📚 The Best Books: My Recommended Reading List (2025)
On this page, you’ll find my personal collection of the best books on business, self-help, health, wealth, psychology, philosophy, and more. Everything is organized into categories so you can quickly find what you’re looking for.
Why this reading list?
I’ve read hundreds of books over the years, but only a select few truly stand out. This page is my personal reading list of the best books on business, self-help, health, wealth, psychology, and more – the ones that have made a real impact.
📖 A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.
– George R.R. Martin
If you’re looking for good books that are actually worth your time, you’ll find them here. Everything is organized into categories, making it easy to discover great books to help you grow.
Whether you want to build better habits, improve your mindset, or grow your business, this list has you covered. I update it regularly with new book recommendations.
Note: All great books listed below are Amazon affiliate links. This means I receive a very small commission if you make a purchase when clicking through any of the links below, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for stopping by!
Browse best books by category
🚀 Best Business Books
Looking for the best business books to grow your company, build wealth, and become a better entrepreneur?
These top books cover entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, and business strategy – giving you the insights and tools to succeed.
$100M Offers by Alex Hormozi teaches how to create irresistible offers that make customers feel stupid saying no.
The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco reveals why traditional financial advice keeps most people broke and how to build wealth fast.
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries shows how to test ideas, pivot quickly, and build a business that actually works.
Company of One by Paul Jarvis explains why staying small can be the key to a successful and fulfilling business.
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber breaks down why most small businesses fail and how to build systems that work.
Principles by Ray Dalio shares the timeless principles that helped build one of the world’s most successful hedge funds, offering insights on decision-making, leadership, and problem-solving.
Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell teaches entrepreneurs how to reclaim time, delegate effectively, and scale a business without burnout.
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller teaches how to clarify your brand’s message using a storytelling framework that attracts customers and drives business growth.
Main Street Millionaire by Cody Sanchez reveals how to acquire boring, cash-flowing businesses to achieve financial freedom without starting from scratch.
$100M Leads by Alex Hormozi breaks down proven strategies for generating unlimited high-quality leads, turning cold traffic into paying customers at scale.
Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan shares a step-by-step system for launching a profitable business in 48 hours, even with no prior experience.
Start With Why by Simon Sinek explains how great leaders and brands inspire action by defining their core purpose and leading with “why” instead of just “what” they do.
Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley reveals how to stand out in your industry, build authority, and create opportunities by becoming a highly valuable, sought-after leader.
Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestley teaches how to create high demand for your business, attract customers before you even launch, and build a brand people are eager to buy from.
Traction by Gino Wickman introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a proven framework for structuring, managing, and scaling a successful business.
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz flips traditional accounting on its head, showing business owners how to take profit first, control cash flow, and build a financially healthy company.
The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker teaches essential leadership skills, time management, and decision-making strategies to help executives and entrepreneurs maximize their impact.
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Ries & Jack Trout lays out timeless principles for brand positioning, differentiation, and staying ahead in a competitive market.
The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding by Al Ries & Laura Ries breaks down the key principles behind successful branding, showing how to build a category-defining brand that stands the test of time.
Traffic Secrets by Russell Brunson teaches how to drive traffic to your business using proven marketing strategies, social media, and paid ads.
What’s Your Dream? by Simon Squibb helps aspiring entrepreneurs overcome fear, take action, and turn their dreams into reality, drawing from the author’s journey from homelessness to building a multimillion-pound business.
Made to Stick by Chip Heath & Dan Heath reveals why some ideas catch on while others fade, teaching practical strategies to craft memorable messages that influence and inspire.
Predictable Profits by Stu McLaren reveals how to build a scalable membership business with recurring revenue, helping entrepreneurs create predictable, long-term financial success.
Day Trading Attention by Gary Vaynerchuk explains how to win in today’s fast-moving digital world by capturing attention, building a brand, and standing out in a crowded market.
Twelve and a Half by Gary Vaynerchuk breaks down the emotional skills that drive success, showing how traits like kindness, patience, and self-awareness can make you a better leader.
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek breaks down what makes great leaders, showing how trust, teamwork, and a strong company culture lead to success in business and life.
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo helps you rewire your mindset to overcome obstacles, take action, and build confidence – whether in business, career, or everyday life.
Good to Great by Jim Collins breaks down why some companies make the leap to long-term success while others stay mediocre, revealing the key strategies that drive lasting business growth.
The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett shares powerful lessons on success, mindset, and personal growth, drawn from his own experiences and conversations with world-class leaders.
Superfans by Pat Flynn shows how to turn casual followers into loyal, engaged fans—helping you build a brand that people truly care about.
Work Less, Make More by James Schramko lays out a smarter way to build a profitable business – helping you earn more while working fewer hours.
💡 Best Self-Help Books
Success isn’t just about working harder. It’s about building the right habits, mastering your mindset, and staying consistent.
These books cover personal growth, productivity, and mental resilience, helping you develop discipline, improve focus, and take action toward your goals.
If you’re looking for the best self-help books to boost motivation, eliminate distractions, and create lasting success, this list has you covered.
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins shares a brutal yet inspiring journey of mental toughness and overcoming adversity.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown teaches how to eliminate distractions and focus on what truly matters.
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma is about waking up early and using a simple morning routine to build discipline, boost productivity, and live with purpose.
Atomic Habits by James Clear breaks down how tiny daily habits can lead to massive results. It’s all about building good habits, breaking bad ones, and making success effortless.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle explores the power of mindfulness and presence, showing how to let go of past regrets and future worries to live fully in the present.
12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson shares practical principles for living a more meaningful, disciplined, and resilient life, grounded in psychology and philosophy.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie teaches timeless principles for building strong relationships, improving communication, and winning people over in business and life.
Mindset by Carol Dweck explains how adopting a growth mindset leads to success in any area of life.
Deep Work by Cal Newport teaches how to focus without distraction, master your craft, and produce high-quality work in less time.
Effortless by Greg McKeown shows how to make success easier by removing unnecessary effort, simplifying your approach, and focusing on what truly matters.
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins challenges traditional saving habits and teaches how to optimize time, money, and experiences to live fully before it’s too late.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey lays out timeless principles for personal and professional success.
The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan explains how focusing on just one priority at a time leads to massive success.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson challenges toxic positivity and teaches how to focus on what really matters.
The Wealth Money Can’t Buy by Robin Sharma explores the deeper meaning of wealth, focusing on happiness, purpose, and a fulfilling life beyond financial success.
The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest explains how self-sabotage works and how to break free from it.
Mastery by Robert Greene reveals how to unlock your full potential through deliberate practice, lifelong learning, and discipline.
The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani challenges conventional thinking and shows how to break free from limiting beliefs, reprogram your mind, and design life on your own terms.
The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington shows how to ditch annual goals and focus on short-term execution – helping you achieve more in 12 weeks than most do in a year.
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins teaches a simple but powerful technique to beat procrastination, build confidence, and take action before doubt sets in.
Anything You Want by Derek Sivers shares unconventional wisdom on success, entrepreneurship, and creating a meaningful life on your own terms.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson distills insights on wealth, happiness, and decision-making from one of the greatest thinkers of our time.
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin teaches leadership lessons from Navy SEALs, showing how taking full responsibility leads to success in business, teams, and life.
Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday explores the power of self-discipline and how mastering it leads to greatness.
Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal challenges the hustle mentality and shows how to achieve more by making work enjoyable and energizing.
High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard reveals six science-backed habits that separate top performers from the rest and help sustain long-term success.
The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman teaches how to tap into a secret identity to boost confidence, eliminate fear, and perform at your best in any area of life.
10% Happier by Dan Harris is a practical and entertaining take on meditation, showing how even small mindfulness habits can reduce stress and improve happiness.
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins is all about letting go of the need to control people, situations, and outcomes—freeing up your energy for what truly matters.
So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport challenges the idea of “follow your passion,” arguing that career success comes from mastering valuable skills, not just doing what you love.
The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone shows why massive action is the key to success, pushing you to think bigger, work harder, and go all in on your goals.
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi breaks down how to build meaningful connections, grow your network, and create opportunities through relationships.
💰 Top Books about Finance & Wealth Building
Making money is one thing – keeping and growing it is another. These books will help you master your finances, invest wisely, and build lasting wealth.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel explores how emotions, biases, and behavior shape financial decisions, offering timeless lessons on wealth, investing, and financial success.
The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom explores how true wealth goes beyond money, helping you build a rich life in every sense.
I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi offers a no-BS, practical guide to automating finances, saving smarter, and building long-term wealth—without giving up what you love.
Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin teaches how to rethink spending, save more, and achieve financial independence by aligning money with what truly matters.
Make Money Easy by Lewis Howes simplifies the path to financial success, teaching how to earn more, save smarter, and build wealth without stress.
Rich AF by Vivian Tu breaks down money in a simple, no-BS way, covering how to save, invest, and build wealth without feeling overwhelmed.
🏋️♂️ Best Books about Health & Fitness
Health is wealth. These books will show you how to optimize your body, boost energy, and extend your lifespan.
Lifespan by Dr. David Sinclair explains the latest science behind aging and how to extend your lifespan.
Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia breaks down the most effective strategies for long-term health and performance.
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker reveals how sleep affects every aspect of our health and success.
Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson shows how to fix your sleep, boost energy, and improve recovery with simple, science-backed habits.
The Story of the Human Body by Daniel Lieberman explores human evolution and how modern lifestyles impact our health.
Boundless by Ben Greenfield dives into cutting-edge biohacking strategies for peak performance.
Genius Foods by Max Lugavere reveals how diet impacts brain function, memory, and mental clarity, offering science-backed nutrition strategies to boost focus and longevity.
Young Forever by Dr. Mark Hyman breaks down the science of longevity, showing how to slow aging, prevent disease, and optimize your health with nutrition, lifestyle changes, and cutting-edge medicine.
📖 Best Biographies & Memoirs
The best way to learn is from those who’ve done it. These must-read biographies and memoirs dive into the lives of entrepreneurs, innovators, and high achievers – showing how they overcame challenges, built success, and shaped the world.
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight shares how Nike was built from nothing, revealing the struggles, risks, and breakthroughs behind the brand’s success.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson details the vision, struggles, and innovation of Apple’s legendary founder.
The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie reveals how one of the world’s richest men built his empire and why he believed in giving away his fortune.
Total Recall by Arnold Schwarzenegger is the no-holds-barred autobiography of a man who dominated bodybuilding, Hollywood, and politics through relentless ambition and discipline.
🏛 Best Philosophy Books
Philosophy isn’t just about deep thinking. It’s about making better decisions, building resilience, and gaining clarity in life and business.
These great books share timeless wisdom from the greatest minds in history. You’ll learn practical lessons on mindset, discipline, and handling life’s challenges with a clear perspective.
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday delivers 366 bite-sized lessons on resilience, discipline, and wisdom, drawing from ancient Stoic philosophy to help you stay focused and grounded every day.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius shares the personal reflections of a Roman emperor on wisdom, self-discipline, and resilience.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl reveals how finding purpose can help overcome any hardship.
A Manual for Living by Epictetus offers practical Stoic wisdom on self-control, inner peace, and handling life’s challenges with grace.
🧠 Best Psychology Books
Psychology is everywhere. It shapes how we think, make decisions, and interact with the world.
These books explore human behavior, cognitive biases, and persuasion, helping you understand yourself and others on a deeper level.
Whether you’re looking for the best books on psychology, top books on human behavior, or must-read reads on decision-making and influence, you’ll find valuable insights here.
Influence by Robert Cialdini breaks down the psychology of persuasion and how people are influenced without realizing it.
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell explains how small changes, social influence, and the right timing can turn an idea, trend, or movement into something massive.
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell breaks down the hidden factors behind success, showing why high achievers aren’t just talented but also shaped by opportunity, timing, and environment.
Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell explores the hidden forces behind social epidemics, showing how small actions can trigger massive and sometimes unintended consequences in society.
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell breaks down the science of snap decisions, showing when to trust your instincts – and when to think twice.
The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene uncovers deep psychological truths about human behavior and relationships.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman explains how we make decisions, why we act on instinct, and when overthinking gets in the way.
Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely shows how hidden biases lead to irrational choices in money, business, and everyday life.
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga applies Adlerian psychology to show how letting go of approval-seeking and past limitations leads to true happiness and freedom.
Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb explores how luck and randomness play a bigger role in success than we think.
The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz explains why having too many options makes decision-making harder and less satisfying.
❤️ Best Books about Relationships & Love
Great relationships don’t just happen – they’re built with understanding, communication, and emotional connection.
These books explore love, attachment styles, and what makes relationships thrive, whether it’s with a partner, family, or yourself. From modern dating insights to timeless wisdom on connection, these are the best books on love and relationships to help you navigate it all.
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman explains how people express and receive love differently – and how understanding these differences can transform your relationships.
The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida is a guide to masculinity, purpose, and relationships—helping men step up in love, work, and life.
8 Rules of Love by Jay Shetty is a guide to finding, keeping, and letting go of love with wisdom and intention, blending ancient teachings with modern relationship advice.
Love Life by Matthew Hussey helps you raise your standards, attract the right partner, and create a fulfilling relationship with clear, no-BS advice.
How to Not Die Alone by Logan Ury breaks down the science of dating – helping you recognize bad patterns, make smarter choices, and build a real connection.
Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg teaches a simple but powerful method to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger, healthier relationships.
Mind the Gap by Dr. Karen Gurney explores the science of female desire, breaking myths and offering practical ways to improve intimacy.
The Evolution of Desire by David Buss breaks down the science of attraction, showing why we’re drawn to certain traits and how human mating strategies have evolved over time.
Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski breaks down the science of female sexuality, showing how emotions, stress, and confidence shape intimacy and desire.
Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus by John Gray explains the key differences in how men and women think, communicate, and connect – helping couples build stronger, more understanding relationships.
The Moral Animal by Robert Wright explores how evolutionary psychology shapes the way we think, love, and behave – revealing the hidden forces behind human nature.
Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel explores why passion fades in long-term relationships – and how couples can reignite desire while staying emotionally connected.
Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel explores why passion fades in long-term relationships – and how couples can reignite desire while staying emotionally connected.
🎨 Best Art & Creativity Books
Creativity isn’t just for artists. These life-changing books will help you think differently, spark new ideas, and bring your vision to life.
Show Your Work by Austin Kleon teaches how to share your creative process, build an audience, and get noticed without self-promotion.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield reveals how to overcome resistance and do creative work.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert shows how to unlock creativity, push past fear, and bring your ideas to life—whether you’re an artist, writer, or creator.
✍️ Best Writing Books
Want to write better? Whether it’s storytelling, copywriting, or content creation, these books will sharpen your skills.
On Writing by Stephen King shares both a memoir and practical advice on becoming a better writer.
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley teaches how to write compelling content for the internet.
Ernest Hemingway on Writing by Larry W. Phillips collects Hemingway’s best advice on writing, discipline, and the craft of storytelling, offering timeless lessons for any writer.
The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole reveals how to write compelling content, grow an audience, and turn writing into a profitable online business.
📜 Best History Books
History isn’t just about the past – it’s about understanding how civilizations rose and fell, how ideas shaped the world, and how the lessons of yesterday apply today.
These great books explore major historical events, powerful empires, and the forces that shaped human progress.
Whether you want to learn about ancient civilizations, world-changing discoveries, or the people who redefined history, this list has some of the best history books to read.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari explores the history of human civilization, from early hunter-gatherers to modern societies, showing how culture, technology, and ideas shaped the world we live in today.
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond examines how geography, resources, and environmental factors shaped the rise and fall of civilizations, explaining why some societies advanced faster than others.
The Lessons of History by Will & Ariel Durant distills key patterns from thousands of years of history, exploring recurring themes in politics, economics, war, and human nature to reveal what we can learn from the past.
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough tells the inspiring true story of how two bicycle mechanics defied the odds to invent powered flight and change history.
The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan reexamines world history through the lens of trade and cultural exchange, showing how the interconnected routes of the East and West shaped civilizations, economies, and global power.
🔬 Best Science Books
Want to understand how the universe works? These must-read science books cover physics, biology, space, and human evolution – breaking down complex topics in a way anyone can grasp.
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking explains the mysteries of the universe, from black holes to time travel, in a way that’s fascinating and easy to understand.
Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance by Atul Gawande explores how doctors, surgeons, and healthcare systems improve performance under pressure, offering deep insights into medicine and human resilience.
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande reveals how simple checklists can prevent mistakes, improve efficiency, and help professionals – from surgeons to CEOs – get things right.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson takes readers on a fascinating journey through science, explaining the biggest discoveries in physics, biology, and the universe in an easy-to-understand way.
📖 Best Fiction Books for Personal Growth
Fiction isn’t just entertainment – it’s a source of wisdom. These top fiction books explore personal growth, purpose, and the human experience.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a timeless fable about following your dreams, listening to your heart, and finding your personal legend.
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse follows the spiritual journey of a man seeking enlightenment, blending Eastern philosophy with deep life lessons.
The Stranger by Albert Camus is a thought-provoking novel on existentialism and the absurdity of life.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about the best books to read? Whether you’re looking for top business books, self-help classics, or must-read productivity guides, this FAQ covers everything from book recommendations to how this list is curated and updated.
What are the best books for self-improvement?
Some of the best self-improvement books include Atomic Habits by James Clear, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, Mindset by Carol Dweck, and Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. These books focus on building discipline, improving mindset, and achieving long-term success.
What are the best business books for entrepreneurs?
Top business books for entrepreneurs include $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi, The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco, and Main Street Millionaire by Cody Sanchez. These books teach strategies for scaling, building wealth, and running a profitable business.
What are the best books for learning about money and investing?
If you want to improve your financial knowledge, start with The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins, and Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin. These books cover personal finance, investing, and wealth-building strategies.
What are the best books for productivity and focus?
Some of the best productivity books include Deep Work by Cal Newport, The One Thing by Gary Keller, Essentialism by Greg McKeown, and Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal. These books will help you eliminate distractions, manage time better, and get more done.
What are the best books about human psychology and behavior?
To understand human behavior, check out The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene, Influence by Robert Cialdini, Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, and The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz. These books explore decision-making, persuasion, and cognitive biases.
Which books will help me improve my marketing skills?
If you want to get better at marketing, read $100M Leads by Alex Hormozi, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Made to Stick by Chip & Dan Heath, and Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller. These books teach persuasion, branding, and viral marketing strategies.
What are the best books for longevity and health optimization?
For better health and longevity, start with Lifespan by Dr. David Sinclair, Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia, Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, and The Story of the Human Body by Daniel Lieberman. These books cover nutrition, aging, sleep, and evolutionary health.
What are the best books on creativity and mastering a skill?
If you want to master your craft, read Mastery by Robert Greene, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, and Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. These books will help you develop creative discipline and improve your skills.
What are the best books about travel and lifestyle design?
For travel and lifestyle freedom, check out Vagabonding by Rolf Potts, The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss, Die With Zero by Bill Perkins, and How to Travel the World on $50 a Day by Matt Kepnes. These books show how to design a life of freedom and adventure.
How do I choose the best book to read?
The best book for you depends on your goals. If you want to improve habits, try Atomic Habits. If you’re starting a business, go for $100M Offers. If you’re focused on financial freedom, read The Psychology of Money. Pick books that align with what you want to learn or improve.
What are the best books of all time?
The best books of all time vary depending on personal preferences and life goals, but some timeless classics include How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene. These books have impacted millions of people worldwide.
Who is behind this reading list?
This book guide is curated by Navid Moazzez, an entrepreneur, content creator, and lifelong learner. I focus on business, self-improvement, productivity, and health, and I share books that have had a real impact on my journey. My goal is to recommend high-quality, actionable books that help people improve their lives and businesses.
Do you update this reading list?
Yes! I regularly update this list with new books I find valuable. The goal is to keep this guide fresh, relevant, and packed with the best books in each category. If a new book deserves a spot, I’ll add it.
Have you personally read all these books?
I’ve read most of the books on this list, and the rest come highly recommended by people I trust. My approach is to focus on books that deliver real value, whether it’s for business, mindset, productivity, or health. If a book makes it on this page, it’s because it’s worth reading.
Do you earn commissions from book recommendations?
Yes, some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them – at no extra cost to you. This helps support my work in curating and updating this list, but I only recommend books that I genuinely believe are valuable.
Last updated: 2025-02-17