

TIME · 2018-05-21 · accessed 2026-06-20

TIME reports Gates's 2018 summer Gates Notes list and quotes his comments on Everything Happens for a Reason.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via TIME · article Source 2018-05-21

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Fiction History American Literature

Lincoln in the Bardo

by George Saunders · 2017

Author signal

George Saunders · Booker Prize-winning novelist

I loved how he uses these flashbacks to show how fuzzy our recollections of the past can be.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Bill Gates Shares the 5 Books You Should Read This Summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

TIME · 2018-05-21 · accessed 2026-06-20

TIME reports Gates's 2018 summer Gates Notes list and quotes his comments on Lincoln in the Bardo.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via TIME · article Source 2018-05-21

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

History Science Big History

Origin Story

by David Christian · 2018

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David Christian · Big History scholar

It's human nature to be curious about where we come from, and origin stories unite people through a common history and shared sense of purpose.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Bill Gates Shares the 5 Books You Should Read This Summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

TIME · 2018-05-21 · accessed 2026-06-20

TIME reports Gates's 2018 summer Gates Notes list and quotes his comments on Origin Story.

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Recommended · Gates Notes list via TIME · article Source 2018-05-21

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Science Fiction Space Engineering

Seveneves

by Neal Stephenson · 2015

Author signal

Neal Stephenson · Science fiction novelist

You might lose patience with all the information you'll get about space flight-Stephenson, who lives in Seattle, has clearly done his research-but I loved the technical details.

Exact quote verified Recommended article 5 Books Bill Gates Wants You to Read This Summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

TIME · 2016-05-17 · accessed 2026-06-20

TIME reports Gates's 2016 Gates Notes summer list and quotes his comments on Seveneves.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via TIME · article Source 2016-05-17

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Mathematics Science Decision Making

How Not to Be Wrong

by Jordan Ellenberg · 2014

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Jordan Ellenberg · Mathematician and author

The book's larger point is that, as Ellenberg writes, 'to do mathematics is to be, at once, touched by fire and bound by reason'-and that there are ways in which we're all doing math, all the time.

Exact quote verified Recommended article 5 Books Bill Gates Wants You to Read This Summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

TIME · 2016-05-17 · accessed 2026-06-20

TIME reports Gates's 2016 Gates Notes summer list and quotes his comments on How Not to Be Wrong.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via TIME · article Source 2016-05-17

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Biology Evolution Hard Science

The Vital Question

by Nick Lane · 2015

Author signal

Nick Lane · Biochemist and author

Even if the details of Nick's work turn out to be wrong, I suspect his focus on energy will be seen as an important contribution to our understanding of where we come from.

Exact quote verified Recommended article 5 Books Bill Gates Wants You to Read This Summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

TIME · 2016-05-17 · accessed 2026-06-20

TIME reports Gates's 2016 Gates Notes summer list and quotes his comments on The Vital Question.

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Recommended · Gates Notes list via TIME · article Source 2016-05-17

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Business Japan Economics

The Power to Compete

by Ryoichi Mikitani and Hiroshi Mikitani · 2014

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Ryoichi Mikitani · Economist

Hiroshi Mikitani · Founder, Rakuten

Although I don't agree with everything in Hiroshi's program, I think he has a number of good ideas.

Exact quote verified Recommended article 5 Books Bill Gates Wants You to Read This Summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

TIME · 2016-05-17 · accessed 2026-06-20

TIME reports Gates's 2016 Gates Notes summer list and quotes his comments on The Power to Compete.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes list via TIME · article Source 2016-05-17

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Fiction History War

The Women

by Kristin Hannah · 2024

Author signal

Kristin Hannah · Novelist

This terrific novel tells the story of a U.S. Army nurse who serves two tours on the frontlines in Vietnam before returning home to a country rocked by protest and anti-war sentiment.

Exact quote verified Recommended article 5 great things to read or watch this summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Gates Notes · 2024-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes first-party page says Gates recommends four books and a TV series for summer 2024 and lists these books with Gates-written comments.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2024-05-22

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Philanthropy Technology Society

Infectious Generosity

by Chris Anderson · 2024

Author signal

Chris Anderson · TED curator and author

If you want to help create a more equitable world but don't know where to start, Infectious Generosity is for you.

Exact quote verified Recommended article 5 great things to read or watch this summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Gates Notes · 2024-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes first-party page says Gates recommends four books and a TV series for summer 2024 and lists these books with Gates-written comments.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2024-05-22

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

AI Education Technology

Brave New Words

by Sal Khan · 2024

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Sal Khan · Khan Academy founder

No one has sharper insights into the future of education than Sal does, and I can't recommend Brave New Words enough.

Exact quote verified Recommended article 5 great things to read or watch this summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Gates Notes · 2024-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes first-party page says Gates recommends four books and a TV series for summer 2024 and lists these books with Gates-written comments.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2024-05-22

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Communication Relationships Psychology

How to Know a Person

by David Brooks · 2023

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David Brooks · Author

It's more than a guide to better conversations; it's a blueprint for a more connected and humane way of living.

Exact quote verified Recommended article 5 great things to read or watch this summer

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Gates Notes · 2024-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes first-party page says Gates recommends four books and a TV series for summer 2024 and lists these books with Gates-written comments.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2024-05-22

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Memoir History Leadership

An Unfinished Love Story

by Doris Kearns Goodwin · 2024

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Doris Kearns Goodwin · Historian and biographer

Doris is such a talented writer that the chapters about her love story are just as engaging and enlightening as the chapters about the Kennedy assassination and the Vietnam War.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Books to keep you warm this holiday season

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Gates Notes · 2024-12-03 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes first-party page says Gates put together four books he enjoyed in 2024 and lists these books with Gates-written comments.

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Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2024-12-03

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Technology Childhood Mental Health

The Anxious Generation

by Jonathan Haidt · 2024

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Jonathan Haidt · Author

This book is a must-read for anyone raising, working with, or teaching young people today.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Books to keep you warm this holiday season

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Gates Notes · 2024-12-03 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes first-party page says Gates put together four books he enjoyed in 2024 and lists these books with Gates-written comments.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2024-12-03

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Engineering Infrastructure Systems

Engineering in Plain Sight

by Grady Hillhouse · 2022

Author signal

Grady Hillhouse · Engineer and author

If so, this is the perfect book for you.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Books to keep you warm this holiday season

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Gates Notes · 2024-12-03 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes first-party page says Gates put together four books he enjoyed in 2024 and lists these books with Gates-written comments.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2024-12-03

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

AI Technology Risk

The Coming Wave

by Mustafa Suleyman with Michael Bhaskar · 2023

Author signal

Mustafa Suleyman · AI founder and author

Michael Bhaskar · Writer and publisher

If you want to understand the rise of AI, this is the best book to read.

Exact quote verified Recommended article Books to keep you warm this holiday season

We captured the recommendation language from the source.

Gates Notes · 2024-12-03 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes first-party page says Gates put together four books he enjoyed in 2024 and lists these books with Gates-written comments.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2024-12-03

Amazon Apple Books AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Memoir Media Leadership

Personal History

by Katharine Graham · 1997

Author signal

Katharine Graham · Publisher and memoirist

Documented citation: A powerful reflection on leadership, loss, and breaking barriers from the longtime publisher of The Washington Post.

Documented citation Recommended article My five favorite memoirs for the summer

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2025-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes introduced the page as five memoirs Gates recommends for summer reading and provided title-specific recommendation context for each book.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2025-05-22

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Memoir Journalism Justice

Chasing Hope

by Nicholas Kristof · 2024

Author signal

Nicholas Kristof · Journalist and memoirist

Documented citation: A deeply personal look at a life spent reporting from the front lines of injustice around the world.

Documented citation Recommended article My five favorite memoirs for the summer

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2025-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes introduced the page as five memoirs Gates recommends for summer reading and provided title-specific recommendation context for each book.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2025-05-22

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Memoir Education Resilience

Educated

by Tara Westover · 2018

Author signal

Tara Westover · Memoirist

Documented citation: An unforgettable story of growing up in a survivalist household and discovering the power of learning.

Documented citation Recommended article My five favorite memoirs for the summer

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2025-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes introduced the page as five memoirs Gates recommends for summer reading and provided title-specific recommendation context for each book.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2025-05-22

Amazon Apple Books AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Memoir South Africa Humor

Born a Crime

by Trevor Noah · 2016

Author signal

Trevor Noah · Comedian and memoirist

Documented citation: A funny and moving account of growing up under apartheid, told by one of the sharpest storytellers alive.

Documented citation Recommended article My five favorite memoirs for the summer

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2025-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes introduced the page as five memoirs Gates recommends for summer reading and provided title-specific recommendation context for each book.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2025-05-22

Amazon Apple Books AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Memoir Music Activism

Surrender

by Bono · 2022

Author signal

Bono · Musician and memoirist

Documented citation: An intimate, lyrical memoir from the U2 frontman about music, activism, faith, and finding his voice.

Documented citation Recommended article My five favorite memoirs for the summer

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2025-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes introduced the page as five memoirs Gates recommends for summer reading and provided title-specific recommendation context for each book.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2025-05-22

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Memoir Media Technology

Who Knew

by Barry Diller · 2025

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Barry Diller · Media executive and memoirist

Documented citation: Media legend Barry Diller reflects on a career spent reshaping television, movies, and the internet.

Documented citation Recommended article Five books to read this winter

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2025-11-25 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes presented the title in Gates's 2025 holiday reading list and provided title-specific recommendation context explaining why it belongs on the list.

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Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2025-11-25

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Communication Common Knowledge Society

When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows

by Steven Pinker · 2025

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Steven Pinker · Cognitive scientist

Documented citation: Steven Pinker explores how shared knowledge shapes our behavior, our institutions, and the way society works.

Documented citation Recommended article Five books to read this winter

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2025-11-25 · accessed 2026-06-22

Gates Notes presented the title in Gates's 2025 holiday reading list and provided title-specific recommendation context explaining why it belongs on the list.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2025-11-25

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Fiction Power Society

The Power

by Naomi Alderman · 2016

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Naomi Alderman · Novelist

Documented citation: Gates included The Power in his 2022 summer reading list.

Documented citation Recommended article 5 books I loved reading this year

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

The first-party Gates Notes page presents these titles as Bill Gates books for summer reading in 2022; the catalog text is a summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2022

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Politics Institutions United States

Why We're Polarized

by Ezra Klein · 2020

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Ezra Klein · Policy writer

Documented citation: Gates included Why We're Polarized in his 2022 summer reading list.

Documented citation Recommended article 5 books I loved reading this year

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

The first-party Gates Notes page presents these titles as Bill Gates books for summer reading in 2022; the catalog text is a summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2022

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Fiction Travel America

The Lincoln Highway

by Amor Towles · 2021

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Amor Towles · Novelist

Documented citation: Gates included The Lincoln Highway in his 2022 summer reading list.

Documented citation Recommended article 5 books I loved reading this year

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

The first-party Gates Notes page presents these titles as Bill Gates books for summer reading in 2022; the catalog text is a summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2022

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Climate Fiction Future

The Ministry for the Future

by Kim Stanley Robinson · 2020

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Kim Stanley Robinson · Science-fiction novelist

Documented citation: Gates included The Ministry for the Future in his 2022 summer reading list.

Documented citation Recommended article 5 books I loved reading this year

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

The first-party Gates Notes page presents these titles as Bill Gates books for summer reading in 2022; the catalog text is a summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2022

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Energy Industry Systems

How the World Really Works

by Vaclav Smil · 2022

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Vaclav Smil · Energy scholar

Documented citation: Gates included How the World Really Works in his 2022 summer reading list.

Documented citation Recommended article 5 books I loved reading this year

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

The first-party Gates Notes page presents these titles as Bill Gates books for summer reading in 2022; the catalog text is a summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2022

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Science Fiction Culture Religion

Stranger in a Strange Land

by Robert A. Heinlein · 1961

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Robert A. Heinlein · Science-fiction novelist

Documented citation: Gates included Stranger in a Strange Land in his 2022 all-time favorite books list.

Documented citation Recommended article Some of my all-time favorite books

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

The first-party Gates Notes page presents these titles as Bill Gates all-time favorite books for holiday 2022; the catalog text is a summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2022

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

History Leadership United States

Team of Rivals

by Doris Kearns Goodwin · 2005

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Doris Kearns Goodwin · Historian and biographer

Documented citation: Gates included Team of Rivals in his 2022 all-time favorite books list.

Documented citation Recommended article Some of my all-time favorite books

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

The first-party Gates Notes page presents these titles as Bill Gates all-time favorite books for holiday 2022; the catalog text is a summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2022

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Performance Learning Sport

The Inner Game of Tennis

by W. Timothy Gallwey · 1974

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W. Timothy Gallwey · Coach and author

Documented citation: Gates included The Inner Game of Tennis in his 2022 all-time favorite books list.

Documented citation Recommended article Some of my all-time favorite books

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

The first-party Gates Notes page presents these titles as Bill Gates all-time favorite books for holiday 2022; the catalog text is a summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2022

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Chemistry History of Science Hard Science

Mendeleyev's Dream

by Paul Strathern · 2000

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Paul Strathern · Science writer

Documented citation: Gates included Mendeleyev's Dream in his 2022 all-time favorite books list.

Documented citation Recommended article Some of my all-time favorite books

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

The first-party Gates Notes page presents these titles as Bill Gates all-time favorite books for holiday 2022; the catalog text is a summary rather than a verbatim quote.

Open source

Recommended · Gates Notes reading list · article Source 2022

AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Documented mentions and citations

These source-backed rows are useful context, but they are not counted as direct recommendations.

Business History Decision Making

Business Adventures

by John Brooks · 1969

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John Brooks · Business journalist

Documented citation: Business Adventures remains one of his most-cited business books.

Documented citation Documented citation article Bill Gates Discusses His Lifelong Love for Books and Reading

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

TIME · 2017-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-18

The article summarizes Gates naming Business Adventures among books particularly impactful to him.

Open source

Documented citation · TIME article · article Source 2017-05-22

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Fiction American Literature Ambition

The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald · 1925

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F. Scott Fitzgerald · American novelist

Documented citation: The Great Gatsby is one of the books Gates named as particularly impactful.

Documented citation Documented citation article Bill Gates Discusses His Lifelong Love for Books and Reading

This source documents the book relationship, but the displayed text is a catalog summary rather than a verbatim quote.

TIME · 2017-05-22 · accessed 2026-06-18

The article summarizes Gates naming The Great Gatsby among books particularly impactful to him.

Open source

Documented citation · TIME article · article Source 2017-05-22

Amazon AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details

Business Investing Decision Making

Principles

by Ray Dalio · 2017

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Ray Dalio · Founder of Bridgewater

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

Exact quote verified Mentioned publisher Principles

We captured the mention language from the source; this is not counted as a direct recommendation.

Simon & Schuster · 2017 · accessed 2026-06-20

The official Simon & Schuster page quotes Bill Gates in the Raves and Reviews section for Principles.

Open source

Mentioned · Publisher endorsement · publisher Source 2017

Amazon Apple Books AudibleAffiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through some links. Recommendations are included because of the source, not because of the retailer. Details