"The Amateur" by Edward Klein

- Donald Trump Janet Maslin of the New York Times has called Klein's book “invective-laden”, while Donald Trump highly recommends that it be added to America's reading list. An editor for the New York Times for eleven years, Klein uses this experience as evidence of his journalistic integrity, as he relates stories surrounding Barack Obama's inexperience and inadequacy for the job of President. This controversial work covers 200 interviews, both on and off the record, and some of which have been denied as to authenticity. Fans of the President may not appreciate his policies being labeled as “boneheaded”, but critics of the President (such as Norman Podhoretz) are promoting this addition to their reading list as evidence of Obama's inability to lead America.

"The Art of War" by Sun Tzu

Trump recommends you read this book in his book “Trump 101: The Way to Success”. Also included in list "Books to read before you die according to Neil deGrasse Tyson"

Sun Tzu's ancient work began on book lists as a necessity of military strategy, and has become a necessary addition to business book lists as well. The US Marine Corp and intelligence units still recommend this work on their book lists. It emphasizes excellence, the strategic use of deception, and the psychological nature of winning a war before battle begins. Those wanting a leadership book won't be disappointed by Tzu's insights into the “wise general”, and those wanting a treatise on business tactics can also make great use of tips on strategy, and appearing to be what you're not.

"Rich Dad's CASHFLOW Quadrant: Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom" by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Trump recommends you read this book in his book “Trump 101: The Way to Success”.

Though not as well known as his bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad, this book has still ended up on recommended book lists (such as the book list of Donald Trump) for its application of the theory that has made such waves in the financial world. The eschewing of a job for its security, and the need to control the means of wealth via small business and investment, are still the hallmarks of Kiyosaki's message. If anything, the book can be considered a sequel, with more detail on the quadrants of those who take a hit financially, (such as the differences and similarities between Employees and the Self-Employed) and those who come out on top.

"Iacocca" by Lee Iacocca and William Novak

Trump recommends you read this book in his book “Trump 101: The Way to Success”.

It may seem odd for an author to use his last name as the sole title for a book about himself, but that hasn't stopped Donald Trump from adding it to his recommended reading list for success. The book's success was instrumental in launching Lee's bid for presidency, according to CNN. In 1984 the New York Times reported the millionth copy printed after the book commandeered a weeks-long spot on its bestseller book list, and the book's popularity in Canada and Japan. Perhaps the memoir's popularity has to do with the rags-to-riches story of the former president of Ford who led Chrysler away from bankruptcy, the appeal of the Mustang, or the overwhelming confidence and creativity of the author, but it's worth reading just for a peek inside the Auto Wars.

"Rich Woman: A Book on Investing for Women: Because I Hate Being Told What to Do!" by Kim Kiyosaki

Trump recommends you read this book in his book “Trump 101: The Way to Success”.

Though Kim is better known as the wife of bestselling author Robert Kiyosaki, her book is an insight into investments and personal notes on the inception of small companies. Featured on Success Magazine and Entrepreneur.com, Kim has made a name for herself as a speaker and real estate investor, encouraging women to embrace the savvy investor within. Though there is a section on financial terms (such as “leverage”), the style is easy to understand, providing the motivation to learn the essence of how to make finances work for you. Motivational speaker Jim Rohn showcases Kim's work on his recommended book list for “all women”.

"Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else" by Geoff Colvin

- Donald Trump In the same vein as John Maxwell's Talent is Never Enough, Colvin points out the deliberate characteristics of those who make success their goal. As pointed out in CNN, Colvin makes a distinction between hard work and talent, saying that “deliberate practice”, the work that is done to get improvement in specific areas, is the specific realm of the achievers. Acknowledging that others' feedback and mental exertion are necessary, Colvin does say that deliberate work on weak areas is not fun. This may be why his book is recommended by Donald Trump, and ends up on the same Brooks College book list as Stephen Covey's masterpiece.

"The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli

Trump recommends you read this book in his book “Trump 101: The Way to Success”. Also included in list "Books to read before you die according to Neil deGrasse Tyson"

Called everything from “ruthless” to “masterpiece” over its checkered publishing career, civil servant Machiavelli's posthumous work can be bundled on a reading list with the Art of War for true insight on how to build power and decimate enemies. (Perhaps this is also why Donald Trump has added “The Prince” to his reading list of books leading to success.) Though the advice was meant for the Medici ruling family in Italy, the principles can still hold true, or at least shed a light on how to weave through the murky waters of politics.