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The Five Books Jeff Bezos Recommends Everyone Should Read

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, shares the five books that shaped his thinking. Gain insights from a business icon – in 15 minutes or less.
by Daniel Thomas | Dec 5 2024

Reading is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to learn from the world’s greatest minds. Jeff Bezos – the visionary founder of Amazon – is a firm believer in the transformative power of books. Known for his relentless pursuit of innovation and customer obsession, Bezos credits much of his success to the knowledge and inspiration he’s gained from reading.

From practical advice for building a lasting business to thought-provoking insights about the unpredictability of life, Bezos’ favorite books offer a window into the mindset of one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our time. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply someone eager to grow, these reads are filled with valuable lessons to help you think bigger, act smarter, and achieve more.

Blinkist, the knowledge app that Apple ranks as one of the top apps for lifelong learning, has analyzed interviews, speeches, and public mentions to uncover Bezos’ top book recommendations. Here’s a closer look at the five books that Jeff Bezos thinks can change the way you think and work.

5 Books From Jeff Bezos’ Reading List

1. Rework by Jason Fried

In Rework, Jason Fried challenges traditional business advice with a fresh perspective on productivity, competition, and the entrepreneurial journey. It’s a manifesto for anyone looking to break free from conventional wisdom and build something that truly matters. Bezos appreciates its practical tips and no-nonsense approach to work. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 12 minutes.

2. Built to Last by Jim Collins

Built to Last explores what makes visionary companies stand the test of time. Jim Collins dives into the habits, principles, and cultures that set enduring businesses apart from the rest. Bezos has praised the book for offering insights on how to think long-term and create a lasting legacy. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 15 minutes.

3. Sam Walton: Made in America by John Huey and Sam Walton

This autobiography of Walmart’s founder, Sam Walton, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he built one of the world’s largest retailers. Bezos admires Walton’s relentless focus on customers and his ability to think big while staying humble. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 16 minutes.

4. The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

The Black Swan examines the profound impact of rare, unpredictable events on our lives and businesses. Taleb’s thought-provoking analysis of risk and uncertainty has shaped how Bezos thinks about decision-making and navigating the unknown. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 25 minutes.

5. Good to Great by Jim Collins

In Good to Great, Jim Collins explores why some companies leap ahead while others stagnate. The book highlights the importance of leadership, disciplined thinking, and focusing on what truly matters. Bezos has drawn inspiration from its lessons on how to build a business that doesn’t just survive but thrives. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 19 minutes.

These five books are more than just great reads – they’re tools to help you think differently and achieve greatness. With Blinkist, you can access the key ideas from these transformative works in just minutes, making it easier than ever to learn from the best.

Get Insights From the Smartest People in the World

Want to read all of these books but don’t have the time between your job, the gym, and your social life? Find the knowledge you need, faster and easier, with Blinkist. This award-winning app breaks down densely packed non-fiction books into their core ideas for quick comprehension – giving you all the information you need in 15 minutes or less!

Get inspired and stay ahead of the competition by starting with one of the 6,500 titles in the 27 available categories. Whether you are interested in finding out more about human psychology or understanding the best productivity methods: the app has got you covered.

With the app, you can not only unlock the world’s best non-fiction books but also the collective wisdom of some of our world’s most innovative thinkers. Collections curated by people like Arianna Huffington, Elon Musk, and Oprah are all available for you to gain insight into revolutionary ideas that will help shape and change your future.

Expert-Picks-Blinkist
Blinkist has collections from the world’s CEOs, business leaders, and top thinkers.

The Learning Tool Made With On-The-Go Learners in Mind

Thanks to its audio function, it’s now easy for everyone to get in a few lessons wherever they may be. Listen to the explainers anywhere, anytime, and on any device. Blinkist made learning new information more accessible for you so you can listen to it, no matter if you’re commuting, at the gym, or cooking.

“As a wife, a mom of three, and a full-time entrepreneur, I yearn for some time to read for both personal and professional reasons. Blinkist is my car companion and pre-sleep friend! I love it.”
–Oula Farawati, Co-founder & CEO

Millions of People Read More Thanks to This App

With more than 30 million users, Blinkist is one of the most popular apps for professionals who are interested in learning more about the complexity of today’s world. It’s clear that users are satisfied as it currently has a 4.8-star rating. Just have a look at what some of the 90,000 5 star-reviews had to say:

“Most effective use of my time. Blinkist allows me to fill in the gaps during a hectic week and still absorb content that has allowed me to grow as a person, and therefore teach others how to grow.”
–iOS 5 Star review

According to Apple, This Is One of the Best Apps for Lifelong Learning

In addition to being named one of the best apps in the world by Apple, Blinkist has also been ranked in the top 20 apps for lifelong learning. It was also featured as the “App of the Day” on the App Store more than 500 times.

Next to Apple, Blinkist has received some of the highest honors, including awards from the UN for its contribution to the education field, and from Google, for its unique design. The app has also been praised by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tim Cook who visited the employees in Berlin, as well as the New York Times.

Don’t have time to read Jeff Bezos’s favorite books? Read or listen to the explainers on the award-winning knowledge app Blinkist.
Blinkist explainers already help 30 million users learn new information 10x faster by:
  • Being comprehensive: you get the most important points in the book via “Key Ideas”
  • Cutting out the fluff: the expert curators of Blinkist have cut out all of the unnecessary details and information and only present you with the information most relevant to the topic.
  • And by being quick: You can get most of the key ideas in about 15 minutes or less.

Start learning from Jeff Bezos’s recommended books and take Blinkist for a test drive today. Download it for free on the App or Google Play Store.

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