Self-help bestsellers line airport shelves and summer reading lists promise breakthroughs, but what do the world’s richest people actually read, and more importantly – how do they read?
From Elon Musk crediting books with teaching him rocket science, to Warren Buffett dedicating five to six hours a day to reading, successful people often attribute their growth to their reading habits. Yet while many people aim to read more each year, few follow the same focused approach used by billionaires.
That’s where Awesome Books, a UK-based sustainable bookseller, is stepping in. The company’s founder, reading expert Taskeen Ahmed, has spent years studying the real-life reading routines of high performers. His goal: to help everyday professionals upgrade their habits from ive consumption to strategic learning.
So what exactly separates casual readers from billionaire readers? According to Ahmed, it’s less about what they read, and more about how they absorb, revisit, and apply knowledge with intention.
Here, he breaks down seven key habits you can start adopting this summer.
- They Block Reading Into Their Daily Routine, Without Exception
Warren Buffett spends five to six hours a day reading reports, books, and newspapers. Bill Gates dedicates full ‘Think Weeks’ to consuming new material in silence. Their schedules are built around time to think, and reading is the method that fuels it.
Why it works: “High-level decision-makers need clarity more than speed,” says Taskeen Ahmed. “This kind of dedicated reading time helps them process information slowly and thoroughly. It’s a way to maintain sharp thinking without the noise of constant distractions.”
- They Read With a Specific Outcome in Mind
Elon Musk studied aerospace engineering books long before launching SpaceX. Oprah turned to spiritual texts to help her navigate life’s toughest chapters. Their shelves are full of books that offer answers, frameworks, and clarity, rather than distractions.
Why it works: “They approach books the way most people approach mentors,” says Ahmed. “It’s a deliberate search for insight that can move them forward in business or life. Professionals who start reading with a clear question in mind often walk away with unexpected breakthroughs.”
- They Re-Read Key Books That Shape Their Thinking
Mark Zuckerberg is believed to have returned to The Aeneid multiple times throughout his life. Charlie Munger is known for rereading core texts on psychology, business, and investing over decades. For them, repetition isn’t boring, but rather part of how they refine understanding.
Why it works: “Returning to the same book helps you notice details you missed before,” says Taskeen Ahmed. “What stood out to you at 25 will hit differently at 40. The most valuable ideas become more useful each time you revisit them.”
- They Read Across Disciplines, Not Just Their Own Industry
Bill Gates regularly publishes reading lists that include everything from climate science to political history. Elon Musk credits science fiction with shaping how he thinks about the future. Oprah Winfrey’s book club spans memoirs, spirituality, economics, and social justice. Their choices reflect a deliberate effort to step outside their professional lanes.
Why it works: “Big ideas often come from unlikely places,” says Taskeen Ahmed. “Reading outside your field introduces fresh mental models. It helps leaders anticipate challenges, understand people better, and connect dots others miss.”
- They Treat Reading as an Active Process
Warren Buffett is known for marking up books, scribbling notes in margins, and writing down key takeaways as he goes. This habit allows him to return to critical insights when making investment decisions or reflecting on past ideas. Over time, these annotated texts become working tools, rather than just reading material, and long-term thinking and better recall.
Why it works: “Writing while you read slows you down in the best way,” says Taskeen Ahmed. “It turns reading into a conversation with the author. You start questioning ideas, capturing useful points, and storing insights for future use, which is exactly what high-level decision-makers need.”
- They Choose Books That Challenge Their Thinking
Jeff Bezos has recommended The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb – a book that questions predictability, challenges conventional thinking, and forces readers to grapple with uncertainty. Bezos was drawn to the book’s central idea: that rare, unpredictable events can have massive impact, and most people fail to plan for them.
Why it works: “Books that disrupt your assumptions tend to leave a deeper imprint,” says Taskeen Ahmed. “For leaders, those mental jolts are useful. They push you to think probabilistically, stay open to uncertainty, and build more resilient strategies.”
Taskeen Ahmed, Founder of Awesome Books, comments:
“Most people read ively; a few pages before bed, a book on holiday, maybe a couple of audiobooks during their commute. But the way billionaires approach reading is entirely different. It’s more than a habit, it’s a tool.
“They read with structure, intention, and a clear purpose. They revisit books that challenge them, they capture useful ideas as they read, and they pull knowledge from diverse sources to stay mentally agile. It’s a system that s better decisions, sharper thinking, and long-term growth.
“You don’t need to read five hours a day to benefit. But by shifting your mindset – choosing books with intent, making notes, and engaging deeply – you’ll start to see how reading can directly your career and life goals.”
