Bill Gates wants you to read these 5 books before 2025 ends

Bill Gates

Bill Gates has outlined his annual holiday reading list as 2025 draws to a close, pointing readers towards five titles that he believes spark curiosity and meaningful conversations. He says each book helps explain how something essential works, from finding relevance later in life to understanding the systems behind climate change, creativity and human communication.

Gates notes that the slower days around the holidays naturally create space for reading, adding that the season is ideal for stepping back and thinking more clearly. His 2025 list reflects his interest in how people pursue purpose, how industries evolve and how data can help societies tackle their biggest challenges.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt explores the unlikely bond between an ageing janitor and a perceptive octopus, using fiction to examine loneliness, community support and life after work. Gates says the story made him reflect on how older adults navigate purpose once their professional routines end.

Clearing the Air by Hannah Ritchie is a data-first look at climate science, answering fifty major questions on emissions, nuclear energy and renewable power. Gates highlights the book as one of the clearest guides to understanding real climate progress without ignoring the risks.

Who Knew by Barry Diller is a memoir tracing Diller’s journey across Hollywood, media and technology. It blends industry anecdotes with observations on power and risk-taking, showing how bold bets can reshape entire sectors.

When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows by Steven Pinker breaks down the complexities of communication and collective behaviour. Gates says the book remains accessible while offering fresh ways to interpret everyday social interactions.

Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson analyses why America struggles to build quickly and why systems often block good ideas. The authors argue that genuine progress depends on improving the structures that help innovation spread.