6 must-read books recommended by Sundar Pichai for smarter thinking in 2026 | – The Times of India
The Google CEO, Sundar Pichai, does not confine himself to reading business and technology-related literature. He recommends a diverse set of books that include scientific research, memoirs, historical facts, and even fantasy fiction.These books serve the purpose of more than just providing some knowledge to the reader. The book aims to present different thinking models, decision-making methods, and approaches to understanding complex problems. Some of the books delve into issues related to human behaviour and psychology, whereas others concentrate on innovation, leadership, and technology impact. Each book presents unique views that find their application in reality.If you are looking for recommendations of Sundar Pichai’s favourite books, here you will be able to find an equal balance of practical and theoretical knowledge.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s recommended books
The Gene: An Intimate History
The book, authored by Siddhartha Mukherjee, explores the history of genetics and the evolution of science through time, from ancient times up until today. The book provides knowledge on how genes affect us as humans, our biology, and our evolutionary history as humans. It is a fascinating story that brings together the science of science and the human aspect of science to simplify scientific concepts. Ethics in genetic engineering and modern technologies are also discussed in the book. Sundar Pichai strongly recommends this book.
A Beautiful Mind
The biography by Sylvia Nasar focuses on John Nash, a Nobel laureate mathematician. It is about his innovative work in the field of game theory and how he dealt with schizophrenia throughout his life. It provides an equal emphasis on intellect and the problems that came his way. This story reveals a lot about the qualities of determination and creativity when someone faces tough times. Sundar Pichai suggests this book because of its strong depiction of resilience and innovation.
The Wright Brothers
In the book, David McCullough narrates the story of the two brothers known as Wilbur and Orville Wright. This story entails a lot of effort from their side to make human aviation possible. The book emphasizes that one needs to be patient and curious to create something amazing out of hard work. Sundar Pichai suggests this book since it talks about the process behind innovation.
Born a Crime
This memoir by Trevor Noah explores his upbringing in South Africa during apartheid. It captures the challenges of identity, race, and social inequality through personal stories. The narrative blends humour with serious themes, offering a nuanced view of resilience. It highlights how difficult environments shape perspective and character. Sundar Pichai recommends this book for its insights into diversity, adaptability, and the strength required to navigate complex social systems.
The Lean Startup
Eric Ries introduces a method for building businesses through rapid experimentation and validated learning. The book explains how startups can minimise risk by testing ideas quickly and adapting based on feedback. It focuses on efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement. The approach has influenced modern entrepreneurial practices worldwide. Sundar Pichai recommends this book for its practical framework on innovation, agility, and building scalable products in fast-changing industries.
Trillion Dollar Coach
Written by Eric Schmidt and colleagues, this book explores the leadership style of Bill Campbell. It focuses on mentorship, team building, and organisational culture. The narrative highlights how trust and communication drive successful teams. It also emphasises the human side of leadership in large companies. Sundar Pichai recommends this book for its lessons on effective leadership, coaching, and building strong, people-focused organisations.
