Bill Gates has unveiled his annual holiday book recommendations for 2025, selecting five diverse titles that explore themes from climate change to human behavior, reflecting his longstanding tradition of sharing insightful reads.
On November 25, 2025, Bill Gates released his end-of-year reading list on his Gates Notes website, emphasizing that the quieter holiday period is ideal for diving into good books. He has maintained this practice for 15 years, with his recommendations often driving significant shifts in book sales and reader interests, underscoring his influence in the literary world.
The first recommendation, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt, is a novel about a 70-year-old widow who forms an unlikely friendship with a Pacific octopus. Gates, who is also 70, said the book helped him reflect on aging and finding purpose in later life, calling it a thoughtful way to approach his next decade. The novel has been a New York Times bestseller for over a year and is slated for a Netflix adaptation, adding to its appeal.
“Clearing the Air” by Hannah Ritchie addresses 50 key questions about climate change in a concise, data-driven format. Gates, a longtime follower of her work at Our World in Data, praised the book for its hopeful yet realistic outlook, noting progress in renewables, electric vehicles, and innovation. He described it as one of the clearest explanations of the climate challenge available today.
Barry Diller’s memoir, “Who Knew,” details his transformative career in media, including creating the TV movie and building networks, while publicly sharing his journey of coming out as gay. Gates found the book raw and honest, offering insights into risk-taking and innovation that have reshaped industries. He appreciated how Diller’s experiences highlight the power of betting on ideas before they become obvious.
Steven Pinker’s “When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows” explores how common knowledge influences communication and social dynamics. Gates commended Pinker for making complex topics accessible, saying the book provided new perspectives on everyday interactions and coordination. He noted its practical applications for understanding how people connect and collaborate.
“Abundance” by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson analyzes why America struggles to build infrastructure and proposes systemic reforms to accelerate progress in areas like energy and transportation. Gates related these challenges to his work in global health and climate, emphasizing the need to address regulatory and economic bottlenecks to achieve broader societal goals.
Historically, Gates’ recommendations have had a major impact, such as driving a 2,000% sales increase for Pinker’s “The Better Angels of Our Nature” after a 2012 endorsement. His influence extends to revitalizing books like “Business Adventures,” which saw renewed availability and popularity, highlighting the reach of his platform in promoting meaningful literature.
In closing, Gates hopes these books spark curiosity and enrich holiday conversations, encouraging readers to engage with diverse ideas that foster understanding and dialogue. He reiterated the value of reading as a tool for personal growth and collective insight during the festive season.
