If you want to build wealth with clarity, patience, and wisdom, start by reading the books that Warren Buffett recommends! After all, who can give better advice than the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the greatest investors of all time? Warren Buffett has famously confessed that he is an avid reader and now it’s high time that we take full benefit of his reading habits.
Imagine this: what if your next book could sharpen your business acumen, refine your long-term investing mindset, or spark an “aha” moment that changes how you think about money forever?
Yes! This list has been carefully curated to motivate you throughout 2026! Some are books that he has mentioned in interviews or letters, some are about him and some are the ones he’s gifted. Either way, they will give you deep insights into how to live life and utilise your potential to the fullest.
Why You Should Read What Warren Buffett Reads
Before getting into the listicle, it’s important to understand why we should even take books Warren Buffers reads so seriously. Well, he has built a $800B+ empire (and a philosophy) using compounding of capital and knowledge. And he often gives the credit to…BOOKS. Let’s break it down for you:
1. He filters the noise for you
Warren Buffett’s recommended books are not just theories out of thin air. He has lived them! In real life, in the real markets, over real decades. So, instead of googling “best stock market books” or “top financial literacy books” and getting lost in the noise, isn’t it just better to trust someone who has worked right in the middle of that chaos?
2. These books shape the mind of an investor who never panics
It’s very easy to react to headlines and become emotional! That’s when I have made my worst investment decisions. But that’s not Buffett’s style. Once you dive into books Warren Buffett reads, you’ll realise they are based more on numbers, long-term pattern,s and human behaviour.
3. They build resilience, not get-rich-quick fantasies
If you’re looking for some rags-to-riches fairytale fantasy, this is not it! On the other hand, if you want something that teaches you patience, then this list is for you. The books that truly build your investor mindset aren’t really about doubling your money tonight. But they will instead teach you that you should hang in there, even when (and especially when) the world around you is on fire!
4. They help you think better, not just invest better
Once you’re done reading these books, you’ll not just handle stocks better. You’ll handle people better. These books teach you the art of decision making. They teach you how to build character and also go back to history to show you what worked and what didn’t. As Buffett points out, money is just a by-product of good thinking.
Buffet’s All-Time Favorite Books
There are books that teach you some things. But then there are ones that truly change you fundamentally. This category belongs to the latter. They will build your character and they are truly timeless in the sense that Buffet’s mind was shaped by them, years before Berkshire Hathaway became an empire.
To be honest, these aren’t trendy stock market books. They are more philosophical and they made up the core of Buffet’s decisions for years. So, are you ready to change and question your approach altogether? Let’s dive in!
1. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
Genre: Investing / Financial Philosophy
Imagine finding a life-changing book when you’re a young 19-year-old! And imagine that book shaping the architecture of your mind…That’s exactly what happened with Buffett when he found The Intelligent Investor! Graham’s book is a masterclass in how to behave and how not to be manipulated by market emotions.
Have you heard of the famous Mr. Market metaphor? Yes, just like your partner, the market is moody and the right people know how to use those mood swings in their favor! This funny metaphor belongs to this book. It even contains concepts like value investing and “margin safety”.
2. Security Analysis by Benjamin Graham & David Dodd
Genre: Investing / Corporate Finance
The next in the list of Warren Buffett recommended books is this dense and rigorous read, Security Analysis. Yes, it’s a little academic but I promise you that the payoff is totally worth it! This gave him a road map for investing and so, you definitely can’t skip this one.
This is where you learn how to:
- Read financial statements like an owner
- Calculate intrinsic value
- Evaluate whether a company is truly worth your money
Graham and Dodd are as precise as surgeons and that’s exactly why Buffett has read this book multiple times, like a Bible. If you want to think deeply about businesses rather than chase stock tips, this is your textbook.
Books Mentioned In Buffett’s Letters & Interviews
The best books are always the ones that people mention casually in their letters or interviews. Those suggestions are the most organic and honest ones. They sound a lot like shoutouts that are not so random.
So, these are the books that will make you realise what makes great companies ‘great’. They also show you how to navigate crises and lead in the best way. It will basically give you the feeling of sitting in a boardroom and listening to corporate wisdom unravel.
3. Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits by Philip Fisher
Genre: Investing / Business Strategy
Buffett was a fan of Fisher because Fisher went beyond numbers and talked about investing into management quality and business potential. If you really want to learn about customer loyalty, innovation or long-term vision, Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits is the pick for you.
The reason why Fisher’s book makes it to the Berkshire Hathaway reading list is because it helped Buffett immensely when picking up companies like Apple or Coca-Cola. Looking for a goldmine that will help you make your business durable? Yes, this is the one!
4. Business Adventures by John Brooks
Genre: Business History / Case Studies
Buffett sent this book to Bill Gates. He has even said that it is the best business book he has ever read. Brooks chose a storytelling format to write this book and trust me, I couldn’t get enough of the drama! One theme stays constant and i.e., human nature. That’s why you will relate to it even if you’re not a businessperson.
5. Stress Test by Timothy F. Geithner
Genre: Crisis Management / Leadership
Buffett called this “a must-read for managers,” especially anyone leading during crises. Geithner, being the Former US Treasury Secretary, gives us a glimpse of how it was to experience the 2008 financial crisis firsthand. The stakes were high, the decisions were impossible and the nights were sleepless.
Stress Test shows us that when a crisis like that hits, people lose their sense of logic and give in to panic. And to handle that situation, the government has to take a systematic risk. Timothy beautifully covers themes like fear, doubt, and responsibility.
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Books Warren Buffett Says Everyone Should Read
These are the books Buffett believes every investor (beginner or expert) must read at least once in their lifetime. You might assume that business decisions become better with age or background but this book breaks that notion! The following books are Buffet’s essential starter pack.
6. The Outsiders by William Thorndike
Genre: Leadership / Corporate Strategy
Are you a follower of corporate norms? Well, Thorndike’s book is all about eight unconventional CEOs who didn’t follow any rules. They took the road not taken. One amongst them is Tom Murphy, Buffett’s “favorite manager of all time.” If you’re looking for flashy books, The Outsiders is not it. It is research-heavy and filled with case studies.
Thorndike opens our eyes to the fact that you don’t have to be an ego-driven leader to succeed. The secret ingredient is actually a scientific discipline. You know what is the difference between good companies and great companies? It’s the temperament of the management and Thorndike captures that beautifully. This book will help you a lot, especially if you’re a founder or investor.
7. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle
Genre: Personal Finance / Index Investing
Amongst all the books on investment, Bogle’s book, The Little Book of Common Sense Investing, is the one that convinced me (and even my dad) to invest in low-cost index funds. Buffett even calls Bogle the ‘hero of ordinary investors’ since he is responsible for bringing the index fund revolution.
Buffett took Bogle’s teachings so seriously that he wants 90% of his wealth to go into index funds, after he’s gone. This is totally the opposite of gambling, hype and get-rich-quick schemes. If you want financial peace of mind and a short, friendly read with reliable strategies, this is the perfect pick for you!
8. The Essays of Warren Buffett by Lawrence Cunningham
Genre: Business / Investing / Corporate Governance
What could be a better Warren Buffett book than a collection of Buffett’s annual Berkshire Hathaway letters? Cunningham saves you the trouble and divides those letters into varied themes like corporate governance, accounting, investing, leadership, risk, and long-term thinking.
In today’s investment scene, this book is a reminder that:
- In today’s noisy markets, fundamentals still matter more than FOMO
- Patience is a real edge when everyone else is chasing momentum trades
- Great businesses do survive downturns, inflation cycles, and hype-driven bubbles
Business Biographies Buffett Recommends/ Features In
Buffett has always emphasized that business biographies offer lessons no textbook ever can. They show you the human side of success; the self-doubt, the failures, the breakthroughs, the emotional toll, the resilience.
These books immerse you in the lives of leaders who built legendary companies and survived impossible decisions. Some have Buffett as the main character and others are stories he is a fan of. Both of these categories are truly eye-opening!
9. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Genre: Memoir / Entrepreneurship
Are you curious about how a billionaire would react if he faced rejection? Or what he would do after facing multiple failures? This memoir by Nike’s co-founder, Phil Knight, answers exactly that. Shoe Dog is one of my favorite books. The biggest takeaway for me was that great companies aren’t born from perfect plans, they’re built by imperfect people who refuse to give up!
10. The Snowball by Alice Schroeder
Genre: Biography / Investing
This is the quintessential biography of Buffet. The thing I like the most about The Snowball is Alice goes beyond a business biography and shows you the emotional side too; Buffet’s family, his insecurities, his doubts, his quirks and his triumphs.
Brick by brick, he transformed Berkshire Hathaway from a failing textile company to a global powerhouse. Alice also covers his friendship with Charlie Munger and how Buffet’s thoughts evolved about money and philanthropy.
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11. Tap Dancing to Work by Carol Loomis
Genre: Business Journalism / Biography
Written by Buffett’s longtime friend and Fortune writer Carol Loomis, this collection brings together decades of profiles, essays, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories. Instead of bombarding you with stock market education, Carol shows you Buffett’s journey over 50 years, covering everything from his biggest mistakes to the changing state of the American economy.
If you want a scrapbook of his whole career and a book that’s clear/ sharp in its analysis, you can’t skip Tap Dancing to Work! Carol is not just witty but also quite personal and surprising at times.
12. Jack: Straight From the Gut by Jack Welch
Genre: Leadership / Management
The next in the list is the fast-paced autobiography of General Electric’s iconic CEO. Buffett is not always in unison with Jack’s idea but he totally respects operational excellence. Jack: Straight From the Gut has themes like leadership, team-building and decision-making.
I found this book not just intense but also insightful and provocative. Since I was curious about how pressure is handled in larger organizations, Jack’s writing quenched my curiosity in all the right ways. It also made me realize that if you’re a business leader, you have to think independently!
Warren Buffett Recommended Stock Market Education For Beginners
Not all stock market education is practical or beginner-friendly, but Buffett’s picks always are! These books teach you how markets actually work, how investors think, how professionals behave (and misbehave), and how to avoid the classic traps that wipe out portfolios.
Buffett recommends titles that mix humor, common sense, and timeless investing principles, making them ideal for beginners who want clarity without jargon. So, go ahead and enjoy the books that simplify complex ideas into actionable lessons.
13. Where Are the Customers’ Yachts? by Fred Schwed Jr.
Genre: Humor / Investing Psychology
The next book that Warren Buffett recommends is this funny and honest take on how absurd Wall Street is! The title ‘Where Are the Customers’ Yachts?’ itself shows that if brokers are so good at making people rich, why are their yachts not at the harbor?
Schwed talks about everything from emotional traps to herd behavior. Why does Buffett suggest you read it? Because even if it’s written in 1940, it has timeless lessons that apply today and fit into the current context of fast-moving, headline-driven markets. The book is such a short and funny read.
14. The Warren Buffett Way by Robert Hagstrom
Genre: Investing / Beginner Education
I am not really a fan of dense textbooks… That’s exactly why I loved The Warren Buffett Way so much! It simplifies the concepts of Buffett’s approach for a layman. That is exactly what makes it such a good read for beginners.
If you’re starting your investing journey and want a guide to Buffett’s philosophy with case studies from Berkshire Hathaway, this is an excellent entry point.
15. The Intelligent REIT Investor by Brad Thomas
Genre: Market Cycles / Behavioral Finance
I know, I know, we are not recommending any fiction books to you. But Buffett is known for recommending non-fiction books like The Intelligent REIT Investor. It explains how REITs work, how they generate income, why they can be stable long-term investments, and how to compare different REIT categories (retail, industrial, residential).
Why does this book appear so often on Berkshire-related reading lists? Because Buffett respects REITs as a long-term asset class. If you are someone who wants to get introduced to real estate cash flow and value, this is a good starting point.
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16. The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks
Are you a person who has just started their investing journey and want to avoid emotionally reacting to headlines? Then you must read The Most Important Thing! Buffett has said that when he receives a memo from Marks, he reads it immediately; high praise from someone who reads all day.
What Buffett loved the most about Howard Marks is his clear understanding about market cycles and risk. In this book, Marks talks about second-level thinking, contrarianism, valuation discipline, and probability-based decision making. Imagine how lucky you are to get decades of investing wisdom distilled into chapters!
Life & Leadership Favorites
Till now, you must have gotten a fair idea that Buffett’s reading list isn’t limited to markets. According to him, making your character stronger and sharpening your thinking automatically translate into better investing decisions. These books help you do exactly that.
17. Poor Charlie’s Almanack by Charlie Munger
Genre: Mental Models / Philosophy / Life Advice
This list would be incomplete without the thoughts of Charlie Munger, Buffet’s partner. Poor Charlie’s Almanack has everything from Munger’s worldview and speeches to his mental code and humor.
If you want to get inside Munger’s head and see its different parts like physics, philosophy, mathematics and even history, you should read this one. Buffett was a fan of Munger for the very reason that he could make complex ideas simple and most of all, avoid stupidity.
18. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Genre: Behavioral Psychology
Are you curious about why we humans make irrational choices and keep falling into the same patterns? Thinking, Fast and Slow addresses that cognitive bias, talking about why we’re so scared of losses and how our intuition often misleads us.
Buffett has always reiterated that one must master his/her emotions, instead of mastering financial formulae. Kahneman’s research helps you understand the hidden psychological traps that influence money and business decisions. It’s dense but fascinating; perfect for anyone trying to sharpen their thinking.
19. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Genre: Personal Finance / Behavioral Psychology
Since Buffett appreciates books that speak to behavior instead of financial equations, The Psychology of Money hits that sweet spot. According to Housel, financial success is not about intelligence; it’s about patience, humility and emotional control.
I am someone who overspends a lot, and this book, in fact, opened my eyes to why I do so! It even delved into why we miscalculate risks and chase trends. This book states simple truths about wealth in a clear and concise manner. After all, Buffett loves clarity.
20. The Great Crash 1929 by John Kenneth Galbraith
Genre: Economic History
Why does Buffett love reading history so much? Because what could be a better way to make one humble, right? You might have read a lot about the 1929 crash, but Galbraith talks about it in a very witty and insightful way. If you want to know the reason behind bubbles forming and bursting, and how masses behave when they panic, he explains it really well.
What I learnt from The Great Crash 1929 is that if we forget what happened in the past, we might end up repeating the same old mistakes. I found Galbraith’s writing very crisp and entertaining. It reminds investors about the cycles in a market and how to build a mindset full of resilience.
Conclusion
With that, we come to the end of the books that Warren Buffett recommends. This long list was curated so that you can cut through the noise and pick up the books that will change your life! Thank you for hanging in there and making it to the end of this article.
In the end, reading like Buffett isn’t about copying him; it’s about compounding your mind the way he compounds wealth. Now, it’s time for you to go brew a coffee and pick one title from this Buffet-approved library! Who knows? You might thank me years from now for making you wiser, richer, and calmer.
FAQs
1. What is Warren Buffett’s favorite investing book?
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham. Buffett says it’s the best guide for learning from successful investors.
2. Does Warren Buffett read every day?
Yes, according to news reports, Buffett reads for 5-6 hours everyday. He famously said his best advice is to “Read 500 pages a day.
3. Has Warren Buffett ever recommended fiction books?
Very rarely, but yes. He has praised a few fiction titles (most notably Treasure Island and Tom Sawyer as childhood favorites) though his public recommendations are almost entirely nonfiction.
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