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“What’s remarkable is not how much emissions will go down because of the pandemic, but how little.”
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Great books, courses, and music for the holidays

Some favorites from 2023, including a new playlist.

By Bill GatesNovember 20, 2023
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Most Popular Book Reviews
This novel about video games felt personal to me

I never thought I’d relate to a book about gaming, but I loved Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.
This book changed how I see Africa’s past

Born in Blackness challenges Western accounts of the continent.
Three cheers for the dull, factually correct middle

A new masterpiece from one of my favorite authors.
The best guide to getting out of your own way

A profound book about tennis and much more.
MY READING LISTS
MY READING LISTS
View more
BOOKS BY VACLAV SMIL
More books
A book about growth—in every sense

Another masterpiece from Vaclav Smil.
Three cheers for the dull, factually correct middle

A new masterpiece from one of my favorite authors.
What sweat, wine, and electricity can teach us about humanity

Numbers Don’t Lie is Vaclav Smil’s most accessible book yet.
A book about growth—in every sense

Another masterpiece from Vaclav Smil.
Three cheers for the dull, factually correct middle

A new masterpiece from one of my favorite authors.
What sweat, wine, and electricity can teach us about humanity

Numbers Don’t Lie is Vaclav Smil’s most accessible book yet.
Human Biology
Lost and found with “the most wondrous map ever produced”

A talented writer and doctor guides us through the past, present, and future of genome science.
A thought-provoking look at the gene-editing revolution

Walter Isaacson’s latest book profiles Jennifer Doudna and her remarkable discovery.
This biology book blew me away

A compelling case for how energy made us who we are.
A timely primer on your immune system

Four stories that explain how your body fights off disease.
Everything you wanted to know about blood

Everything you ever wanted to know about the stuff in your veins.
You should appreciate germs

I Contain Multitudes helped me see microorganisms in a whole new light.
Lost and found with “the most wondrous map ever produced”

A talented writer and doctor guides us through the past, present, and future of genome science.
A thought-provoking look at the gene-editing revolution

Walter Isaacson’s latest book profiles Jennifer Doudna and her remarkable discovery.
This biology book blew me away

A compelling case for how energy made us who we are.
A timely primer on your immune system

Four stories that explain how your body fights off disease.
Everything you wanted to know about blood

Everything you ever wanted to know about the stuff in your veins.
You should appreciate germs

I Contain Multitudes helped me see microorganisms in a whole new light.
Video Reviews
Video Reviews
Climate and the Environment
More on Climate
Humans are using up earth’s biomass

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.
Is this the effect of human activity?

Elizabeth Kolbert on man-made extinctions.
Is there enough meat for everyone?

Can we produce enough meat for everyone without wrecking the planet?
Reduce, reuse, retool

How we can cut carbon emissions by using less stuff.
Have you hugged a concrete pillar today?

A fascinating look at the stuff that makes modern life possible.
Toads, carp, and other human errors

Elizabeth Kolbert’s insightful look at the intersection of people and nature.
Humans are using up earth’s biomass

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.
Is this the effect of human activity?

Elizabeth Kolbert on man-made extinctions.
Is there enough meat for everyone?

Can we produce enough meat for everyone without wrecking the planet?
Reduce, reuse, retool

How we can cut carbon emissions by using less stuff.
Have you hugged a concrete pillar today?

A fascinating look at the stuff that makes modern life possible.
Toads, carp, and other human errors

Elizabeth Kolbert’s insightful look at the intersection of people and nature.
Energy
More on Energy
A rational look at energy

Meeting the world’s energy needs requires an honest assessment.
Understanding energy use and technology

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

One of my favorite authors explains how energy drives human history.
A rational look at energy

Meeting the world’s energy needs requires an honest assessment.
Understanding energy use and technology

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

One of my favorite authors explains how energy drives human history.
CHATTING WITH THE AUTHORS
CHATTING WITH THE AUTHORS
Human Progress
Why I want to stop talking about the “developing” world

Factfulness is one of the most educational books I’ve ever read.
America’s best days are not behind us

They’re not behind us.
My new favorite book of all time

Steven Pinker’s new book makes a powerful case for why the world is getting better.
Why I want to stop talking about the “developing” world

Factfulness is one of the most educational books I’ve ever read.
America’s best days are not behind us

They’re not behind us.
My new favorite book of all time

Steven Pinker’s new book makes a powerful case for why the world is getting better.
Education Opportunities
More on Education
An amazing guidebook for raising and educating our kids

Diane Tavenner’s book offers amazing tips on preparing kids for college, a career, and life.

Educated is even better than you’ve heard

Melinda and I loved Tara Westover’s journey from the mountains of Idaho to the halls of Cambridge.
Lifelong learners will appreciate this book about the history of everything

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

This book is a useful introduction to a complex problem.
College success rates and a stronger workforce

How for-profit colleges and universities expand opportunities—and where they fall short.
A look at how technology can improve education

Liberating Learning discusses the overlap between two issues I care about a lot.
An amazing guidebook for raising and educating our kids

Diane Tavenner’s book offers amazing tips on preparing kids for college, a career, and life.

Educated is even better than you’ve heard

Melinda and I loved Tara Westover’s journey from the mountains of Idaho to the halls of Cambridge.
Lifelong learners will appreciate this book about the history of everything

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

This book is a useful introduction to a complex problem.
College success rates and a stronger workforce

How for-profit colleges and universities expand opportunities—and where they fall short.
A look at how technology can improve education

Liberating Learning discusses the overlap between two issues I care about a lot.
Global Development
More on Global Development
If we can get the numbers right, we can help more people

Jerven provides an analysis of African economic development statistics.
Small adjustments to aid programs can yield big results

A great source of data-driven wisdom about development aid.
Can the Asian miracle happen in Africa?

Can the lessons from Asia’s rise apply on another continent?
How aid is working

Economist Charles Kenny shines a light on the real successes of aid.
Kofi Annan recalls 10 years at the United Nations

An illuminating look at the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
A cautionary tale from Africa

What we can learn from Jeffrey Sachs’s ambitious project in Africa.
If we can get the numbers right, we can help more people

Jerven provides an analysis of African economic development statistics.
Small adjustments to aid programs can yield big results

A great source of data-driven wisdom about development aid.
Can the Asian miracle happen in Africa?

Can the lessons from Asia’s rise apply on another continent?
How aid is working

Economist Charles Kenny shines a light on the real successes of aid.
Kofi Annan recalls 10 years at the United Nations

An illuminating look at the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
A cautionary tale from Africa

What we can learn from Jeffrey Sachs’s ambitious project in Africa.
Agricultural Development
Helping poor farmers grow their crops

The brilliant agricultural scientist who helped save a billion people from starvation.
Finding solutions, and problems, in agriculture

Gordon Conway provides a roadmap for eliminating hunger in the world.
The new science of feeding the world

Tomorrow’s Table tackles the future of agriculture.
Helping poor farmers grow their crops

The brilliant agricultural scientist who helped save a billion people from starvation.
Finding solutions, and problems, in agriculture

Gordon Conway provides a roadmap for eliminating hunger in the world.
The new science of feeding the world

Tomorrow’s Table tackles the future of agriculture.
GLOBAL HEALTH
More on Global Health
Target: global immunization

Jim Grant's determination and influence saved millions of children's lives.
The brilliant doctor behind my favorite obscure website

My friend Dr. Chris Murray wants to treat everyone. And I mean everyone…
Where do vaccine fears come from?

A new mother writes about the world of vaccines.
Target: global immunization

Jim Grant's determination and influence saved millions of children's lives.
The brilliant doctor behind my favorite obscure website

My friend Dr. Chris Murray wants to treat everyone. And I mean everyone…
Where do vaccine fears come from?

A new mother writes about the world of vaccines.
Fighting Diseases
The heroes of the cystic fibrosis fight

Breath from Salt gave me new perspective on a disease I’ve been following for two decades.
How the U.S. battled polio

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

Nancy Leys Stepan has written a useful history of efforts to eliminate diseases.
The Fever: how malaria has ruled humankind for 500,000 years

If you read just one book about malaria, The Fever may be the best choice.
The only human disease ever eradicated

In House on Fire, Bill Foege tells the amazing story of smallpox eradication.
This book taught me a lot about the Spanish Flu

John M. Barry’s 2004 book The Great Influenza has never been more relevant.
The heroes of the cystic fibrosis fight

Breath from Salt gave me new perspective on a disease I’ve been following for two decades.
How the U.S. battled polio

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

Nancy Leys Stepan has written a useful history of efforts to eliminate diseases.
The Fever: how malaria has ruled humankind for 500,000 years

If you read just one book about malaria, The Fever may be the best choice.
The only human disease ever eradicated

In House on Fire, Bill Foege tells the amazing story of smallpox eradication.
This book taught me a lot about the Spanish Flu

John M. Barry’s 2004 book The Great Influenza has never been more relevant.
Science Lessons
Best book about the periodic table

Mendeleyev’s Dream helps you understand how the periodic table got pieced together and why it’s so helpful.
In science, we’re all kids

I loved reading this science book for young adults.
A basic guide for curious minds

Nuclear physics, space travel, and other topics made easy.
Absurd but true science lessons

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

Randall Munroe’s twisted comic takes on science and technology.
A phenomenal physics teacher

Walter Lewin’s For the Love of Physics helps you understand stars, phones, GPS, and more.
Best book about the periodic table

Mendeleyev’s Dream helps you understand how the periodic table got pieced together and why it’s so helpful.
In science, we’re all kids

I loved reading this science book for young adults.
A basic guide for curious minds

Nuclear physics, space travel, and other topics made easy.
Absurd but true science lessons

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

Randall Munroe’s twisted comic takes on science and technology.
A phenomenal physics teacher

Walter Lewin’s For the Love of Physics helps you understand stars, phones, GPS, and more.
Inequality, Gender, and Race
More on inequality, gender, and race
American history in full color

An eye-opening history of the United States.
How long would you wait for love?

An American Marriage is a moving look at how incarceration changes relationships.
An eye-opening look into America’s criminal justice system

The New Jim Crow will help you understand the history and the numbers behind mass incarceration.
A searing portrait of American poverty

Evicted is beautifully written, eye-opening, and unforgettable.
Melinda has a terrific new book coming out

Her powerful call for gender equality.
From coal country to Yale

Hillbilly Elegy gave me new insights into poverty in America.
American history in full color

An eye-opening history of the United States.
How long would you wait for love?

An American Marriage is a moving look at how incarceration changes relationships.
An eye-opening look into America’s criminal justice system

The New Jim Crow will help you understand the history and the numbers behind mass incarceration.
A searing portrait of American poverty

Evicted is beautifully written, eye-opening, and unforgettable.
Melinda has a terrific new book coming out

Her powerful call for gender equality.
From coal country to Yale

Hillbilly Elegy gave me new insights into poverty in America.
AI and Technology
Is this how your brain works?

Jeff Hawkins’s book explores a new theory about human intelligence.
What if people run out of things to do?

A provocative new book raises big questions about the future.
It’s not always a eureka moment

According to this book, some environments foster more innovation than others.
Is this how your brain works?

Jeff Hawkins’s book explores a new theory about human intelligence.
What if people run out of things to do?

A provocative new book raises big questions about the future.
It’s not always a eureka moment

According to this book, some environments foster more innovation than others.
BOOKS BY YUVAL NOAH HARARI

A guide to worrying in the 21st century

Yuval Noah Harari has written another thought-provoking book.
What if people run out of things to do?

A provocative new book raises big questions about the future.
How did humans get smart?

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

A guide to worrying in the 21st century

Yuval Noah Harari has written another thought-provoking book.
What if people run out of things to do?

A provocative new book raises big questions about the future.
How did humans get smart?

Melinda and I spent weeks talking about this history of the human race.
Video Reviews
Video Reviews
Economics
Not enough people are paying attention to this economic trend

Capitalism Without Capital explains how things we can’t touch are reshaping the economy.
Is there a crisis in capitalism?

A renowned economist’s thought-provoking new book.
These two brilliant economists explain hot-button issues

Good Economics for Hard Times was written about a pre-COVID world, but it’s still relevant today.
Not enough people are paying attention to this economic trend

Capitalism Without Capital explains how things we can’t touch are reshaping the economy.
Is there a crisis in capitalism?

A renowned economist’s thought-provoking new book.
These two brilliant economists explain hot-button issues

Good Economics for Hard Times was written about a pre-COVID world, but it’s still relevant today.
Business
More business books
Management tips from a brilliant business leader

It’s not what you know, it’s what you can accomplish.
A business book I’d actually recommend

Unlike most books on leadership, this one is worth your time.
An honest tale of what it takes to succeed in business

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

The fall of one of America’s great companies.
Satya Nadella’s guide to the future

When the Microsoft CEO asked me to write the foreword for his new book Hit Refresh, I was happy to say yes.
The best business book I’ve ever read

Business Adventures is old, hard to find, and the best business book ever.
Management tips from a brilliant business leader

It’s not what you know, it’s what you can accomplish.
A business book I’d actually recommend

Unlike most books on leadership, this one is worth your time.
An honest tale of what it takes to succeed in business

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

The fall of one of America’s great companies.
Satya Nadella’s guide to the future

When the Microsoft CEO asked me to write the foreword for his new book Hit Refresh, I was happy to say yes.
The best business book I’ve ever read

Business Adventures is old, hard to find, and the best business book ever.
Sports Insights
The best guide to getting out of your own way

A profound book about tennis and much more.
A literary master serves up a winner

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

David Epstein’s Range explains the greatness of Roger Federer and other generalists.
The best guide to getting out of your own way

A profound book about tennis and much more.
A literary master serves up a winner

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

David Epstein’s Range explains the greatness of Roger Federer and other generalists.
Well-being
Why I’m into meditation

Andy Puddicombe has written a great guide to focusing your thoughts.
A practical guide to making life better

Even if you don’t read many inspirational books, I recommend Awakening Joy.
This book put me to sleep

An expert explains the benefits of a good night’s rest.
Why I’m into meditation

Andy Puddicombe has written a great guide to focusing your thoughts.
A practical guide to making life better

Even if you don’t read many inspirational books, I recommend Awakening Joy.
This book put me to sleep

An expert explains the benefits of a good night’s rest.
Presidential Library
An all-American ghost story

Lincoln in the Bardo gave me a new perspective on America’s 16th president.
What wars tell you about U.S. presidents

Michael Beschloss’s latest book gave me insights about leadership.
The best guide to leading a country

Doris Kearns Goodwin’s brilliant biography of Abraham Lincoln is more relevant than ever.
A refreshingly honest take on the American presidency

President Obama’s memoir is a terrific read, no matter what your politics are.
Can the U.S. president drive social change?

How Teddy Roosevelt and William Taft changed America.
Jimmy Carter’s full life

A quick retelling of the former president’s fascinating story.
An all-American ghost story

Lincoln in the Bardo gave me a new perspective on America’s 16th president.
What wars tell you about U.S. presidents

Michael Beschloss’s latest book gave me insights about leadership.
The best guide to leading a country

Doris Kearns Goodwin’s brilliant biography of Abraham Lincoln is more relevant than ever.
A refreshingly honest take on the American presidency

President Obama’s memoir is a terrific read, no matter what your politics are.
Can the U.S. president drive social change?

How Teddy Roosevelt and William Taft changed America.
Jimmy Carter’s full life

A quick retelling of the former president’s fascinating story.
Memoirs
Not everything happens for a reason

A wise and funny memoir from a young woman facing her own mortality.
An Auschwitz survivor’s guide to healing

Eger’s life story gives her fascinating insight into how people move on after trauma.
The best memoir by a rock star I actually know

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

Trevor Noah’s funny and moving account of growing up in South Africa.
Eddie Izzard is a comic genius

And his memoir is terrific—as long as you’ve seen his act.
This book left me in tears

The deeply moving When Breath Becomes Air.
Not everything happens for a reason

A wise and funny memoir from a young woman facing her own mortality.
An Auschwitz survivor’s guide to healing

Eger’s life story gives her fascinating insight into how people move on after trauma.
The best memoir by a rock star I actually know

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

Trevor Noah’s funny and moving account of growing up in South Africa.
Eddie Izzard is a comic genius

And his memoir is terrific—as long as you’ve seen his act.
This book left me in tears

The deeply moving When Breath Becomes Air.
Nonfiction
This book changed how I see Africa’s past

Born in Blackness challenges Western accounts of the continent.
An amazing real-life espionage thriller

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

Erik Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile is a page-turner about getting through World War II.
Innovation, disruption, and progress: what do vaccines, software, and shipping containers have in common?

Shipping containers are way more interesting than you might think.
A family struggling to make a life

A vivid depiction of the daily challenges millions face in urban slums.
Leonardo is one of the most fascinating people ever

Walter Isaacson’s terrific new biography sheds light on every facet of the artist’s life.
This book changed how I see Africa’s past

Born in Blackness challenges Western accounts of the continent.
An amazing real-life espionage thriller

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

Erik Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile is a page-turner about getting through World War II.
Innovation, disruption, and progress: what do vaccines, software, and shipping containers have in common?

Shipping containers are way more interesting than you might think.
A family struggling to make a life

A vivid depiction of the daily challenges millions face in urban slums.
Leonardo is one of the most fascinating people ever

Walter Isaacson’s terrific new biography sheds light on every facet of the artist’s life.
Novels
This novel about video games felt personal to me

I never thought I’d relate to a book about gaming, but I loved Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.
A novel about going west in a Studebaker

I loved the latest from the author of A Gentleman in Moscow.

A wonderful, mind-bending novel

Cloud Atlas is a touching and very clever story about moral choices.
My family loved reading this book together

Readers of all ages will enjoy John Green’s latest novel, Turtles All the Way Down.
The mystery of mom and dad

This powerful graphic novel explores parenthood and life during wartime.
This novel changed how I look at trees

If you are in the mood for something that stimulates your thinking, you’ll love The Overstory.
This novel about video games felt personal to me

I never thought I’d relate to a book about gaming, but I loved Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.
A novel about going west in a Studebaker

I loved the latest from the author of A Gentleman in Moscow.

A wonderful, mind-bending novel

Cloud Atlas is a touching and very clever story about moral choices.
My family loved reading this book together

Readers of all ages will enjoy John Green’s latest novel, Turtles All the Way Down.
The mystery of mom and dad

This powerful graphic novel explores parenthood and life during wartime.
This novel changed how I look at trees

If you are in the mood for something that stimulates your thinking, you’ll love The Overstory.
Historical Fiction

A Gentleman in Moscow has a little bit of everything

Towles’s novel is technically historical fiction, but you’d be just as accurate calling it a thriller or a love story.
A fresh take on the Vietnam War

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

Hamnet pierces the boundary between real life and play

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