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Bill Gates’ 2025 Holiday Reading List: 5 Books Worth Curling Up With
Every year, Bill Gates releases a set of book recommendations for readers who want something meaningful, insightful, and thought-provoking for the holidays.
In his latest video, Gates dives into five books across fiction, climate science, social psychology, media history, and big-picture policy, each offering a unique lens on the world.
1. Remarkably Bright Creatures — Shelby Van Pelt
“This book is really good… You’ve got this octopus in this aquarium observing humans in their unusual behaviors… It’s about human relationships.”
Gates begins with a warm, character-driven novel about relationships, aging, and connection — seen partly through the eyes of a clever Pacific octopus.
He highlights that despite seeming whimsical, the story offers a surprisingly deep reflection on human behavior.
Why he recommends it:
- A compelling emotional journey
- Unique storytelling perspective
- Rich character development
Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MwmYzC
2. Who Knew — Barry Diller
“About his amazing career in the entertainment industry… starting as a mail clerk and becoming a top executive… It explained all sorts of things about competition and what happened in the media business.”
Gates clearly enjoyed this memoir. Barry Diller — a giant in media and entertainment — shares behind-the-scenes stories from his decades shaping major studios and networks.
Gates emphasizes:
- Diller’s humility
- His honest reflections
- How the book explains the real mechanics of media competition
Why it’s worth reading:
- Business strategy lessons
- Creativity in leadership
- An insider look at media evolution
Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Kvf5Ke
3. Abundance — Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson
“Many books that talk about problems aren’t very clear on their prescription. This one actually is.”
“Why do projects take so long? Why are they so expensive? Why do they sometimes fail altogether?”
Gates says this book stands out because it doesn’t just describe big societal problems — it explains how to actually solve them.
It focuses on America’s struggle to build new things: infrastructure, housing, innovation, transportation. The authors explore regulatory barriers, political friction, and the inability to see the “net good.”
Why Gates recommends it:
- Clear actionable analysis
- Realistic frameworks
- Deep exploration of systemic obstacles
Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rvSwpm
4. Clearing the Air — Hannah Ritchie
“Environmentalists have a tendency to be cataclysmic… Hannah Richie brings a numerical approach… helps you understand where things are going.”
“We are achieving some environmental goals.”
Gates is passionate about climate science — and this book hits the sweet spot.
Hannah Ritchie uses data to separate signal from noise, offering a realistic and optimistic view of environmental progress (without ignoring the work that remains).
Why he recommends it:
- Data-driven
- Balanced, not alarmist
- Clear explanations for real-world trends
Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48qFjpj
5. When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows — Steven Pinker
“I’m a huge Steven Pinker fan… There are a lot of social problems about not being embarrassed or not putting people on the spot… Pinker’s book helps us understand how we think about each other.”
This book explores one of the most fascinating concepts in social science: common knowledge — information everyone knows and knows that everyone else knows.
Gates explains that this matters in everyday life, from communication to cooperation.
Why the book stands out:
- Psychological insight
- Social behavior explained simply
- Useful for leaders, families, and anyone navigating groups
Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48qFjpj
Why Gates’ 2025 List Works So Well
Across genres, these five books share common themes:
- understanding human behavior
- finding practical solutions to big problems
- learning through data, storytelling, or lived experience
- improving the world in large and small ways
It’s a mix that appeals to:
- self-improvement readers
- policy and economics readers
- climate and science enthusiasts
- business and leadership audiences
- fiction lovers
Other articles you may like:
- The Warren Buffett Starter Kit: 10 Books the Billionaire Recommends (and Why They Matter)
- Top 10 Best Books to Learn About Investing: From Beginner to Advanced
Conclusion
Bill Gates’ annual reading list is more than a selection of books — it’s a snapshot of what he believes matters in the world right now: empathy, systems thinking, climate reality, institutional reform, and human behavior.
