How to Read Adam Grant: The Recommended Starting Path
Adam Grant's books are highly engaging, research-backed guides on how to work, live, and think more effectively. Because all of his books are completely standalone works, you do not need to follow a strict chronological sequence. Instead, the best path depends entirely on what personal or professional challenge you are looking to tackle first.
If you want a structured journey through his ideas, we recommend starting with his breakout hit, Give and Take (2013). This book lays the foundational philosophy of Grant's entire body of work: that interpersonal success is driven by how we interact with others. It introduces a powerful framework of givers, takers, and matchers that will change how you view collaboration and networking.
From there, move to Originals (2016) to explore how to champion new ideas, and then transition to his highly acclaimed bestseller, Think Again (2021), which focuses on the cognitive flexibility required to change your own mind. Finally, read Hidden Potential (2023) to understand how character skills can be developed to achieve great things beyond what natural talent alone dictates.
Adam Grant Books in Publication Order
If you prefer to follow the evolution of Adam Grant's research and ideas, reading his books in the order they were published is an excellent approach. Here is the complete list of his non-fiction books, collaborations, and children's works in order of release:
- Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success (2013)
- Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World (2016)
- Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy (2017) — Co-authored with Sheryl Sandberg
- Power Moves: Lessons from Davos (2019) — Audible Original
- The Gift Inside the Box (2019) — Children's book, co-authored with Allison Sweet Grant
- Leif and the Fall (2020) — Children's book, co-authored with Allison Sweet Grant
- Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know (2021)
- Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things (2023)
A Closer Look at Each Book
Give and Take (2013)
In his groundbreaking debut, Grant categorizes people into three distinct styles: givers (who help others without expecting anything in return), takers (who try to get as much as possible from others), and matchers (who aim for an equal trade of favors). Grant uses rigorous organizational psychology research to show that while some givers end up at the bottom of the ladder due to burnout, the most successful people in business and life are also givers who manage their energy wisely. It is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to build better professional networks and collaborative team environments.
Originals (2016)
For creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders looking to disrupt the status quo, this book is an essential manual. Grant debunks the common myth that successful innovators are reckless, high-risk gamblers. Instead, he demonstrates how true non-conformists manage risk, pitch their ideas successfully to hostile audiences, and build coalitions. It provides highly practical tips on how to foster innovation within traditional hierarchies and how parents and teachers can raise creative children.
Option B (2017)
Co-authored with former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, this deeply personal and research-backed book was written in the wake of the sudden death of Sandberg's husband, Dave Goldberg. It blends Sandberg's intimate memoir of acute grief with Grant's academic research on building resilience. The book offers actionable advice on how to handle personal tragedy, support friends in crisis, and build resilient communities and workplaces. It stands out in Grant's bibliography for its emotional depth and focus on recovery.
Power Moves: Lessons from Davos (2019)
Released exclusively as an Audible Original audiobook, this project captures Grant's observations and interviews conducted at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. In it, Grant speaks with prominent global leaders, CEOs, and scientists to analyze how power dynamics are shifting in a modern, hyper-connected world. Rather than arguing that power corrupts, Grant posits that power acts as an amplifier, revealing a person's true character and inner motives.
The Gift Inside the Box (2019) & Leif and the Fall (2020)
Co-authored with his wife, Allison Sweet Grant, these illustrated children's books translate organizational psychology concepts into gentle stories for young readers. The Gift Inside the Box centers on a mysterious box looking for the perfect recipient, teaching children about the joy of generosity and giving over receiving. Leif and the Fall follows a worried leaf who is afraid of falling, teaching kids how to reframe mistakes and build resilience in the face of failure.
Think Again (2021)
Arguably Grant's most popular work, this book argues that in a rapidly changing world, mental flexibility is more valuable than raw intelligence. Grant encourages readers to think like scientists—constantly testing hypotheses, admitting mistakes, and revising opinions in the face of new data. He contrasts this with the roles of the preacher (defending sacred beliefs), the prosecutor (proving others wrong), and the politician (seeking approval). It is a vital read for navigating polarized conversations and developing intellectual humility.
Hidden Potential (2023)
Grant's latest major work shifts the focus from innate talent to character development. He argues that our obsession with natural-born geniuses overlooks the potential in ordinary individuals who develop strong character skills like discipline, determination, and adaptability. Through inspiring stories and scientific studies, Grant outlines how anyone can build the scaffolding necessary to learn effectively, overcome obstacles, and achieve success they never thought possible.
Practical Reader Advice
Since Adam Grant writes non-fiction, you do not need to worry about plot spoilers or character arcs. Every book is self-contained. If you are struggling to decide what to read next, use this quick guide based on your current interests:
- For career growth and networking: Read Give and Take.
- For creativity, startup ideas, and leadership: Read Originals.
- For personal growth and learning skills: Read Hidden Potential.
- For dealing with adversity, loss, or stress: Read Option B.
- For open-mindedness and decision-making: Read Think Again.
If you are a parent or educator, his children's books co-authored with Allison Sweet Grant are wonderful tools for introducing positive psychology concepts like growth mindsets and generosity to children aged 4 to 8.
What to Know Before You Start
Adam Grant's writing style is highly engaging and reads like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend. He avoids dry academic jargon, opting instead to tell stories of real-world figures—ranging from historical leaders to modern business figures—interspersed with charts, illustrations, and humor. Because his concepts overlap slightly (such as the importance of feedback and continuous learning), reading his books close together will help reinforce these principles. If you enjoy his books, you can also check out his podcasts, WorkLife and ReThinking, where he discusses similar themes with special guests.