Storybooks, rhyme books, horror books...there are so many different kinds, but let's not forget about textbooks. Ugh! Who likes those kinds of books?! Some might even say that it's a nightmare! (same!) But, there ARE good books, books that show us light. And you, me or we probably have read those too!
But, not all of us get the time to read these beautiful, amazing books we all have work to do. You must've heard about Bill Gates. As one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs and celebrated philanthropists, he must be very busy, but he still manages to read at least one book every week.
As an unabashed bookworm, Bill Gates's tastes are quite eclectic and he's created a reading list with books to appeal to the same taste. Here are 10 books Bill Gates thoroughly enjoyed and, perhaps, you will too.
1. LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT by PETER BUFFETT
If that last name sounds familiar to you, it's because he is the son of the third richest man in the world, Warren Buffett. The book is mainly about the really powerful idea that can dramatically change the way you see life. The book looks at how to forge your own path and is definitely a recommended read.
2. WHERE GOOD IDEAS COME FROM by STEVEN JOHNSON
This is such a great book and there's reasons for it. We know that, some of us want to be rich and successful but we feel that we don't have that kind of idea that could change the world or blow away people's minds and if you think like that, then this book is for you. It looks at how ideas evolve and transform into great ideas. This book will change the way you think in order to generate valuable ideas that will help you become rich and successful in life.
3. MOONWALKING WITH EINSTEIN by JOSHUA FOER
Joshua Foer is a memory expert. To make it simple, this book will help you remember more and easily if not everything you read in here. We have always thought of this kind of skill as magic or like “I can never ever acquire this skill”.
And to give a solution to your thought, I recommend you to read this book. Then you will be able to do something an average person won't be able to do. Seriously, this book will change the way you memorize.
4. TAP DANCING TO WORK by CAROL LOOMIS
After 40 years of covering Warren Buffett's evolution from a young investor to becoming the most successful investor the world has ever seen, this book will give you an insight of the strategies and ideas Warren Buffett used and still uses to maintain his successful growth and to protect it. You will get a glimpse of how he makes decisions. Not only for those who are looking for ideas to start a business but also anyone who is looking to understand how to settle oneself in an ever-changing world. It's actually an amazing book.
5. MAKING THE MODERN WORLD by VACLAV SMIL
This is an amazing book. It is about how human civilization has and is changing and using different types of resources. This book will help you to understand that and help you to prepare for the upcoming events and changes.
Making the modern world takes a look at how China and other Asian countries are at their primary stage of development and is still growing and building them up. These countries will see a sudden boom in almost every imaginable sector. Let's look at an example, China has used more cement and more luxurious items than the US did in the last 100 years and if these things keep happening, then this is just the beginning. If you want to know why this is happening, this book is for you.
6. THE SIXTH EXTINCTION by ELIZABETH KOLBERT
If the last time it took a meteorite to wipe out the dinosaurs, then this time it's us humans that are doing the damage. Animal numbers are dropping rapidly. You know, elephants, yeah elephants, the last elephant in the wild is expected to die 20 years from now, your grandchildren will likely see lions, tigers, elephants in animation movies and on the internet.
It doesn't matter if you believe in science or not, climate IS changing as well without your approval. We are already far down this rabbit hole. The problem is we are accelerating it without realizing the irreparable damage we are doing. Bill Gates recommends this book because it makes it easy to understand the kind of impact humanity has on the environment and out of it, numerous opportunities will arise for those who will be able to fix some of these issues.
7. THE MAN WHO FED THE WORLD by LEON HESSER
Norman Borlaug is credited with saving hundreds of millions of lives from starvation more than any other person in history. He might even be the most incredible man you'll ever hear. This book covers his story.
It's a bit hard to read but the story is so good, it will keep you interested. From realizing that the population is increasing at a faster rate than we can produce food from figuring out how to solve the food problem and. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. No matter where you live in the world, if you're studying agriculture, you WILL learn about him because he is THE MAN WHO FED THE WORLD.
8. THE ROSIE PROJECT: A NOVEL by GREAME SIMSION
If the previous books on this list were a bit more focused, this one is a light romance novel. Can you believe, one of Bill Gates 10 most recommended books is a love story? The Rosie project is about a genetics professor who is super socially awkward like Sheldon Cooper, who goes in search of a wife in the most mathematical way possible.
He makes a list of the characteristics he looks for in a future spouse but all for sudden he met this woman named, Rosie, who is exactly opposite of what is included in his list. It's a moving and hilarious novel which is recommended to anyone who is looking or searching for love.
9. THE GREAT GATSBY by F.SCOTT FITZGERALD
Hi there! Bet you didn't expect to see two romance novels in this list, did you? The Great Gatsby is one of our all-time favorite stories. You probably know about it or at least heard about it or maybe have seen the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio.
We always said that, as you get older and reread this book, you'll always find something new. It's one of those love stories which never gets old. No matter how many times you have read this, it always keeps you interested. No matter where you are in your life, you will always relate to someone in this story and it never hurts that it brings you into the life of Jay Gatsby, his lavish lifestyle and party and his UNDYING love for Daisy
10. BUSINESS ADVENTURES: TWELVE CLASSIC TALES FROM THE WORLD OF WALL STREET by JOHN BROOKS
This is Bill Gates favourite business book, so you know I had to include it. If you don't believe me, just look at the picture. It's a combination of stories from Wall Street meant to represent valuable and universal principles which are key to any entrepreneur.
This book was gifted to Bill by his mentor, Warren Buffett in 1991. If you needed another reason to go and get it , what we found fascinating about this book is that money is cyclical in nature. That means that some things tend to repeat themselves again and again. We have seen this several times with real-estate crashes, with stocks, with big manufacturers and also with crypto space now.
Books are like uniquely portable magic. American author Jhumpa Lahiri said," That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet." JK Rowling said," I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book." For me, reading a book is like dreaming with my eyes open.
