Bill Gates is known to be an avid reader and every year he releases a list of recommendations for the summer and the winter holidays.
Here’s his list of 5 Books to Enjoy This Winter (2019):
“An American Marriage,” by Tayari Jones
From Gates’ review: “Jones is such a good writer that you can’t help but empathize with Roy and Celestial. Both have been put into a super-difficult position. I obviously haven’t experienced what they go through, but the characters — and their reactions to the situation — ring true to me.”
“These Truths,” by Jill Lepore
From Gates’ review: “While many good history books provide perspectives beyond those of the traditional “great men” of history, Lepore’s book makes diverse points of view central to the narrative. She shows you all the ironies and contradictions in American history.”
“Growth: From Microorganisms to Megacities,” by Vaclav Smil
From Gates’ review: “Even if you don’t like math, don’t let [the first chapter] scare you off, because it makes a really important point: It destroys the idea that you can take an early growth curve for a particular development — the uptake of the smartphone, for example—and use it as the basis for predicting the future.”
“Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life,” by Diane Tavenner
From Gates’ review: “Diane shares the story of how she designed a new kind of charter school with a simple but very ambitious goal: ‘We wanted to teach kids not just what they needed to get into college, but what they needed to live a good life.’”
“Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dream,” by Matthew Walker
From Gates’ review: “I read a couple of great books this year about human behavior, and this was one of the most interesting and profound. Everyone knows that a good night’s sleep is important — but what exactly counts as a good night’s sleep? And how do you make one happen? Walker has persuaded me to change my bedtime habits to up my chances.”
