5 books recommended by Bill Gates for 2024

If you are a fan of reading or are looking for inspiration to end the year with valuable learning, the list of books recommended by Bill Gates is a perfect starting point.

The Microsoft founder shared five works ranging from technology and artificial intelligence to moving personal stories. These books promise to broaden your worldview and bring important reflections to life. Check out the selection and discover why each reading could be ideal for the end of the year.

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1. “An Unfinished Love Story” – Doris Kearns Goodwin

This is a touching autobiographical account by author Doris Kearns Goodwin, who shares her life journey alongside her late husband, a renowned political speechwriter in the United States. The book blends personal memoir with political history, offering a unique perspective on how love and work can intertwine. Although it has no translation into Portuguese, the work is an exciting and enriching read for those who appreciate reflective biographies.

To end the year, “An Unfinished Love Story” is an excellent choice, as it invites the reader to reflect on human connections and legacy. By revisiting the past with honesty and emotion, the book offers lessons about resilience and the importance of valuing the people around us. It’s a read that goes well with the introspective mood at the end of the year.

2. “The Anxious Generation” – Jonathan Haidt

With a critical look at the impacts of hyperconnectivity on the younger generation, Jonathan Haidt explores how social networks and excessive online life are affecting mental health. Gates praises the author for not only presenting the problems, but also proposing practical, well-researched solutions to address these challenges. The book, published in Brazil by Companhia das Letras, is essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand the impacts of technology on our society.

Ending the year with “The Anxious Generation” can be transformative, especially for those looking to adjust their digital habits and prioritize mental health. With deep insights, the book encourages reflection on how time online affects relationships and well-being, providing tools to start the next year in a more balanced way.

3. “Engineering in Plain Sight” – Grady Hillhouse

This book is a true lesson in the infrastructure that surrounds us. Grady Hillhouse, engineer and communicator, explains how the structures we see every day, but often don’t understand, work. In a clear and entertaining way, the author unravels the mysteries of civil engineering, showing how seemingly simple works are crucial to modern life. Gates highlights that the book is ideal for anyone who wants to better understand the complexity of the built world.

For the end of 2024, “Engineering in Plain Sight” is a read that combines entertainment and learning. In addition to enriching the reader with interesting facts about engineering, the work helps to develop a new appreciation for the structures that make our daily lives possible. It’s an invitation to start the next year with a curious mindset and more attentive to what surrounds us.

4. “The Next Wave” – Mustafa Suleyman

Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, addresses the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence in “The Next Wave”. The author presents the challenges that humanity needs to overcome to reap the benefits of technology without exposing itself to significant dangers. For Gates, this is one of the best books on how AI and other scientific advances are shaping modern society.

Reading “The Next Wave” at the end of the year can be inspiring, especially for those who want to prepare for the technological transformations that lie ahead. The book is a call to action, encouraging the reader to think strategically and embrace innovation opportunities responsibly.

5. “Federer” – Doris Henkel

As a bonus, Gates recommends “Federer”, a work that explores the story of legendary tennis player Roger Federer. With never-before-seen photos and an engaging narrative, the book is described as a treasure for sports fans and Federer admirers. Although it is a robust and expensive edition, the richness of visual and textual content makes up for the investment.

To end 2024, “Federer” is a light and inspiring option, especially for those looking for a special gift or wanting to celebrate sporting achievements and dedication. The work is a tribute to perseverance and passion for what one does, qualities that can motivate anyone to face the new year with more enthusiasm.