Khan academy’s founder named his favorite books during Reddit’s AMA. Here is the list

                  “Dune” by Frank Herbert

Also recommended by Jeff Bezos, mentioned in Top 7 Sci-Fi Books According To Michael Arrington

Herbert’s classic is still considered a necessary book list addition to real fans of science fiction. (Over 5,500 Wired magazine readers voted for Dune as their first book list choice, out of their top 10 favorite sci-fi novels.) Though the plot drags in some sections, just like the book-based film, the story of Arrakis’ political intrigues over the flow of a valuable spice (that gives long life and interplanetary travel capability) will also capture the imaginations of political science students, who may see some connections between this book and the influence of Machiavelli’s The Prince.

                  “Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger

Also mentioned in Top 10 Books To Read According To Bill Gates

Catcher in the Rye is undoubtfully a classical work of the American literature and is very popular in “Top 10 books” lists. This novel was the peak of J.D. Salinger’s career, as after it was published, he decided to live a life of a hermit. The main character being an expelled student named Holden Caulfield, the book is a first-person story written in the accordingly stylized language. Though he is just 16, he encounters many events that tend to preclude adults. Catcher in the Rye is about a youth of 1960-s,but it is still actual today.

                  “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams

Also mentioned in Best Science Fiction Books According To Elon Musk

One of the best books to read in the science fiction realm, it can’t be beat for pure craziness. There are morose androids, philosophical discussions in swamps with mattresses, and alien invasions of quiet country golf courses – by a couch gone mad. There’s the all-important answer to the question on the meaning of life, and travel tips on what to bring on intergalactic journeys. There are big keg parties in the sky. Frankly, there’s not a lot that isn’t covered. If you find something missing, it’s sure to be in another Adams novel, though this is one of his best.

                  “Lord of the Rings” series by J. R. R. Tolkien

Also mentioned in Best Science Fiction Books According To Elon Musk

Reading such a set will take time and concentration, though it doesn’t take a die-hard fan to follow the story line. The epic war between citizens of Middle Earth is carried out by the humble and the great, from Lord Elrond (the Elf) of Rivendell, to Gandalf the wizard, Gimley the dwarf, Aragorn the returning king, and Frodo the hobbit of the Shire. The side of evil has Sauron the bodiless Eye, the wizard Saruman, Denethor of Gondor (who plays both sides), and his sons – besides legions of wicked goblins and orcs. While Sauron unleashes the forces of evil to restore his biggest weapon (the Ring), Frodo’s quest is to destroy it – without getting destroyed in the process.

                  “The Foundation Series” by Isaac Asimov

Also mentioned in Best Science Fiction Books According To Elon Musk

Besides Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series, perhaps no other series has found its way into the hearts of the reading public and critics alike. Winner of the prestigious Hugo Award, this series covers philosophy, man’s origins, the laws of science, and whether or not man really can conquer space travel. As in Star Wars, politics and robots often determine the fate of …well, the Galaxy. Unlike in either Star Wars or Blade Runner, the hero (Hari Seldon) is a mathematician who has caught the attention of the Emperor. Seldon’s powerful tool will eventually prevent humans from devolving into savage beasts, thus securing a win for the future and civilization.

                  “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card

Also recommended by Mark Zuckerberg’ 2 Favorite Books

Sensitive parents may not find Card’s work to be one of the best books (or most uplifting) for child reading, according to commonsensemedia.org. However, book recommendations from newspapers like The Guardian point out that Ender Wiggins’ adventures while training at Battle School (to wipe out war-hungry aliens) include explorations into timeless virtues of courage in the face of peer exclusion. The book’s prestigious accolades, such as the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award, may make parents think twice about reading the book for themselves – as well as to find out if the themes are damaging to children or not.