📚 Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our time, is known not only for his business acumen but also for his love of reading. Bezos has often credited books with shaping his approach to innovation, customer obsession, and long-term thinking.
Here are 10 books Jeff Bezos recommends — and the lessons they offer for entrepreneurs, innovators, and thinkers.
1. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
A profound novel about duty, professionalism, and reflection, this book teaches lessons about attention to detail, human judgment, and the value of thoughtful decision-making — principles Bezos applies in business.
2. Sam Walton: Made in America by Sam Walton
Bezos has often praised this autobiography of Walmart’s founder for its insights into customer obsession, frugality, and building a company from scratch. It mirrors Bezos’s own approach at Amazon.
3. The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
"This book changed the way I think about risk."
Taleb’s exploration of rare and unpredictable events resonates deeply with Bezos’s philosophy of long-term thinking and embracing experimentation, even in the face of uncertainty.
4. Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras
Bezos recommends this classic for its lessons on enduring company culture, visionary leadership, and the importance of thinking decades ahead rather than chasing short-term gains.
5. Good to Great by Jim Collins
A follow-up to Built to Last, this book examines what separates good companies from truly great ones. Bezos cites it as a key resource for understanding how disciplined people, thought, and action create exceptional results.
6. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
This book explores why successful companies often fail to innovate. Bezos has used its insights to guide Amazon’s approach to disruption and experimentation, especially when entering new markets.
7. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Bezos appreciates Ries’s framework for iterative development, rapid testing, and learning from failure — principles that align closely with Amazon’s culture of experimentation and customer-focused innovation.
8. The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone
While this biography is about Bezos himself, he has recommended it for its detailed insights into Amazon’s culture, strategy, and customer obsession. It’s a rare instance where the subject endorses a book about their own life.
9. The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker
Bezos recommends this management classic for understanding effectiveness, decision-making, and focusing on what truly matters. It’s a guide to achieving impact as a leader.
10. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Yes, he mentions it more than once!)
Bezos often revisits books that profoundly influence his thinking, reinforcing lessons about judgment, responsibility, and strategic thinking.
Final Thoughts
Jeff Bezos's reading list reflects his long-term thinking, obsession with customers, and passion for innovation. These books are not just about business—they teach about risk, strategy, culture, and leadership in ways that apply to anyone striving to build something lasting.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or a lifelong learner, Bezos’s recommendations provide a roadmap to thinking big, acting boldly, and staying curious.