What does a virtuous life look like? David Brooks suggests an intriguing idea.

Why We’re Polarized is a fascinating look at human psychology.

Jeff Hawkins’s book explores a new theory about human intelligence.

According to this book, some environments foster more innovation than others.

Melinda and I loved Tara Westover’s journey from the mountains of Idaho to the halls of Cambridge.

What is humanity’s origin story? David Christian answers that question in his new book.

This book is a useful introduction to a complex problem.

How for-profit colleges and universities expand opportunities—and where they fall short.

A talented writer and doctor guides us through the past, present, and future of genome science.

Walter Isaacson’s latest book profiles Jennifer Doudna and her remarkable discovery.

I Contain Multitudes helped me see microorganisms in a whole new light.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the stuff in your veins.

I thought this thrilling story about a double agent lived up to the hype.

Maggie O’Farrell’s novel is a beautiful, well-written look at how grief tears a family apart.

Elizabeth Kolbert on man-made extinctions.

Can we produce enough meat for everyone without wrecking the planet?

How we can cut carbon emissions by using less stuff.

Looking at the impact human activities are having on the web of plants, animals, and other life forms that compose the Earth’s biosphere, and what it means for our future.

David MacKay’s brilliant book is a primer on how we make energy and its impact on the climate.

One of my favorite authors explains how energy drives human history.

A new masterpiece from one of my favorite authors.

Numbers Don’t Lie is Vaclav Smil’s most accessible book yet.

Factfulness is one of the most educational books I’ve ever read.

They’re not behind us.

A great source of data-driven wisdom about development aid.

Can the lessons from Asia’s rise apply on another continent?

Economist Charles Kenny shines a light on the real successes of aid.

An illuminating look at the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Gordon Conway provides a roadmap for eliminating hunger in the world.

Tomorrow’s Table tackles the future of agriculture.

Jim Grant's determination and influence saved millions of children's lives.

My friend Dr. Chris Murray wants to treat everyone. And I mean everyone…

The polio epidemics of the past were terrible and unsettling times.

Nancy Leys Stepan has written a useful history of efforts to eliminate diseases.

If you read just one book about malaria, The Fever may be the best choice.

In House on Fire, Bill Foege tells the amazing story of smallpox eradication.

I loved reading this science book for young adults.

Nuclear physics, space travel, and other topics made easy.

I got a kick out of Randall Munroe’s brilliant, offbeat science lessons.

Randall Munroe’s twisted comic takes on science and technology.

An American Marriage is a moving look at how incarceration changes relationships.

The New Jim Crow will help you understand the history and the numbers behind mass incarceration.

Evicted is beautifully written, eye-opening, and unforgettable.

Her powerful call for gender equality.

A provocative new book raises big questions about the future.

Melinda and I spent weeks talking about this history of the human race.

Capitalism Without Capital explains how things we can’t touch are reshaping the economy.

A renowned economist’s thought-provoking new book.

Unlike most books on leadership, this one is worth your time.

Phil Knight opens up in a way few CEOs do in his candid memoir about creating the Nike shoe empire.

The fall of one of America’s great companies.

When the Microsoft CEO asked me to write the foreword for his new book Hit Refresh, I was happy to say yes.

I loved this book on tennis as much for the writing as its insights into my favorite sport.

David Epstein’s Range explains the greatness of Roger Federer and other generalists.

Andy Puddicombe has written a great guide to focusing your thoughts.

Even if you don’t read many inspirational books, I recommend Awakening Joy.

Michael Beschloss’s latest book gave me insights about leadership.

Doris Kearns Goodwin’s brilliant biography of Abraham Lincoln is more relevant than ever.

President Obama’s memoir is a terrific read, no matter what your politics are.

How Teddy Roosevelt and William Taft changed America.

Eger’s life story gives her fascinating insight into how people move on after trauma.

I’m lucky to call Bono a friend. But his autobiography still surprised me.

Trevor Noah’s funny and moving account of growing up in South Africa.

And his memoir is terrific—as long as you’ve seen his act.

In The Spy and the Traitor, a Soviet double agent helps prevent a nuclear war—and nearly dies for it.

Erik Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile is a page-turner about getting through World War II.

Shipping containers are way more interesting than you might think.

A vivid depiction of the daily challenges millions face in urban slums.