Few people navigate power and vulnerability with as much clarity as Sheryl Sandberg. From the boardrooms of Silicon Valley to stages across the world, the former Meta COO and Lean In author has consistently championed conversations around leadership, loss, resilience, and equity. Her 2025 reading list is no different. These aren’t just books to read—they’re books to live with. Each one reflects the themes that define Sandberg’s legacy: finding strength in grief, speaking boldly in rooms that want you quiet, and building a world where progress includes everyone. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or healing from heartbreak, her book picks offer guidance for the journey.
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant
Category: Leadership / Innovation / Psychology
What It’s About
This bestselling book by organizational psychologist Adam Grant explores how individuals champion new ideas—and how they can drive meaningful change without having to start from scratch. Through research and real-life stories, Originals dives into what it really takes to question the status quo, whether in business, activism, or everyday life. It debunks the myth that success belongs only to the loudest disruptors and instead highlights the power of quiet persistence, strategic risk-taking, and thoughtful rebellion.
Why You Should Read It
If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up, start something new, or lead differently, this book is your permission slip. Grant’s ideas are grounded in psychology but delivered in a way that’s funny, accessible, and immediately actionable. You’ll walk away understanding how to cultivate creativity, challenge outdated norms, and build better systems—without burning it all down. It’s perfect for leaders, changemakers, and anyone tired of “the way it’s always been.”
Sheryl’s Take
“Originals is one of the most important and captivating books I have ever read,” Sheryl Sandberg shared. “It will not only change the way you see the world; it might just change the way you live your life. And it could very well inspire you to change your world.”
Her endorsement reflects the very themes she has modeled in her career: championing innovation, empowering diverse voices, and creating room for authenticity in high-stakes environments. It’s no surprise this book left a lasting mark on her—and it just might do the same for you.
Get Book: Originals!The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Category: Entrepreneurship / Business Strategy / Innovation
What It’s About
The Lean Startup lays out a new approach to building businesses in an age defined by rapid change and constant innovation. Eric Ries challenges the old-school business plan model, arguing instead for a method built around rapid experimentation, validated learning, and agile product development. It’s about building smarter—not just faster—and learning what customers actually want before going all in.
Why You Should Read It
Whether you’re launching a startup, leading a new project, or simply rethinking how you do things, this book gives you a roadmap for turning uncertainty into progress. It’s practical, forward-thinking, and packed with lessons you can apply immediately, especially in fast-paced industries where traditional playbooks fall short.
Sheryl’s Take
“[The Lean Startup] provides a great inside look at how the tech industry approaches building products and businesses,” Sheryl noted.
As someone who helped shape Facebook’s meteoric rise, her praise carries weight. The book resonates with her belief in data-driven decision-making, constant iteration, and empowering teams to learn quickly and adapt. It’s no wonder this title makes her essential reading list for today’s innovators.
Get Book: The Lean Startup!The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington
Category: Wellness / Productivity / Health
What It’s About
In The Sleep Revolution, Arianna Huffington dives deep into the global sleep crisis and the cultural dismissiveness surrounding rest. Drawing on scientific research, history, and personal experience, she reveals how our collective burnout culture is harming our health, relationships, and productivity—and how reclaiming sleep is not just a wellness trend but a necessity for thriving in modern life.
Why You Should Read It
If you’ve ever worn sleep deprivation like a badge of honor, this book is a wake-up call—literally. It challenges hustle culture and shows how sleep isn’t a barrier to success, but a catalyst for it. It’s a compelling, well-researched read that makes the case for prioritizing rest in a world that glamorizes overwork.
Sheryl’s Take
“Arianna shows that sleep is not just vital for our health, but also critical to helping us achieve our goals. Sometimes we need to sleep in to lean in!”
Sheryl’s praise reflects her own evolution as a leader who encourages well-being in the workplace. Her endorsement reminds us that rest isn’t weakness—it’s a strategy for sustainability and long-term impact.
Get Book: The Sleep Revolution!The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane von Furstenberg
Category: Memoir / Leadership / Fashion
What It’s About
Fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg takes readers on a candid journey through her life—from European royalty to runaway success in the fashion world. With reflections on love, business, reinvention, and self-worth, the memoir traces her evolution as both a designer and a woman of influence.
Why You Should Read It
This book isn’t just about fashion—it’s about power, identity, and purpose. Diane’s story is one of resilience, risk-taking, and reclaiming your narrative. For women navigating ambition, relationships, and reinvention, this memoir reads like a personal manifesto.
Sheryl’s Take
“Diane von Furstenberg’s story offers a behind-the-scenes look into the ups and downs of building a global business, creating an enduring brand, and finding true love. By sharing the path that enabled her to become the woman she wanted to be, Diane shows all of us how to live a life of focus and passion.”
It’s no surprise that Sheryl gravitated toward this story—both women have used their platforms to inspire bold, purpose-driven living, especially for the next generation of women leaders.
Get Book: The Woman I Wanted to Be!A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Category: Classic / Science Fantasy / Coming-of-Age
What It’s About
When Meg Murry’s father disappears while working on a mysterious scientific project, she embarks on a cosmic adventure through time and space to find him. With the help of her younger brother Charles Wallace, friend Calvin, and three celestial guides, Meg must face dark forces, internal fears, and the power of love and courage.
Why You Should Read It
This timeless novel blends science fiction with emotional depth, offering readers a rich exploration of individuality, bravery, and the triumph of love over fear. It’s especially powerful for young readers discovering their inner strength—and for adults reconnecting with it.
Sheryl’s Take
“[As a child] I wanted to be Meg Murry, the admittedly geeky heroine of A Wrinkle in Time,” Sheryl shared.
“I loved how she worked with others to fight against an unjust system and how she fought to save her family against very long odds.”
It’s easy to see why this story resonated so deeply with Sheryl—Meg’s quiet strength, moral clarity, and willingness to challenge oppressive systems mirror the leadership qualities Sheryl has championed throughout her life.
Get Book: A Wrinkle in Time!A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen
Category: Inspirational / Life Philosophy
What It’s About
In this brief yet powerful book, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anna Quindlen reflects on the beauty and fragility of life. Through personal anecdotes and heartfelt observations, she urges readers to slow down, cherish the ordinary, and live deliberately—finding meaning in everyday moments.
Why You Should Read It
Perfect for gifting or re-reading during seasons of change, this book is like a handwritten note from a wise friend. It’s not about big answers, but gentle reminders—about paying attention, finding joy in the present, and choosing to live with purpose.
Sheryl’s Take
“I’ve read it before – and I will read it again – and just knowing it’s at my bedside gives me comfort.”
That sentiment alone says everything. In a world of endless noise, this book offers quiet clarity. For someone like Sheryl, who has navigated leadership, loss, and legacy, A Short Guide to a Happy Life is both a grounding force and a gentle nudge to keep choosing joy.
Get Book: A Short Guide to a Happy Life!The Big Short by Michael Lewis
Category: Business / Economics / Narrative Nonfiction
What It’s About
The Big Short unpacks the 2008 financial crisis by following a group of investors who saw the collapse coming—and bet against the system. With trademark storytelling, Michael Lewis turns Wall Street’s most complex instruments into a gripping, human-centered narrative.
Why You Should Read It
If you’ve ever felt confused by financial jargon, Lewis will make you feel like a Wall Street insider. This is more than a story about money—it’s about the consequences of greed, the cost of ignorance, and the power of those who dare to think differently.
Sheryl’s Take
“Michael Lewis’s ability to boil down the most complicated subjects is like a magic trick.”
That’s high praise from someone who’s spent her career leading in both tech and finance. Sheryl’s admiration for Lewis’s storytelling reflects her own belief in making complex ideas accessible—especially when those ideas impact everyday lives.
Get Book: The Big Short!Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Category: Leadership / Workplace Culture / Personal Development
What It’s About
Radical Candor is a no-nonsense guide to becoming a better boss by caring personally and challenging directly. Drawing from her time at Google and Apple, Kim Scott offers a framework for honest communication that fuels growth, trust, and strong team culture.
Why You Should Read It
Whether you’re leading a global company or managing a small team, this book gives you the tools to communicate with clarity, empathy, and impact. It challenges traditional leadership models and equips you to build relationships that foster both accountability and humanity.
Sheryl’s Take
“Reading Radical Candor will help you build, lead, and inspire teams to do the best work of their lives.”
Sheryl praises Scott’s blend of experience and emotional intelligence, noting how it reshapes leadership into something more human and more effective. For someone who’s spent years navigating high-stakes teams, it’s clear why this book resonates deeply with her approach.
Get Book: Radical Candor by Kim Scott!The Innovators by Walter Isaacson
Category: History / Technology / Women in STEM
What It’s About
In The Innovators, Walter Isaacson traces the history of the digital revolution—from Ada Lovelace to Steve Jobs—spotlighting the collaborations that gave rise to some of the world’s most transformative technologies. It’s a sweeping yet intimate look at the minds who changed how we live, work, and communicate.
Why You Should Read It
This book is a masterclass in teamwork, innovation, and the power of diverse thinking. Beyond the better-known names, Isaacson highlights the pioneering contributions of women in tech—a history often overlooked but essential to the story of our digital age.
Sheryl’s Take
“The Innovators is a fascinating history of the digital revolution, including the critical but often forgotten role women played from the beginning. It offers truly valuable lessons in how to work together to achieve great results.”
For a tech leader like Sheryl Sandberg, who has consistently advocated for women’s representation in the workplace, this book isn’t just history—it’s a rallying call for inclusion and collaboration.
Get Book: The Innovators!Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Category: Leadership / Feminism / Workplace Empowerment
What It’s About
In Lean In, Facebook’s former COO Sheryl Sandberg delivers a bold, deeply personal call to action for women to pursue their ambitions and challenge the systemic barriers holding them back. Blending research, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, Sandberg explores what it means to truly “lean in” at work and in life.
Why You Should Read It
This modern feminist classic has sparked global conversations about leadership, ambition, and gender equality in the workplace. Whether you’re a rising professional, a manager, or someone seeking clarity in your career journey, Lean In offers tools and courage to advocate for yourself—and others.
Sheryl’s Take
This is the book that redefined a movement. With honesty and vulnerability, Sandberg confronts the challenges she’s faced as a woman in leadership and invites others to rise with her. It’s not just a manifesto—it’s a mission. And through Lean In, she reminds readers: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
Category: Grief / Resilience / Psychology
What It’s About
Option B explores how to find strength in the face of adversity. After the sudden death of her husband, Sheryl Sandberg partnered with psychologist Adam Grant to write this powerful blend of personal memoir and scientific insight. It’s a roadmap for navigating grief, trauma, and life’s unexpected detours—with grace and grit.
Why You Should Read It
This book isn’t just about surviving loss—it’s about building resilience, rediscovering joy, and learning how to support others through hardship. Sandberg and Grant weave research, emotional honesty, and practical strategies into a deeply human guide to bouncing forward when life doesn’t go to plan.
Sheryl’s Take
After her husband’s passing, Sheryl was forced to live out a truth she never expected—Plan A was no longer possible. In her own words, “We all live some form of Option B. This book is to help us all kick the shit out of it.” It’s as raw as it is empowering, reminding us that while pain is unavoidable, healing is a choice.
Get Book: Option B!Closing
Sheryl Sandberg’s 2025 reading list is more than a stack of brilliant books—it’s a blueprint for navigating leadership, loss, innovation, and inner growth. Whether she’s spotlighting women who broke barriers, authors who cracked the code of resilience, or thinkers who reshaped the future, each pick reflects her own journey of ambition and authenticity. These aren’t just books to read—they’re books to live by. Ready to step into your power? Start with one of these.
