United States Department of Health and Human Services, public domain, cropped via Wikimedia Commons

Bill Gates

Co-founder, Microsoft; philanthropist

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

Wikipedia

Technology Philanthropy Science

50Books recommended

3Books mentioned

1Book written

Books Bill Gates recommends

50 books, each linked to the source where Bill Gates recommended it.

Affiliate 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

The Better Angels of Our Nature

by Steven Pinker · 2011

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Discusses His Lifelong Love for Books and Reading

Gates identified The Better Angels of Our Nature as the book he most often recommends in a TIME interview about books and reading.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Interview · TIME interview

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

The Rosie Project

by Graeme Simsion · 2013

The Rosie Project is a great example of that.

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Discusses His Lifelong Love for Books and Reading

Gates cited The Rosie Project while discussing trusted recommendations from Melinda Gates.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Interview · TIME interview

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Factfulness

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

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Says This Book Is 'One of the Most Important' He's Ever Read

Gates discussed Factfulness with TIME and explained why Hans Rosling's final book mattered to him.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Interview · TIME interview

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Hyperbole and a Half

by Allie Brosh · 2013

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Vanity Fair

Evidence details

Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

Vanity Fair and Gates Notes debuted Gates's 2015 summer reading list, which included Hyperbole and a Half.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair

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.

Audible Bookshop.org

The Magic of Reality

by Richard Dawkins and Dave McKean · 2011

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Vanity Fair

Evidence details

Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

Vanity Fair and Gates Notes debuted Gates's 2015 summer reading list, which included The Magic of Reality.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair

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.

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

What If?

by Randall Munroe · 2014

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Vanity Fair

Evidence details

Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

Vanity Fair and Gates Notes debuted Gates's 2015 summer reading list, which included What If?.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair

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.

Audible Bookshop.org

xkcd

by Randall Munroe · 2009

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Vanity Fair

Evidence details

Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

Vanity Fair and Gates Notes debuted Gates's 2015 summer reading list, which included xkcd.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair

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.

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

How to Lie with Statistics

by Darrell Huff and Irving Geis · 1954

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Vanity Fair

Evidence details

Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

Vanity Fair and Gates Notes debuted Gates's 2015 summer reading list, and Gates singled out How to Lie with Statistics as a book he had recommended at TED.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair

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.

Audible

Should We Eat Meat?

by Vaclav Smil · 2013

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Vanity Fair

Evidence details

Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

Vanity Fair and Gates Notes debuted Gates's 2015 summer reading list, which included Should We Eat Meat?.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair

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.

Audible Bookshop.org

On Immunity

by Eula Biss · 2014

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Vanity Fair

Evidence details

Bill Gates's Summer Reading List Includes Randall Munroe, Richard Dawkins, and More

Vanity Fair and Gates Notes debuted Gates's 2015 summer reading list, which included On Immunity.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via Vanity Fair

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.

Audible Bookshop.org

Remarkably Bright Creatures

by Shelby Van Pelt · 2022

Remarkably Bright Creatures delivered on that front.

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Five books to read this winter

Gates included Remarkably Bright Creatures in his 2025 holiday reading list and said it gave him what he wants from a novel.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Clearing the Air

by Hannah Ritchie · 2025

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Five books to read this winter

Gates recommended Clearing the Air in his 2025 holiday reading list as a data-grounded guide to climate solutions.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Abundance

by Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson · 2025

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Five books to read this winter

Gates included Abundance in his 2025 holiday reading list and connected it to his work in global health and climate.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

String Theory

by David Foster Wallace · 2016

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Picked These Books as the Best of 2016

Gates selected String Theory as one of his top reads of 2016, praising David Foster Wallace's tennis writing.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · TIME report of Gates Notes list

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.

Shoe Dog

by Phil Knight · 2016

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Picked These Books as the Best of 2016

Gates included Phil Knight's Shoe Dog in his top books of 2016 list, emphasizing the messy and difficult reality behind building Nike.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · TIME report of Gates Notes list

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

The Gene

by Siddhartha Mukherjee · 2016

Mukherjee wrote this book for a lay audience.

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Picked These Books as the Best of 2016

Gates included The Gene in his top books of 2016 list, highlighting the book's accessibility and relevance to modern genome technologies.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · TIME report of Gates Notes list

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

The Myth of the Strong Leader

by Archie Brown · 2014

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.

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Picked These Books as the Best of 2016

Gates selected The Myth of the Strong Leader as one of his top reads of 2016, with TIME summarizing why its leadership argument was relevant that year.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · TIME report of Gates Notes list

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.

The Grid

by Gretchen Bakke · 2016

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Picked These Books as the Best of 2016

Gates included The Grid as the honorable mention on his top books of 2016 list, connecting it to his long-running interest in energy infrastructure.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · TIME report of Gates Notes list

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Leonardo da Vinci

by Walter Isaacson · 2017

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.

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Shares the 5 Books You Should Read This Summer

Gates included Isaacson's Leonardo da Vinci on his 2018 summer reading list and explained why it stood out among Leonardo biographies.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via TIME

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

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

by Kate Bowler · 2018

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Shares the 5 Books You Should Read This Summer

Gates included Bowler's memoir on his 2018 summer reading list and praised the way she handled illness, faith, and fate.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via TIME

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Lincoln in the Bardo

by George Saunders · 2017

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Shares the 5 Books You Should Read This Summer

Gates included Saunders's novel on his 2018 summer reading list and praised its use of flashbacks and historical memory.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via TIME

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Origin Story

by David Christian · 2018

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.

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Shares the 5 Books You Should Read This Summer

Gates included Christian's Big History book on his 2018 summer reading list and connected it to his interest in the Big History course.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via TIME

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Seveneves

by Neal Stephenson · 2015

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.

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

5 Books Bill Gates Wants You to Read This Summer

Gates included Seveneves on his 2016 summer reading list and praised the technical spaceflight detail.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via TIME

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

How Not to Be Wrong

by Jordan Ellenberg · 2014

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.

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

5 Books Bill Gates Wants You to Read This Summer

Gates included How Not to Be Wrong on his 2016 summer reading list and emphasized its case for everyday mathematical thinking.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via TIME

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

The Vital Question

by Nick Lane · 2015

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.

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

5 Books Bill Gates Wants You to Read This Summer

Gates included The Vital Question on his 2016 summer reading list and highlighted Lane's energy-centered approach to life's origins.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via TIME

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

The Power to Compete

by Ryoichi Mikitani and Hiroshi Mikitani · 2014

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: TIME

Evidence details

5 Books Bill Gates Wants You to Read This Summer

Gates included The Power to Compete on his 2016 summer reading list and noted value in Hiroshi Mikitani's program for Japan.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes list via TIME

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

The Women

by Kristin Hannah · 2024

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.

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

5 great things to read or watch this summer

Gates included the novel on his official 2024 summer reading list.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Infectious Generosity

by Chris Anderson · 2024

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

5 great things to read or watch this summer

Gates included Anderson's generosity book on his official 2024 summer reading list.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Audible Bookshop.org

Brave New Words

by Sal Khan · 2024

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

5 great things to read or watch this summer

Gates explicitly recommended Khan's AI-and-education book on his official 2024 summer reading list.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Audible

How to Know a Person

by David Brooks · 2023

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

5 great things to read or watch this summer

Gates included Brooks's communication book on his official 2024 summer reading list.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Audible Bookshop.org

An Unfinished Love Story

by Doris Kearns Goodwin · 2024

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.

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Books to keep you warm this holiday season

Gates included Goodwin's memoir/history book on his official 2024 holiday reading list.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Audible

The Anxious Generation

by Jonathan Haidt · 2024

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Books to keep you warm this holiday season

Gates included Haidt's book on his official 2024 holiday reading list.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Engineering in Plain Sight

by Grady Hillhouse · 2022

If so, this is the perfect book for you.

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Books to keep you warm this holiday season

Gates included Hillhouse's infrastructure book on his official 2024 holiday reading list.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

The Coming Wave

by Mustafa Suleyman with Michael Bhaskar · 2023

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

Recommended · Exact quote Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Books to keep you warm this holiday season

Gates included Suleyman and Bhaskar's AI-risk book on his official 2024 holiday reading list.

The quote is taken word for word from the source.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Amazon Apple Books Audible Bookshop.org

Personal History

by Katharine Graham · 1997

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

My five favorite memoirs for the summer

Gates included Personal History in his 2025 summer memoir reading list.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Chasing Hope

by Nicholas Kristof · 2024

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

My five favorite memoirs for the summer

Gates included Chasing Hope in his 2025 summer memoir reading list.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Audible Bookshop.org

Educated

by Tara Westover · 2018

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

My five favorite memoirs for the summer

Gates included Educated in his 2025 summer memoir reading list.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Amazon Apple Books Audible Bookshop.org

Born a Crime

by Trevor Noah · 2016

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

My five favorite memoirs for the summer

Gates included Born a Crime in his 2025 summer memoir reading list.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Amazon Apple Books Audible Bookshop.org

Surrender

by Bono · 2022

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

My five favorite memoirs for the summer

Gates included Surrender in his 2025 summer memoir reading list.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Who Knew

by Barry Diller · 2025

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Five books to read this winter

Gates included Who Knew in his 2025 holiday reading list.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Audible

When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows

by Steven Pinker · 2025

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Five books to read this winter

Gates included When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows in his 2025 holiday reading list.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Audible

The Power

by Naomi Alderman · 2016

Gates included The Power in his 2022 summer reading list.

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

5 books I loved reading this year

Gates included The Power in his 2022 summer reading list.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Audible

Why We're Polarized

by Ezra Klein · 2020

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

5 books I loved reading this year

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

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Audible

The Lincoln Highway

by Amor Towles · 2021

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

5 books I loved reading this year

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

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Amazon Audible

The Ministry for the Future

by Kim Stanley Robinson · 2020

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

5 books I loved reading this year

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

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Audible

How the World Really Works

by Vaclav Smil · 2022

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

5 books I loved reading this year

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

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Amazon Audible

Stranger in a Strange Land

by Robert A. Heinlein · 1961

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Some of my all-time favorite books

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

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Amazon Audible

Team of Rivals

by Doris Kearns Goodwin · 2005

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Some of my all-time favorite books

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

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Audible

The Inner Game of Tennis

by W. Timothy Gallwey · 1974

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Some of my all-time favorite books

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

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Audible

Mendeleyev's Dream

by Paul Strathern · 2000

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

Recommended · Wording not verified Source: Gates Notes

Evidence details

Some of my all-time favorite books

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

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

Gates Notes · 2022 · accessed 2026-06-22

Article · Gates Notes reading list

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.

Audible

Also mentioned

Bill Gates mentioned or cited these books. They are not counted as direct recommendations.

Business Adventures

by John Brooks · 1969

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

Cited · Wording not verified Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Discusses His Lifelong Love for Books and Reading

TIME's interview notes books that influenced Gates's life and mind, including Business Adventures.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · TIME article

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald · 1925

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

Cited · Wording not verified Source: TIME

Evidence details

Bill Gates Discusses His Lifelong Love for Books and Reading

TIME's interview summary identifies The Great Gatsby among books that influenced Gates.

This text documents what the source says, but it is not verified as a word-for-word quote.

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

Article · TIME article

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

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org

Principles

by Ray Dalio · 2017

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

Mentioned · Exact quote Source: Simon & Schuster

Evidence details

Principles

Gates provided an attributed publisher blurb for Principles, describing the book as making Dalio's guidance and insights available to readers.

The quote is taken word for word from the source. It is a mention, not counted as a direct recommendation.

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

Publisher · Publisher endorsement

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

Amazon Apple Books Audible Bookshop.org

Books by Bill Gates

Written by Bill Gates. Not counted as recommendations.

Climate Energy Technology

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster

by Bill Gates · 2021

Bill Gates's plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through innovation, energy systems, policy, and deployment.

Amazon Audible Bookshop.org