In a world overflowing with content, it’s easy to get stuck in decision paralysis, especially when choosing your next book. That’s why more and more readers today are turning to books recommended by thought leaders that cut through the noise and point them toward books that matter.
If you’re a serious reader — especially in business, psychology, investing, leadership, or personal development — this post is your shortcut to discovering books recommended by the world’s most successful thinkers.
Here are eight trusted sites where CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, and domain experts share the books that shaped them.
1. BookAuthority
BookAuthority curates top nonfiction books based on public endorsements and expert picks. It’s one of the most structured platforms for discovering books recommended by thought leaders, from Elon Musk to Satya Nadella.
Best features:
- Ranked book lists by category (leadership, AI, psychology, etc.)
- Endorsements from influential people
- Regularly updated with new releases
Best for: Professionals and thinkers seeking high-quality nonfiction vetted by leaders.
2. Most Recommended Books
🔗 www.mostrecommendedbooks.com
This site collects and ranks books recommended by thought leaders that appear most frequently in celebrity and expert reading lists, including Naval Ravikant, Barack Obama, and Ray Dalio.
Best features:
- Find books recommended by multiple high-profile readers
- Filter by topic, author, or personality
- See “most frequently mentioned” across all sources
Best for: Discovering books that repeatedly surface across top minds.
3. CEO Library
Built around the reading habits of startup founders and entrepreneurs, this site highlights books that fuel growth, productivity, and mindset.
Best features:
- Lists by CEO, founder, or startup
- Commentary on why each book mattered
- Curated by professionals for professionals
Best for: Entrepreneurs, business owners, and startup teams.
4. Read This Twice
This platform collects book mentions from real-world interviews and media appearances — and lets you filter by who recommended them and why.
Best features:
- Filter books by person or topic
- Verified quotes and references
- Popularity rankings based on expert mentions
Best for: Fans of interview-style recommendations and curated credibility.
5. Gates Notes – Bill Gates’ Personal Book Reviews
Bill Gates shares thoughtful reviews on books that span science, economics, public policy, and innovation — often with personal takeaways.
Best features:
- Insightful reviews from one of the world’s sharpest minds
- Covers global topics, innovation, and critical thinking
- Personal and authentic voice
Best for: Smart nonfiction readers and tech-leaning professionals.
6. Derek Sivers’ Book Notes
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers offers straight-to-the-point reviews of hundreds of books with star ratings and brutal honesty.
Best features:
- 1-paragraph summaries with no fluff
- Ratings for usefulness and clarity
- Strong filtering by theme (business, creativity, etc.)
Best for: No-nonsense readers who want the core takeaway, fast.
7. Five Books
Each list is the result of an interview with an expert — economist, historian, scientist, or philosopher — who recommends five must-read books on a specific topic.
Best features:
- In-depth intellectual curation
- Browse by subject area (philosophy, finance, health, etc.)
- Unique picks outside the mainstream
Best for: Knowledge-hungry readers and academic thinkers.
8. Shepherd
Authors recommend five favorite books around a theme they’re passionate about — such as “The best books on building emotional resilience” or “Books that shaped my leadership.”
Best features:
- Story-driven, personal recommendations
- Beautiful UI and thematic curation
- Wide genre and subject coverage
Best for: Readers who love discovery through emotional or thematic connections.
Final Word
Bestseller lists are noisy. Algorithmic suggestions can feel empty.
But these eight platforms take you behind the scenes — into the libraries of people who matter: CEOs, entrepreneurs, experts, and authors who shape industries and ideas.
Next time you’re wondering what to read to sharpen your thinking, improve decision-making, or gain a competitive edge, skip the generic bestsellers. These platforms help you access books recommended by thought leaders — the kind that inspire innovation, deepen wisdom, and change how you see the world.
