Introduction
As the year draws to a close, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, shares his list of must-read books, featuring titles that encourage reflection on various topics such as climate change, innovation, and the evolution of creative industries.
Gates writes in his blog “Gates Note,” “I always enjoy taking advantage of this time of year to catch up on reading, and I know many others do the same. There’s something about the quieter days during the holidays that makes it easier to sit down and read a good book.”
Background on Bill Gates’ Love for Reading
Bill Gates has always had a passion for reading, a habit he developed from childhood. In fact, his love for books was so strong that his family had to establish a rule: “no more books on the dining table.”
1. Remarkably Bright Creatures (Criaturas Extraordinariamente Brillantes) by Shelby Van Pelt
Gates admits that he typically avoids fiction, but when he does read it, he prefers stories with intriguing characters that offer fresh perspectives on the world.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this remarkable novel about Tova, a 70-year-old woman working night shifts cleaning an aquarium and finding fulfillment by caring for a clever octopus.”
Tova’s struggle to find meaning in her life resonates with many people facing similar challenges as they age. Van Pelt’s story made Gates contemplate the challenge of filling days after retirement and what communities can do to help older adults find purpose.
2. Clearing the Air (Limpiando el Aire) by Hannah Ritchie
According to Gates, this book provides one of the clearest explanations of the climate challenge.
“The text is structured around 50 major questions: whether it’s too late to act, if nuclear energy is dangerous, and if renewable energies are truly affordable. It answers each question in a concise and accessible manner.”
The book is realistic about the risks but relies on data showing genuine progress: solar and wind energy are growing at record speeds, electric cars are becoming more affordable, and innovation is accelerating in areas like steel, cement, and clean fuels.
“If you’re looking for an optimistic, fact-based overview on where climate solutions stand, this is an excellent choice.”
3. Who Knew (Quién lo diría) by Barry Diller
The book by media mogul Barry Diller chronicles his successes and failures in Hollywood, as he’s one of the most influential figures in modern media.
He invented television movies, helped create miniseries, turned Paramount into the leading film studio, launched the Fox network, and later built an internet empire. His life’s work has been about betting on ideas before they become obvious, and the industries he transformed demonstrate the significant benefits of such bets.
Gates writes, “I’m fortunate to call Barry a friend, and I thought I knew his story. But his new memoir, Who Knew, still surprised me and taught me a lot about him, his career, and the many industries he’s reshaped.”
4. When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows (Cuando todos saben que todos saben) by Steven Pinker
Gates considers this book essential reading for anyone interested in understanding human communication.
“Few explain the mysteries of human behavior as well as Steven Pinker does.”
The text illustrates how “common knowledge” enables people to coordinate: when we know what others know, indirect signals become clear.
“Though the topic itself is quite complex, the book is engaging and practical, causing me to view everyday social interactions from a new perspective.”
5. Abundance (Abundancia) by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson
This book offers an in-depth look at why the United States seems to struggle with progress and what’s needed to overcome these challenges.
Klein and Thompson argue that progress depends not only on good ideas but also on systems that facilitate their dissemination.
These systems often slow down processes, from housing and infrastructure to clean energy and scientific advancements.
“I recognized many of the obstacles they describe thanks to my own work in global health and climate.”
Abundance aims to have all the answers but poses the right questions about how the United States can rebuild its ability to achieve great things.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What inspired Bill Gates to share his annual book recommendations? Gates enjoys using this time of year to catch up on reading and believes many others do the same.
- Q: Why does Bill Gates typically avoid fiction? He prefers non-fiction that offers fresh perspectives on the world.
- Q: What makes “Clearing the Air” by Hannah Ritchie a noteworthy climate change book? It provides clear explanations and addresses major questions about climate solutions using accessible language and data-driven insights.
- Q: How does “Who Knew” by Barry Diller offer value to readers? The memoir shares the story of a media titan, illustrating the impact of betting on innovative ideas before they become obvious.
- Q: What can readers expect from “When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows” by Steven Pinker? The book explores human communication and coordination through the concept of ‘common knowledge,’ presented in an engaging and practical manner.
- Q: What key takeaways does “Abundance” by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson provide about progress in the United States? The book argues that progress depends on both good ideas and effective systems for dissemination, identifying obstacles in various sectors.
