The 17 Best Books Recommended by Tim Ferriss – Favbookshelf

Books recommended by Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss is an American author and entrepreneur. When it comes to books recommended by him, we can surely trust Tim Ferriss choice.

He has written several self-help books that have been translated into over 30 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers.

Finally, in this article, we are bringing you the best books recommended by Tim Ferriss.

17 Best Books Recommended by Tim Ferriss
17 Best Books Recommended by Tim Ferriss

#1 Awareness by Anthony De Mello


About the Book

Awareness by Anthony De Mello; Books recommended by Tim Ferris
Awareness by Anthony De Mello

Title: Awareness

Author: Anthony De Mello

Genre: Spirituality, Self Help

Publisher: Image 

Pages: 184

Goodreads rating: 4.2/5

Summary

Firstly, Awareness is a book about self-awareness. Moreover, it is a book about the awareness of the Self and the awareness of others. Firstly, De Mello’s primary goal in this book is to show people how they can become more aware of their existence. He also wants them to be more aware of other people’s existence and what they are going through. However, De Mello believes that people will be able to live life in a better way through self-awareness. Finally, it is one of the best books recommended by Tim Ferriss.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“When I feel myself bleeding into overwhelm or feeling scattered, this is one of the first break-glass-in-case-of-emergency steps that I take.” 

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Awareness, click on the below link:


#2 Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott


About The Book

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by by Anne Lamott;  best books for writers
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Title: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Author: Anne Lamott

Publisher: Anchor

Genre: Non-fiction/Writing/Memoir

Type: Standalone

Pages: 237

Goodreads rating: 4.2/5

Summary

In this case, the book is divided into five parts. Moreover, it acts as a guide, one step at a time, with topics like characters, first drafts, someone to read your drafts, etc. Firstly, each chapter has proses, a simple book without any images. Secondly, a blend of memoirs and putting light on the writer, Anne speaks about her personal experiences. Finally, it gives a customized touch to know why the book title is Bird by Bird. Lastly, one must read this book.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“Fantastic book.”

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Bird by Bird, click on the below link:


#3 Don’t Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor


About the Book

Don't Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor; Books recommended by Tim Ferris
Don’t Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor

Title: Don’t Shoot the Dog!

Author: Karen Pryor

Genre: Psychology, Animals

Publisher: Ringpress Books

Pages: 202

Goodreads rating: 4.2/5

Summary

The book discusses operant conditioning and positive reinforcement to train animals and humans. Secondly, the author, Karen Pryor, starts by telling her story of how she got into the field of animal training. She talks about how she was a student at Tufts University when she met B.F. However, Skinner was a professor there at the time. Skinner introduced her to operant conditioning, then studied under him for her Ph.D. in animal behavior research at Harvard University. Lastly, it is one of the best books recommended by Tim Ferriss.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“There are principles in this that you can take away, even if you have no interest in training a dog, having a dog, or dogs in general.”

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Don’t Shoot the Dog, click on the below link:

#4 Dune Series by Frank Herbert


About the Book

Dune By Frank Herbert
Dune Series by Frank Herbert

Title: Dune

Author: Frank Herbert (and Brian Herbert)

Genre: Space, Adventure, Fantasy

Publisher: Ace Books

Type: Series

No. of Books: 8

Books in it: #1 Dune, #2 Dune Messiah, #3 Children of Dune, #4 God Emperor of Dune, #5 Heretics of Dune, #6 Chapterhouse: Dune, #7 Hunters of Dune, #8 Sandworms of Dune

Goodreads rating: 4.2/5

Summary

Firstly, the Dune series is a science fiction novel Frank Herbert wrote. Secondly, it is about the battle to control the desert planet Arrakis, also known as Dune. Moreover, the book was first published in 1965 and followed by five sequels. First, the story follows Paul Atreides, heir to Duke Leto Atreides, and his family’s feudal empire on the desert planet Arrakis (also known as “Dune”). Paul’s family accepts the stewardship of Arrakis from the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV to provide spice to the empire. Still, they are betrayed by a household member, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen of Giedi Prime and House Harkon.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“Perhaps the most incredibly detailed and oddly believable fictional landscape I’ve ever encountered.” 

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Book 1 in Dune, click on the below link:


#5 Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card


About the Book

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card; Books recommended by Tim Ferris
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Title: Ender’s Game

Author: Orson Scott Card

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Publisher: Tor 

Pages: 324

Goodreads rating: 4.3/5

Summary

Firstly, Ender’s Game is a science fiction novel set in Earth’s future. Secondly, it focuses on the character Ender Wiggin and his experiences as a child soldier. Moreover, Ender’s Game is about Ender, a young boy recruited by an international military organization to train for the fight against an alien race called “Buggers.” However, the book begins shortly and contains science fiction elements and military tactics. Finally, it is one of the best books recommended by Tim Ferriss.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“Through Ender’s journey, you’ll learn how to capitalize on your strengths and those of your teammates, as well as exploit your adversaries’ weaknesses.” 

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Ender’s Game, click on the below link:


#6 Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford


About the Book

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford

Title: Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

Author: Jack Weatherford

Genre: Historical, War

Publisher: Broadway Books

Pages: 352

Goodreads rating: 4.0/5

Summary

In this case, Cenghis Khan is a man who has been credited as the founder of the Mongol Empire and a unifier of the nomadic tribes in Mongolia. He was born to a family of minor Mongol chieftains in 1162 but rose to power as a military genius. Genghis Khan was born to a family of petty Mongol chieftains in 1162 but rose to power as a military genius. However, he became the leader of his clan at age 13 and conquered all other families by age 40. Moreover, by 1206, he had united what is now modern-day Mongolia under his rule. Genghis then extended his empire across Asia and Europe, conquering most of Russia, China, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

Has been recommended to me by several billionaires.” –

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, click on the below link:


#7 Grit by Angela Duckworth


About the Book

Grit by Angela Duckworth; Books recommended by Tim Ferriss
Grit by Angela Duckworth

Title: Grit

Author: Duckworth

Genre: Psychology, Self Help

Publisher: Collins

Pages: 277

Goodreads rating: 4.0/5

Summary

Firstly, Grit is a book about how to succeed in life. However, it’s not just about success; it’s about finding your passion and staying committed. Moreover, the author, Angela Duckworth, is a psychologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Firstly, the book explains that talent is not enough for success. Secondly, successful people have grit- they work hard and are passionate about their work. However, Duckworth believes that determination has four main components: interest, practice, purpose, and hope. She also talks about having a supportive environment to succeed with grit. Lastly, it is one of the best books recommended by Tim Ferriss.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“Really about teaching your kids to focus on hard work and not intrinsic capability.” 

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Grit, click on the below link:


#8 High Fidelity by Nick Hornby


About the Book

High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

Title: High Fidelity

Author: Nick Hornby

Genre: Fiction, Humor

Publisher: Riverhead Books

Pages: 340

Goodreads rating: 3.9/5

Summary

Firstly, the book is about a record store owner, Rob Gordon, who is passionate about music and vinyl. However, he is a devoted music lover and spends his time listening to the albums in his store. Next, Rob’s life changes when he meets Laura, an attractive woman who works in the art department at the college where Rob teaches. Moreover, they start dating, and he starts to change as well. Finally, the novel’s primary focus is how Rob deals with Laura’s departure from his life.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“After his girlfriend leaves him for another man, Rob embarks on a journey of self-discovery and evaluation by contacting ex-girlfriends to see what went wrong in each relationship.” 

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift High Fidelity, click on the below link:


#9 Lying by Sam Harris


About the Book

Lying by [Sam Harris, Annaka Harris]; Books recommended by Tim Ferriss
Lying Sam Harris

Title: Lying

Author: Sam Harris

Genre: Psychology, Non-Fiction

Publisher: Four Elephants Press

Pages: 108

Goodreads rating: 3.8/5

Summary

In this book, Sam Harris argues that the truth is not only a moral value but also the most important one. Firstly, he says we should always speak our minds and tell the truth, no matter what. In this book, Sam Harris argues that the truth is not only a moral value but also the most important one. Secondly, he says we should always speak our minds and tell the truth, no matter what. Lastly, it is one of the best books recommended by Tim Ferriss.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

A great book.” 

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Lying, click on the below link:


#10 Rework by Jason Fried & David Hansson


About The Book

Rework by Jason Fried & David Hansson
Rework by Jason Fried & David Hansson

Title: Rework

Author: Jason Fried & David Hansson

Genre: Self-Help, Business, Non-fiction

Publisher: Crown Business

Type: Standalone

Pages: 279

Goodreads rating: 3.9/5

Summary

Firstly, this book, Rework, is written by the founders of 37signals, a multi-million dollar company. Moreover, its emphasis is on telling us new ways to make a business successful by breaking conventional running methods. Lastly, it is about changing our work and giving us a new approach to creating a successful business.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“I encourage people to think of as an ‘Elements of Style’ for building profitable businesses in a web-savvy world.” 

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Rework, click on the below link:


#11 Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein


About the Book

Stranger in a Strange Land by [Robert A. Heinlein]; Books recommended by Tim Ferriss
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein

Title: Stranger in a Strange Land

Author: Robert A. Heinlein

Genre: Fantasy, Philosophy, Science-Fiction

Publisher: Ace 

Pages: 525

Goodreads rating: 3.9/5

Summary

Firstly, this book is a science fiction novel with a protagonist born on Mars and raised by Martians. Secondly, the novel explores his interaction with Earthlings and how he deals with some of the problems humans face. The book was published in 1961 and translated into more than 25 languages. Lastly, it won the Hugo Award for best science fiction novel in 1963.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“Incredible.” 

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Stranger in a Strange Land, click on the below link:


#12 The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron


About the Book

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Title: The Artist’s Way

Author: Julia Cameron

Genre: Spirituality, Self Help

Publisher: Tarcherperigee 

Pages: 413

Goodreads rating: 3.9/5

Summary

The Artist’s Way is a self-help book that offers a 12-week program for the reader to improve their creativity and personal growth. However, the book was first published in 1992 and revised four times. Moreover, the book is divided into two sections: “the morning pages” and “the artist’s way.” In the morning pages, the reader is asked to write three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing every morning. However, this exercise allows the reader to release negative thoughts or emotions that may be suppressed in their daily life. The artist’s way section of the book is about following a series of exercises to help readers take risks in their personal lives and careers. Finally, it is one of the best books recommended by Tim Ferriss.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“Nearly every morning, I sit down with a hot cocktail of turmeric, ginger, pu-erh tea, and green tea. Next, I crack open [this book].” 

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift The Artist’s Way, click on the below link:


#13 The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer


About the Book

The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer; Books recommended by Tim Ferriss
The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

Title: The Art of Asking

Author: Amanda Palmer

Genre: Self Help, Biography

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Pages: 339

Goodreads rating: 3.9/5

Summary

Firstly, the Art of Asking is a memoir by American singer-songwriter Amanda Palmer. Secondly, in her book, she talks about her life as an artist and how she learned to ask for help from others. Finally, Palmer also shares some of the stories of people who have helped her in the past.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

I was so inspired by the book that I put it down to start asking people around me for all of the help that I’d been too ashamed or embarrassed to ask for.”

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift The Art of Asking, click on the below link:


#14 The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams


About the Book

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Illustrated Edition by [Douglas Adams, Chris Riddell]
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Title: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Author: Douglas Adams

Genre: Fantasy, Science-Fiction

Publisher: Del Re

Pages: 193

Goodreads rating: 4.2/5

Summary

Firstly, the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a series of books written by Douglas Adams. However, the first book was published in 1979, and the fifth book was published in 1992. Secondly, the series follows the adventures of Arthur Dent, a human, as he travels around space and time with his alien friend Ford Prefect. However, they are often accompanied by Zaphod Beeblebrox, Trillian Astra, Marvin the Paranoid Android, and other characters. Finally, the series is known for its humor and references to popular culture.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“If ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ and ‘Star Wars’ had a love-child, it would read something like this.”

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Galaxy, click on the below link:


#15 The Power Of Habit by Charles Duhigg


About the book

The Power Of Habit by Charles Duhigg; Books recommended by Tim Ferriss
The Power Of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Title: The Power of Habit

Author: Charles Duhigg

Genre: Psychology, Self-help

Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks

No. of Pages: 371

Goodreads rating: 4.1/5

Summary

This book starts with reasoning about the existence of habits and how it shapes our life, followed by ways to change our practices. This book also states the significance of patterns and how it is a fine line between Success and Failure, Life and Death. In addition, it contains answers to questions on being more productive, losing weight, exercising regularly, following a proper diet, and all the other questions about overall fitness. Although it is less motivating than atomic habits, changing your habits is also an excellent choice as it contains more facts, reasoning, and in-depth concepts. Finally, it is one of the best books recommended by Tim Ferriss.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“A very good book.”

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift The Power of Habit, click on the below link:


#16 Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck


About the book

Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck

Title: Travels with Charley

Author: John Steinbeck

Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography

Publisher: Penguin 

No. of Pages: 214

Goodreads rating: 4/5

Summary

In this book, John Steinbeck describes his trip across America with his dog Charley. Firstly, he starts in Maine and ends up in California. Secondly, throughout the journey, he talks about the people he meets, the places John visits, and what he thinks of the country. Lastly, this book is an excellent read for anyone who wants to learn more about America in the 1960s.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“Beautifully written, simply written, and hilarious.”

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Travels with Charley, click on the below link:


#17 Vagabonding by Rolf Potts


About the Book

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts; Books recommended by Tim Ferriss
Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

Title: Vagabonding

Author: Rolf Potts

Genre: Self Help, Philosophy

Publisher: Ballantine Books 

Pages: 205

Goodreads rating: 3.9/5

Summary

Firstly, Vagabonding is a book that was written by Rolf Potts. It is also about how to travel the world for long periods. The book’s author has traveled to more than 100 countries and shares his experiences with readers in this book. However, the author starts by providing readers with the necessary skills for long-term travel. He also talks about how to find cheap flights, get a good backpack, and prepare for emergencies. He then discusses what travelers need to know before they embark on their journey, including the importance of having a good attitude and learning basic phrases in different languages.

Tim Ferriss’s Opinion:

“The book that got me to stop making excuses and pack for an extended hiatus trip overseas.” 

Tim Ferriss

To buy/gift Vagabonding, click on the below link:


Finally, that’s all for the recommendations for 17 Books Recommended by Tim Ferriss.

P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. However, you can read these books if you have subscribed to them. Lastly, check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?

To conclude, here are the 17 Books Recommended by Tim Ferriss.

1Awareness by Anthony De Mello Buy Now
2Bird by Bird by Anne LamottBuy Now
3Don’t Shoot the Dog! by Karen PryorBuy Now
4Dune Series by Frank HerbertBuy Now
Full series
5Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card Buy Now
6Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack WeatherfordBuy Now
7Grit by Angela DuckworthBuy Now
8High Fidelity by Nick HornbyBuy Now
9Lying by Sam HarrisBuy Now
10Rework by Jason Fried & David HanssonBuy Now
11Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. HeinleinBuy Now
12The Artist’s Way by Julia CameronBuy Now
13The Art of Asking by Amanda PalmerBuy Now
14The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas AdamsBuy Now
15The Power Of Habit by Charles DuhiggBuy Now
16Travels with Charley by John SteinbeckBuy Now
17Vagabonding by Rolf PottsBuy Now
17 Books Recommended by Tim Ferriss

Read every book on this list. I am sure it won’t disappoint you.

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DisclosureAll our recommendations are honest. Most importantly, some links in this post are affiliate links (i.e.) we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we recommend.

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