Sir Richard Branson Book Recommendations

In a totalitarian future Britain, Winston Smith secretly rebels against the omnipresent government that controls reality itself through surveillance, propaganda, and the manipulation of language and history. When he falls in love with Julia, another rebel, their forbidden relationship becomes an act of political rebellion. The novel explores themes of truth, power, and human dignity in a world where independent thought is a crime.

An international phenomenon and pop-culture classic, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has been a radio show, TV series, novel, stage play, comic book and film. Following the galactic (mis)adventures of Arthur Dent, Hitchhiker’s in its various incarnations has captured the imaginations of curious minds around the world. It's an ordinary Thursday lunchtime for Arthur Dent until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly afterwards to make way for a new hyperspace express route, and his best friend has just announced that he's an alien. At this moment, they're hurtling through space with nothing but their towels and an innocuous-looking book inscribed, in large friendly letters, with the words: DON'T PANIC. The weekend has only just begun.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Barbarian Days is a memoir chronicling journalist William Finnegan’s lifelong devotion to surfing. Beginning in 1960s California and Hawaii, the narrative follows his global search for the perfect wave—from the South Pacific to Africa and beyond. More than a surfing memoir, it’s a story of obsession, personal growth, and cultural observation. Finnegan reflects on friendship, risk, nature, and the philosophical undercurrents of surfing. His lyrical, introspective writing elevates the sport to art and meditation, making the book compelling even to readers unfamiliar with the ocean’s pull.

In Wise Guy, tech evangelist and entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki shares personal stories and lessons from his life and career, spanning Apple, venture capital, and startup advising. Rather than a traditional memoir, the book is structured as a series of life lessons—on humility, resilience, work ethic, and innovation. Kawasaki writes with humor, authenticity, and an open heart, offering guidance to entrepreneurs and professionals at all stages. With anecdotes ranging from job interviews at Apple to parenting insights, Wise Guy is a practical and inspiring read filled with wisdom on navigating both business and life.

New Power explores how influence, leadership, and engagement have evolved in the digital age. The authors contrast "old power"—top-down, closed, and leader-driven—with "new power"—open, participatory, and crowd-sourced. Through case studies like #MeToo, Airbnb, and TED, they show how modern movements and brands leverage community and transparency. The book offers tools for leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs to harness this shift effectively. Branson and other innovators have praised New Power for its relevance in today’s hyperconnected world, where collaboration and authenticity often matter more than hierarchy or control.

Written by journalist and Mandela confidant Richard Stengel, Mandela’s Way distills 15 life lessons from Nelson Mandela’s leadership, resilience, and humanity. Through intimate stories and reflections, the book explores how Mandela navigated forgiveness, courage, discipline, and compassion. Stengel reveals Mandela’s thoughtfulness, emotional control, and moral strength in the face of injustice. It’s a guide for living with purpose and dignity, especially in turbulent times. Accessible yet profound, the book offers timeless insights not just on politics or activism, but on how to lead with humility, integrity, and unshakeable conviction.

In Lean In, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg examines the barriers women face in leadership and encourages women to pursue their ambitions with confidence. Drawing on research and personal anecdotes, she challenges cultural norms around gender, motherhood, and workplace dynamics. Sandberg advocates for greater equality at home and work, urging women to “lean in” to opportunities and negotiate with assertiveness. The book sparked widespread discussion about feminism, work-life balance, and corporate inclusivity. It remains a cornerstone in conversations about women’s empowerment, providing actionable advice and motivation for both individuals and institutions.

Rebecca Costa’s The Watchman’s Rattle explores how civilizations collapse when complexity outpaces our ability to solve problems. Blending science, history, and psychology, she argues that as global crises become more complex, society risks paralysis unless we evolve our cognitive strategies. Costa introduces the idea of “cognitive threshold,” suggesting we must adopt new ways of thinking—such as intuition and pattern recognition—to survive modern challenges. The book links ancient failures with contemporary threats like climate change and global instability. It’s a call to embrace adaptive thinking before our most pressing problems become unsolvable.

An Inconvenient Truth is Al Gore’s urgent and accessible plea for environmental action, based on his award-winning documentary of the same name. Using clear language, compelling visuals, and data-driven analysis, Gore explains the science and consequences of climate change. He addresses rising temperatures, melting ice caps, extreme weather, and the human behaviors driving global warming. The book combines science with personal conviction, urging readers to take responsibility for the planet’s future. It was a landmark moment in environmental awareness, sparking global dialogue and motivating individuals, communities, and governments to reconsider their impact on Earth.