Want to learn more about business, entrepreneurship, or building your income? Whether you dream of launching a startup, hustling online, or simply improving your financial smarts, the right books can spark your ideas and guide your steps. Here’s my friendly, tried-and-true list of the best-rated books for learning business basics, making money, and mastering side hustles—with honest insights on what makes each one worthwhile.
Foundational Books on Business and Entrepreneurship
1. Zero to One by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters
If you want to think differently about starting a business, this is a must-read. Thiel dives deep into building unique products (not just copying others), analyzing what separates explosive startups from the rest. Its lessons on innovation and monopoly-building are gold for any entrepreneur.
2. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
A favorite of tech founders and small business owners! Ries shows how to test ideas quickly, avoid wasting money, and focus on what customers actually want. If you want your business to be flexible and resilient, this book is your blueprint.
3. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
Proof that you don’t need a rich uncle or expensive degree to succeed. Full of case studies from people who built profitable businesses with little money, it’s packed with tips for launching (and loving) your own venture—even as a side gig.
4. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
More personal finance than pure business, but absolutely foundational. Kiyosaki teaches you to think like an investor and entrepreneur, focusing on building assets for lasting wealth rather than trading time for money.
5. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
Ever dreamed of making your business truly run itself? Gerber breaks down why most small businesses fail—and how to turn your craft, service, or store into a scalable, systematized success.
Best Books on Making Money and Financial Mindset
6. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
A timeless classic on the power of mindset, goal setting, and persistence. While some examples are dated, the principles of ambition and tactical planning have inspired generations of entrepreneurs.
7. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Don’t be fooled by the clickbait title—this book is real talk on managing money, automating savings, and investing for long-term freedom. Perfect if your goal is more practical, approachable wealth rather than get-rich-quick schemes.
8. The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco
Want to ditch the slow path to wealth? DeMarco advocates for building scalable assets—like businesses or impactful online ventures—as the real ticket to financial independence. Refreshingly blunt and motivating.
9. Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez
This classic helps you rethink your relationship with work and money, focusing on financial independence and “enough.” Great if you want your money journey to have purpose and joy—not just hustle.
The Best Reads on Side Hustles and Making Money Online
10. Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days by Chris Guillebeau
A quick, hands-on guide for turning ideas (from skill-based gigs to simple online hustles) into income streams without quitting your day job. Relatable and motivating, especially if you feel “non-entrepreneurial.”
11. The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
A game-changer for thousands, Ferriss explains how to automate your work, use digital tools, and build lifestyle businesses that run with minimal time. While not everyone will want (or find) four-hour weeks, the case studies and mindset shifts are invaluable.
12. The Laptop Millionaire by Mark Anastasi
Real-life stories and tactics for making income online—think affiliate marketing, digital products, and remote work. Though some strategies are more dated, the core principles apply to any digital side hustle.
13. Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement by Rachel Richards
A newer book with detailed breakdowns of 28 passive income ideas—including rental properties, royalties, printables, and online courses—with step-by-step plans for getting started.
14. Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt
Turning your expertise, story, or passion into a profitable online presence. Ideal for bloggers, creators, and anyone building an online business or side hustle.
Bonus: Recommended for Financial Confidence
- Atomic Habits by James Clear: Great for building the focus and routines needed in business and money.
- Deep Work by Cal Newport: Learn to work smarter, not just harder—a huge lever for productivity and earnings.
- Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon: Encourages you to share your progress, build an audience, and monetize your skills and creativity.
Tips for Picking Your Next Read
- Choose one that matches your current goal—starting a business, building income streams, or just getting your finances in order.
- Check reviews and previews (Amazon “Look Inside” and Goodreads are handy!) to see if an author’s style clicks with you.
- Don’t just read—take notes, try the exercises, and let the inspiration turn into action.
No single book guarantees riches, but each of these is packed with ideas, strategies, and encouragement to get you moving. Whether you want to launch an online course, invest smarter, explore passive income, or simply understand the “why” of business, there’s a read on this list to guide you there. Happy reading—and even happier earning!
Thank you for reading!