Lisa Ling is an Emmy-awarded investigative journalist and author who has reported from over 140 countries for National Geographic and CNN. Best known for her documentary series "This Is Life with Lisa Ling," she combines rigorous journalism with humanistic storytelling. Her recommended reads span history, memoir, and fiction—reflecting her commitment to understanding diverse perspectives and untold narratives.
10 Books Recommended by Lisa Ling
Ranked by popularity across all reading lists on this site
This simple little book contains hugely profound meaning.
This simple little book contains hugely profound meaning.
Also recommended by: Daniel Ek, Aubrey Marcus, Big Sean, Brene Brown, Andy Frisella, Patrick Bet David, Eric Ripert, Gabby Reece, Garry Tan, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Lebron James, Lewis Howes, Ryan Flaherty, Ryan Shea, Tony Robbins, Will Smith, Derek Sivers
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
5 people recommendedrecommended 3xGenghis Khan was a great democratizer. His Mongol Empire conquered more territory in 25 years than the Romans did in 200.
Genghis Khan was a great democratizer. His Mongol Empire conquered more territory in 25 years than the Romans did in 200.
Genghis Khan was a great democratizer. His Mongol Empire conquered more territory in 25 years than the Romans did in 200.
Also recommended by: Ankur Warikoo, Ben Horowitz, Austen Allred, Tim Ferriss
A People’s History of the United States
4 people recommendedI credit this book with propelling me to dig deeper, and to not always believe the narrative.
Also recommended by: Alex Honnold, Howard Stern, John Leguizamo
As a child of humble means, this book allowed me to believe that I could go anywhere and do anything.
As a child of humble means, this book allowed me to believe that I could go anywhere and do anything.
Also recommended by: Richard Branson, Twinkle Khanna
Combines historical reality and mythical fiction to deliver a magnificent and magical account of India’s transition to independence and partition.
Combines historical reality and mythical fiction to deliver a magnificent and magical account of India’s transition to independence and partition.
Also recommended by: Patrick Collison
The Joy Luck Club
2 people recommendedrecommended 2xIt is the story of four Chinese American women in San Francisco and how their mothers’ struggles in the Chinese homeland made them who they were. It is a highly emotional and exceptionally beautiful story.
It is the story of four Chinese American women in San Francisco and how their mothers’ struggles in the Chinese homeland made them who they were. It is a highly emotional and exceptionally beautiful story.
Also recommended by: Hillary Clinton
This meticulously account is told from both the Hutu and Tutsi perspectives and is impressively comprehensive. It is so well told, in fact, that I felt like I was there experiencing the horror with my own eyes.
This meticulously account is told from both the Hutu and Tutsi perspectives and is impressively comprehensive. It is so well told, in fact, that I felt like I was there experiencing the horror with my own eyes.
Also recommended by: Kevin Systrom
Corelli’s Mandolin
recommended 2xOne of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read.
One of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read.
The Girl in the Picture
recommended 2xThe story of the young girl who was photographed running naked in horror after her village was napalmed during the war, and who came to symbolize for the world its utter disaster and devastating toll.
The story of the young girl who was photographed running naked in horror after her village was napalmed during the war, and who came to symbolize for the world its utter disaster and devastating toll.
News of a Kidnapping
recommended 2xA journalistic account of ten notable Colombians kidnapped by Pablo Escobar’s Medellín Drug Cartel.
A journalistic account of ten notable Colombians kidnapped by Pablo Escobar’s Medellín Drug Cartel.