8 Must-Read Books for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs don’t have to start from scratch when forging new paths. By reading business books, you can learn from experts who’ve faced similar challenges. These books offer valuable insights to help you succeed.

Recommended by entrepreneurs and the public, these books cover various topics like leadership, innovation, and strategic planning. They provide practical advice and actionable steps to guide you on your entrepreneurial journey.

Check out the 8 books we’ve chosen to inspire you!

The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses, by Eric Ries

“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries, a bestselling book since its release in September 2011, has garnered high praise from both readers and critics. With impressive ratings on Amazon (4.5 stars after 16,333 ratings) and Goodreads (4.1 stars after 323,212 ratings), this influential work offers a roadmap for launching businesses efficiently.

Ries advocates for a lean approach, emphasizing continuous innovation, adaptation to feedback, and strategic scaling. Entrepreneurs worldwide have hailed “The Lean Startup” as a game-changer, offering valuable insights for maximizing entrepreneurial endeavors.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, by James Clear

Released in October 2018, stands as another New York Times bestseller, offering a practical guide for cultivating positive habits and shedding negative ones. With impressive ratings on both Amazon (4.8 stars from 123,492 reviews) and Goodreads (4.4 stars from 825,479 reviews), this book presents a proven framework to transform daily routines.

Renowned entrepreneur Rebecca Cafiero praises “Atomic Habits” for its ability to simplify decision-making and prioritize tasks effectively. By embracing Clear’s insights, readers can learn to approach and tackle habits and goals with greater clarity and enjoyment. The key lesson? Incremental changes can yield extraordinary outcomes.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers, by Ben Horowitz

Published in March 2014, offers indispensable advice for entrepreneurs facing the daunting task of building and managing startups under challenging circumstances. This book, which boasts impressive ratings on Amazon (4.6 stars from 13,905 reviews) and Goodreads (4.2 stars from 92,558 reviews), provides practical insights into navigating the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship.

Horowitz’s candid storytelling and no-nonsense approach provide readers with a realistic depiction of the hardships encountered in the startup world. By sharing his own experiences and offering actionable advice, Horowitz empowers entrepreneurs to confront adversity with resilience and determination.

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike, by Phil Knight

Penned by Phil Knight, the visionary behind Nike, “Shoe Dog” unveils the captivating saga of Nike’s humble beginnings and its remarkable ascent to global prominence. Garnering high praise on both Amazon (4.7 stars from 58,701 reviews) and Goodreads (4.5 stars from 291,100 reviews), this bestselling memoir offers an authentic exploration of the trials and triumphs inherent in building an iconic brand.

Knight’s candid narrative captivates readers, offering profound insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship and the perseverance required to navigate the tumultuous terrain of business. With a blend of wit and resilience, “Shoe Dog” provides invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.

Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be,by Rachel Hollis

Released in February 2018, this book aims to guide readers towards self-realization by dispelling self-deception. With a notable Amazon rating of 4.5 stars based on 41,195 reviews and a Goodreads rating of 3.6 stars from 255,374 reviews, this book offers a compelling narrative of personal transformation.

Through Hollis’s narrative, readers are encouraged to challenge their beliefs and assumptions, empowering them to take charge of their happiness and fulfillment. The book’s message resonates with individuals seeking to overcome obstacles and embrace their true selves, inspiring a journey of growth and self-discovery.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, by Elizabeth Gilbert

Released in September 2016 and with impressive ratings on Amazon (4.5 stars from 22,029 reviews) and Goodreads (4.0 stars from 209,124 reviews), Gilbert’s book serves as a roadmap for navigating creativity amidst uncertainty and fear.

Through Gilbert’s perspective, readers are invited to embrace their creative instincts and pursue their passions without succumbing to self-doubt. The book offers a blend of practical advice and spiritual insights, encouraging individuals to tap into their creative potential and embark on a journey of self-expression and fulfillment.

How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie, a timeless classic published in October 1936, maintains its relevance with a 4.4-star rating on Amazon from 3,939 reviews and a 4.2-star rating on Goodreads from 962,956 ratings. As a fundamental guide to interpersonal skills, this book offers invaluable insights into human relations and leadership, making it essential reading for anyone seeking to build lasting connections and wield influence in various spheres of life.

How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie

Published in October 2011, delves into the intricate workings of human cognition, exploring the interplay between intuitive and analytical thinking processes. With impressive ratings on Amazon (4.6 stars from 42,674 reviews) and Goodreads (4.2 stars from 490,323 ratings), Kahneman’s book offers valuable insights into decision-making, helping readers navigate the complexities of everyday choices by understanding the nuanced dynamics between instinctive reactions and deliberate reasoning.