Cyber Week Sale! 50% Off All Access

Richard Branson's Top Book Recommendations From 2016 Here are the billionaire founder's top five books from the past year.

By Rose Leadem

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Paul Morigi | Getty Images

It's the holidays, which means it's time to relax and unwind. To Richard Branson, that means sitting down with a favorite book or magazine, a cup of tea and a notebook.

Related: Richard Branson: To Be Successful, Take the Stairs

Aside from a dose of relaxation, Branson also believes that reading sparks ideas and teaches leadership lessons. In a recent blog post, "Read to lead," the Virgin Group founder reveals five of his favorite books he read in 2016.

The billionaire entrepreneur recommends Alastair Campbell's Winners and Richard Reed's If I Could Tell You Just One Thing as great resources for inspiration and tips on leadership.

Branson writes that his belief in possessing a "growth" mindset is paralleled in Matthew Syed's Black Box Thinking. Syed's book is great for entrepreneurs, touching upon topics of attitude, failure and behavior, Branson says.

Related: Richard Branson Explains Why Most Entrepreneurs Lack the Right Mindset

If you're looking for a more political read, Branson also recommends his book, Ending the War on Drugs. The book brings together insights from a group of experts who explain drug policy reform and treating drug abuse as a health issue.

Although if you want a light read this winter, John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley -- a book about the author's road trip across the U.S. with his dog, Charley -- is a "subtle guide on how to live" and another top choice from Branson.

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

'I Just Hustled': She Earned More Than $300,000 Wrapping Gifts Last Year — and It All Started With a Side Hustle

When Michelle Hensley lost her husband to cancer, she needed to figure out how to earn an income for her family.

Business Solutions

Build Professional Websites Without Coding or Paying More Than Once

Create stunning WordPress sites easily with MaxiBlocks — a cost-effective alternative to expensive website builders like Wix and Squarespace.

Business News

How to Write a Business Plan

Learn the essential elements of writing a business plan, including advice and resources for how to write and conduct each section of your business plan.

Living

The Complete Car Adventure Package That Might Inspire Entrepreneurs to Camp More

The Carsule and Mottress might just upgrade any outdoor adventure.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.