Bill Gates suggests a 'must-read' book for the holidays, along with 4 other titles to keep you entertained this winter.

Bill Gates has some book recommendations for those who want to curl up with a good book this holiday season.

The billionaire, who is also an avid reader, released his latest list of book recommendations for the holidays on Tuesday. The common theme among his top five picks: "Understanding the world around you," he stated in a blog post.

Gates stated that the theme wasn't intentional, but he wasn't surprised to see it emerge. It's natural to try and comprehend things during times of rapid change, like we're currently experiencing.

Engineering in Plain Sight" by Grady Hillhouse is a "great holiday read," according to Gates, thanks to its captivating writing style that makes complex engineering topics accessible. The book explores the intricacies of infrastructure such as roads and cell towers, written by Hillhouse, a civil engineer who has gained popularity through his YouTube series "Practical Engineering.

The list includes books on American leaders of the 1960s, the impact of modern technology on children's learning and development, the potential future effects of artificial intelligence on society, and a $120 bonus recommendation for tennis enthusiasts about Roger Federer.

Gates recommends the artificial intelligence book "more than any other on AI," he stated. For the holiday season, he has four non-tennis reading endorsements.

'Engineering in Plain Sight' by Grady Hillhouse

Billionaire Gates wishes he had possessed Hillhouse's illustrated guide earlier, as it would have been useful for him when he was a kid in Seattle, pondering about the power lines, water pipes, and sewer system in his neighborhood.

Hillhouse's explanations of complex engineering principles, along with illustrations, are intended to attract a broad audience.

Gates stated that this gift would have been ideal for his younger self and would be excellent for anyone with a similar curiosity about the technologies that support modern life.

'The Coming Wave' by Mustafa Suleyman

Gates frequently recommends "The Coming Wave" as his favorite book on AI, which he finds most useful for people seeking to comprehend the rapidly-evolving field.

Suleyman, a co-founder of DeepMind and CEO of Microsoft AI, wrote a book about how AI, along with scientific advancements in gene editing and biotechnology, will transform every aspect of society.

Suleyman presents a clear-eyed view of both the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies, emphasizing the need to prepare for potential dangers and overcome challenges in order to fully realize their benefits.

'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt

Gen Zers are experiencing higher levels of loneliness and depression due to the widespread use of smartphones and social media, according to Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University.

According to Gates, the book is a "must-read" for both parents and educators, as he is "especially concerned about the impact on critical thinking and concentrating." Research indicates that technology can decrease attention spans.

Gates commended Haidt's book for offering practical solutions and suggested regulations to address the negative effects of social media on young users.

'An Unfinished Love Story' by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, has written a bestselling book that blends biography and memoir while exploring her marriage to Richard Goodwin, a White House aide and speechwriter for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. She intertwines their relationship while re-examining the legacies of the leaders who steered the U.S. through a turbulent and pivotal decade.

Gates wrote that the book provides comforting and fascinating lessons about how leaders have successfully navigated challenging times, which is highly relevant to today's readers.

"Gates wrote that it is difficult to deny the similarities between the 1960s and the present, including political upheaval, generational conflict, and protests on college campuses. Whether you are already familiar with the '60s or just starting to explore them, whether you are looking for a deep dive into political writing or a heartwarming story about a couple in love, you will find it in 'An Unfinished Love Story.'"

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