Reading Lists from the World's Greatest Minds
Discover what leaders, founders & athletes actually read — with their exact words on why.
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.
Actors1 books
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.
Actors5 books
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.
Actors10 books
John Mayer
Musician and Guitarist
Grammy-winning musician known for blues-rock guitar work and introspective songwriting across multiple decades.
Musicians1 books
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 & Psychologists1 books
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 & Thinkers3 books
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 & Coaches1 books
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.
Actors5 books
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.
Actors19 books
Jonathan Eisen
Microbiologist and Science Writer
Microbiologist who writes about infectious diseases, epidemiology, and nature. His recommendations span field guides to outbreak narratives.
Professors & Academics13 books
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 & Academics10 books
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 & Psychologists2 books
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 & Media114 books
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.
Actors4 books
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.
Journalists6 books
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 & Coaches16 books
Joshua Skenes
Chef and Restaurateur
Joshua Skenes is an acclaimed chef known for his innovative cooking techniques and haute cuisine restaurants.
CEOs1 books
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.
Actors12 books
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 & Thinkers5 books
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.
Journalists5 books
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.
CEOs4 books
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.
Musicians4 books
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.
Founders10 books
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.
CEOs1 books
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.
Musicians8 books
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.
Journalists12 books
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.
Comedians1 books
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 & Coaches12 books
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.
Musicians1 books
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.
CEOs11 books