Reading Lists from the World's Greatest Minds

Discover what leaders, founders & athletes actually read — with their exact words on why.

786 Reading Lists 15972 Books Tracked
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John Hodgman

Writer, Actor, and Humorist

Comedian and author known for his deadpan wit and appearances on The Daily Show. Hodgman has written multiple humor books and acted in films and television.

Actors

1 books

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John Legend

Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer

John Legend is an acclaimed musician known for hits like "All of Me" and his work across R&B, pop, and soul genres. His recommendations span history, science, and memoir.

Actors

5 books

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John Leguizamo

Actor, Comedian, and Playwright

Colombian-American performer known for film, television, and one-man shows. His book recommendations focus on acting craft and emotional depth.

Actors

10 books

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John Mayer

Musician and Guitarist

Grammy-winning musician known for blues-rock guitar work and introspective songwriting across multiple decades.

Musicians

1 books

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John Piper

Evangelical Pastor and Theologian

John Piper is a prominent evangelical minister known for his teaching on Christian joy and God's sovereignty. He founded Desiring God, an influential ministry.

Philosophers & Psychologists

1 books

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John Scalzi

Science Fiction Author & Cultural Commentator

Prolific science fiction writer known for witty, accessible stories that blend humor with complex ideas. His work spans military SF, space opera, and sharp social commentary.

Authors & Thinkers

3 books

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Jon Call

Handbalancer and Movement Artist

Jon Call is a handbalancer known for combining acrobatics with creative movement. He explores the intersection of physical practice and mindfulness.

Athletes & Coaches

1 books

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Jon Favreau

Filmmaker, Actor, and Producer

Director and producer known for Iron Man and The Lion King. His reading spans storytelling craft, culinary adventure, and personal optimization.

Actors

5 books

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Jon Stewart

Comedian, Political Commentator & Host

Longtime host of The Daily Show known for sharp political satire and cultural commentary. His curated reading list reflects interests in neurodiversity, inequality, and global affairs.

Actors

19 books

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Jonathan Eisen

Microbiologist and Science Writer

Microbiologist who writes about infectious diseases, epidemiology, and nature. His recommendations span field guides to outbreak narratives.

Professors & Academics

13 books

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Jonathan Haidt

Social Psychologist and Author

Social psychologist known for exploring morality, politics, and human flourishing. His work bridges science and philosophy to understand what divides and unites us.

Professors & Academics

10 books

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Jonathan Sacks

Former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom

Jewish philosopher and public intellectual who shaped contemporary religious and ethical thought through writing, broadcasting, and interfaith dialogue.

Philosophers & Psychologists

2 books

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Jordan Peterson

Clinical Psychologist & Public Intellectual

Canadian clinical psychologist known for work on personality, mythology, and social commentary. Has recommended 114 books spanning psychology, philosophy, and literature.

Podcasters & Media

114 books

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Joseph Gordon Levitt

Actor, Director, and Creative Entrepreneur

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an acclaimed actor known for roles in films like Inception and (500) Days of Summer, and has expanded into directing and founding hitRECord.

Actors

4 books

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Josh Marshall

Political Journalist and Media Critic

Journalist known for investigative reporting on politics and media. His reading spans American history, religion, and contemporary power dynamics.

Journalists

6 books

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Josh Waitzkin

Chess Prodigy and Learning Expert

Former chess prodigy turned author and performance coach. Waitzkin applies principles from competitive chess to learning, resilience, and personal development.

Athletes & Coaches

16 books

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Joshua Skenes

Chef and Restaurateur

Joshua Skenes is an acclaimed chef known for his innovative cooking techniques and haute cuisine restaurants.

CEOs

1 books

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Judd Apatow

Film & Television Producer, Director, Writer

Oscar-nominated filmmaker known for comedies like Knocked Up and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Produces and directs acclaimed comedies and dramedy series.

Actors

12 books

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Judy Blume

Bestselling Children's & Young Adult Author

Judy Blume is an American author known for writing candid, relatable stories for children and teens. Her books have sold over 90 million copies worldwide.

Authors & Thinkers

5 books

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Julia Galef

Rationality researcher and science communicator

Julia Galef explores how to think more clearly and make better decisions. Her work bridges decision science, forecasting, and long-term ethics.

Journalists

5 books

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Julie Rice

Co-founder of SoulCycle

Julie Rice is the co-founder of SoulCycle, the indoor cycling brand that revolutionized boutique fitness. Her book recommendations reflect her focus on intentional living and purposeful leadership.

CEOs

4 books

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Justin Boreta

Electronic Music Producer and Composer

Justin Boreta is a founding member of The Glitch Mob, known for blending electronic music with philosophical and neuroscientific inquiry.

Musicians

4 books

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Justin Kan

Co-founder of Twitch and Justin.tv

Internet entrepreneur who built Twitch into the leading live streaming platform. His reading focuses on leadership, habit formation, and personal resilience.

Founders

10 books

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Kalyan Krishnamurthy

Flipkart Co-Founder & Former CEO

Indian entrepreneur who built Flipkart into one of Asia's largest e-commerce platforms. Recommends Ayn Rand's philosophical novel exploring individualism.

CEOs

1 books

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Kanye West

Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and designer

Kanye West is a multi-platinum artist and innovative producer who has shaped hip-hop and fashion. His recommendations span memoir, interior design, and contemporary art.

Musicians

8 books

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Kara Swisher

Technology Columnist and Editor-at-Large

Kara Swisher is a veteran tech journalist known for her sharp analysis of Silicon Valley and digital culture. She has covered the internet industry for decades.

Journalists

12 books

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Karen Kilgariff

Podcaster and True Crime Storyteller

Karen Kilgariff is a podcaster best known for co-hosting My Favorite Murder, a true crime podcast with millions of listeners.

Comedians

1 books

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Karlie Kloss

Supermodel, Entrepreneur & Technologist

Former Victoria's Secret Angel and founder of Kode with Karlie, promoting coding education. Her reading spans business philosophy to inspiring memoirs.

Athletes & Coaches

12 books

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Kaskade

Grammy-winning electronic dance music producer

Ryan Tedder, known professionally as Kaskade, is a multi-platinum DJ and producer who has shaped modern electronic music.

Musicians

1 books

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Kat Cole

Restaurant Executive & Entrepreneur

Kat Cole built Cinnabon into a global brand and later became COO of Focus Brands. She's known for her unconventional career path and leadership philosophy.

CEOs

11 books