We are entering a new digital era. 🚀 Everything is changing, including the ways we buy, the ways we work, and the ways we do business.
In this booming digital economy (that includes the exciting rise of 🤖 artificial intelligence), opportunities are increasing for anyone looking to escape the traditional 9-5 job structure. You will find plenty of success stories of people who’ve achieved financial freedom by mastering the art of generating passive income. 💸
Like Ali Abdaal, a former 🎓 medical student that is now making over $27,000 weekly in passive income. He started with creating online courses to help medical students pass important exams. Now, he runs a YouTube empire boasting over 5 million subscribers and makes passive income from a variety of sources including: YouTube Ads, 🛍️ affiliate marketing, digital product sales, and sponsorships. And guess what? He’s not alone.
Consider these mind-blowing facts:
- 🎥 Over 3 billion people now consume digital content, highlighting the potential profits in content creation across social media, YouTube, and podcasts. (via Statista)
- 📈 The e-Learning market, expected to hit $325 billion by 2025, signals a booming opportunity in educational content creation – whether your passion is cooking, reading, or golf. (via Global Industry Analysts)
- 🏠 59 million Americans are freelancing, contributing $1.2 trillion into the economy. A sure sign that independent, digitally-enabled work is more common than ever. (via Upwork)
The silver lining? It’s not too late to start your passive income journey. We’ve analyzed hundreds of book recommendations and reviews to bring you 📚 the definitive list of the 20 best passive income books for 2024. Our selections cover a variety of strategies from affiliate marketing and online business, to the more traditional stock market investing and real estate.
But remember: No matter what passive income strategy you choose, it will take hard work and consistency, or upfront capital. It’s all about ❤️ adding value ❤️ to others. So let’s dive into the books!
Table of contents
Best Passive Income Books For Starting a Business
So, you’re thinking of venturing into the world of business, perhaps by starting a side hustle? Well, hold on a minute! Because transforming your business ideas into real, money-making systems requires more than just passion—it demands strategy and insight. And these highly-recommended books may just be your golden ticket.
We’re going to start with the best. Remember Ali Abdaal, the medical student turned millionaire YouTuber, that I mentioned above? He made a whole video about this first one called “The Best Book I’ve Ever Read about Making Money.” So here it is!
1. The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco
—MJ DeMarco
What is The Millionaire Fastlane about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 🚶♂️ 1. Reject the Slowlane: There are downsides to the conventional path we're taught by society
- 💡 2. Produce, Don't Consume: Create and offer value to a specific group of people, rather than just consuming
- 👣 3. Work the Process: Wealth building is not a one-time event, but a gradual step-by-step journey
Why should you read it?
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
The Millionaire Fastlane is rated 4.6 on Amazon and 4.3 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: Practical steps — Motivational — Real-world experience
Criticism: Aggressive tone — Over-simplified in spots — Perceived unrealistic promises
2. $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi
—Alex Hormozi
What is $100M Offers about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 💎 1. Raise Your Value: To charge higher prices, increase the value of your product by enhancing desire, certainty, speed and ease
- 🎁 2. Stack Your Offer: Boost perceived value through exciting names, bonuses, stacking and guarantees
- ⏳ 3. Make it Limited: Skyrocket demand for your offer using the psychology of scarcity, urgency, and exclusivity
Why should you read it?
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
$100M Offers is rated 4.9 on Amazon and 4.7 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: Actionable advice — Real-world stories — No fluff
Criticism: Focused on too few industries — Premium pricing not for everyone
3. The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
—Tim Ferriss
What is The 4-Hour Workweek about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 🎯 1. Leverage the 80/20 Rule: You can work less and accomplish more—by removing low-value work
- 🧪 2. Validate Your Ideas: Test if people want to buy your product, before you develop it
- 📺 3. Eliminate Distractions: Become twice as productive by cutting out unnecessary noise and content
Why should you read it?
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
The 4-Hour Workweek is rated 4.5 on Amazon and 3.9 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: Innovative ideas — Motivational to pursue dreams — Practical productivity hacks
Criticism: Self promotion — Overly optimistic — Not realistic for everyone
4. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
—Michael E. Gerber
What is The E-Myth Revisited about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 💡 1. The E-Myth Explained: The surprising truth is that most small businesses are started not by entrepreneurs, but technicians
- 👷 2. The Three Business Personalities: Every business owner must balance their inner Entrepreneur, Manager, and Technician
- 🍔 3. Work on your business, not in it: Implementing systems for scalable success, like the McDonald's franchise model
Why should you read it?
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
The E-Myth Revisited is rated 4.7 on Amazon and 4.1 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: Valuable business insights — Accessible writing style
Criticism: Repetitive content for some — Dated examples
Best Passive Income Books For Investing in the Stock Market
Investing is probably the most common way most people earn passive income, but let’s be real – it can feel like a maze at first. Luckily, there are some top-recommended books out there that break it all down, making it simple for us beginners. They’ll start you off with the basics, like getting smarter about saving your money. Then they’ll explain intelligent strategies for growing wealth by investing in the stock market, using things like index funds or mutual funds.
5. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
—Morgan Housel
What is The Psychology of Money about?
What are the key takeaways?
- ⏰ 1. Understand True Wealth: Happiness increases from having control over one's time, not showing off material things
- 💰 2. Compound Interest is Unbelievable: Warren Buffett's "real secret" is not investing genius, but consistency over a long time
- 🆘 3. Make Room for the Unexpected: Secure your financial safety with a margin of safety for errors and tough times
Why should you read it?
I recommend this book because it's not just about getting rich; it's about cultivating a healthier, more self-aware approach to managing your finances and life. It's a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of money with a clearer mind.
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
The Psychology of Money is rated 4.7 on Amazon and 4.4 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: + Deep insights + Easy to read + Well-researched
Criticism: - Somewhat repetitive themes - Not a step-by-step guide
6. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
What is The Richest Man in Babylon about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 🏦 1. Pay Yourself First: Start by saving 10% of your earnings for your future self, before paying anyone else
- ✂️ 2. Lower Your Expenses: Living within our means is about drawing the line between our needs and desires
- 📈 3. Let Money Work For You: To become wealthy, our savings must be transformed into passive income sources through investing
Why should you read it?
The book’s advice is straightforward but powerful, teaching not just to save, but to actively invest in our future selves. It's inspiring to see how applicable these ancient principles are today, and I can't recommend this book enough to anyone looking to improve their financial health. It's kind of like hearing life lessons from a wise and wealthy grandfather, but with more camels. 🐪
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
The Richest Man in Babylon is rated 4.7 on Amazon and 4.3 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: + Timeless principles + Simple rules + Engaging story format
Criticism: - Too simplistic for some readers - Repetitive writing
7. The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins
—JL Collins
What is The Simple Path to Wealth about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 🤸♂️ 1. Get F-You Money: Achieve freedom by saving enough to cover several months of expenses
- 💳 2. Pay Off Debt Quickly: Carrying a lot of debt is the biggest obstacle to wealth
- 📊 3. Invest in Stock Index Funds: The safer way to grow wealth is by investing in ALL the stocks in the market
Why should you read it?
I recommend this book because it's more than just financial advice; it's a roadmap to a stress-free financial life. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your financial strategy, this book is a beacon of clarity. Plus, this is Reddit’s #1 recommended personal finance book today. You can’t argue with the internet, right? 👽
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
The Simple Path to Wealth is rated 4.7 on Amazon and 4.5 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: + Clear and concise + Practical financial strategies
Criticism: - U.S.-centric directions - Too simplistic for some
Best Passive Income Books For Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing lets you earn passive income by promoting products for other companies, like through the Amazon Associates Program. It’s a highly appealing path, but can be overwhelming for beginners because there is such a wide variety of potential affiliate marketing strategies. Our top picks will help you get started with a few paths, including social media, content creation, YouTube, and more.
8. Crushing It by Gary Vaynerchuk
What is the book about? 10-second summary:
“Crushing It” by Gary Vaynerchuk explores personal branding and how to leverage social media for business success. It offers strategies for building a strong online presence and turning passions into profitable ventures.
Top quote:
“What really matters is a pretty short list: intent, authenticity, passion, patience, speed, work, and attention.”
Why should you read it?
This book is a masterclass in winning at social media from the king of hustle himself: Gary Vee. He’s like the human embodiment of that “Rise and Grind” coffee mug, cheering you on to conquer the digital world using nothing but the smartphone in your pocket.
Top lessons include:
- Authenticity is key in personal branding.
- Consistency and quality in content creation are crucial.
- Adaptability — Understand and leverage the strengths of different social media platforms.
Is it worth reading? Reviews summary:
- 4.7 stars on Amazon
- 4.0 stars on Goodreads
- Pros: Inspirational — Practical social media strategies — Real-life case studies
- Cons: Can be repetitive — Overemphasis on hustle
(Our summary of Crushing It! is coming in the future.)
9. YouTube Secrets by Sean Cannell and Benji Travis
—Sean Cannell Benji Travis
What is YouTube Secrets about?
What are the key takeaways?
- ❤️ 1. Just Start: Take courageous action and begin your YouTube journey despite feeling judged, awkward, or alone
- 🔍 2. Focus on One Passion: A narrow niche focus helps your channel gain a loyal audience much faster
- 🔁 5. Consistency is Key: Show up with a new video every week, by keeping things simple
Why should you read it?
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
YouTube Secrets is rated 4.6 on Amazon and 4.1 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: Very helpful and informative — Understand how YouTube works — Motivational push to get started
Criticism: Missing advanced strategies and recent updates — The author's YouTube channel contains more information
10. The Art and Business of Online Writing by Nicolas Cole
What is the book about? 10-second summary:
“The Art and Business of Online Writing” by Nicolas Cole is a comprehensive guide on how to succeed writing online, in the ever-evolving landscape of content creation and social media. It covers a broad range of topics, including why you probably should NOT start a blog, how to write things people actually want to read, and ways to turn your writing into a full-time career.
Top quote:
“Consistent output is the secret to every growth metric on the internet: views, comments, Likes, shares, etc.”
Why should you read it?
Beginning as a top World of Warcraft gamer, Nicolas Cole turned his strategic mind and competitive instincts to online writing. Over the years, he’s figured out a few ways to “hack” the system, leading to his writing being viewed over 100 million times and counting! In an age of viral content and hashtags, it’s essential reading for anyone that wants to make an impact with their words today.
Top lessons include:
- Online Engagement Comes First: The most important thing is not just writing well, but writing in a way that resonates and engages a specific online audience.
- Place Content for Maximum Impact: How to strategically place and promote content to online platforms like Quora and Medium, for optimal reach and engagement.
- Turning Writing into a Sustainable Career: Leveraging online writing into a sustainable career, including monetization strategies and personal branding tips.
Is it worth reading? Reviews summary:
- 4.7 stars on Amazon
- 4.5 stars on Goodreads
- Pros: Tested strategies — Unique insights — Author’s experiences
- Cons: Repetitive examples — Specific types of writing
(Our summary of this book is also coming in the future.)
11. Contagious by Jonah Berger
—Jonah Berger
What is Contagious about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 🕶️ 1. Social Currency: Give people something to share that makes THEM look good - trendy, smart, or high status
- 😡 2. Emotional Impact: Evoke strong emotions like excitement or anger, and more people will share
- 🎭 3. Embed Storytelling: Information wrapped in stories is more engaging and shareable
Why should you read it?
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
Contagious is rated 4.6 on Amazon and 4.0 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: Insightful analysis of virality — Real-world examples of concepts
Criticism: Narrow focus within marketing — Basic for experts
Best Passive Income Books For Selling Digital Products
Now we’re diving into the exciting world of digital products, where a business can thrive right from your laptop almost anywhere in the world. These carefully selected books offer a roadmap for online business success: from choosing a profitable uncrowded market, to creating engaging online courses, and designing user-friendly apps.
12. Dotcom Secrets by Russell Brunson
—Russell Brunson
What is Dotcom Secrets about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 🚀 1. Mastering Marketing Funnels: Improve sales and conversions through laser-focused funnel pages
- 🎢 2. The Art of the "Value Ladder": Boost profits by bringing back repeat customers with increasingly valuable offers
- 🐟 3. Hook, Story, Offer Formula: The 3 essential elements for winning customer attention, interest, and conversions
Why should you read it?
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
Dotcom Secrets is rated 4.6 on Amazon and 4.2 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: Readers loved the clear instructions and ready-to-use scripts for starting an online business.
Criticism: Some viewed the book as a long sales pitch for ClickFunnels and found certain sales tactics dishonest.
13. Two Weeks Notice by Amy Porterfield
What is the book about? 10-second summary:
Two Weeks Notice by Amy Porterfield is a guide for those looking to escape their 9-5 jobs and start an online business. Porterfield shares her many years of experience creating successful online courses and building a strong digital presence, to help us turn our passions into a profitable venture.
Top quote:
“Saying yes just means you believe in yourself—and your ability to build a business—just a little bit more than you don’t.”
Why should you read it?
This book is written by the woman behind the podcast Online Marketing Made Easy, a long-running show that gets over 1 million downloads every month. Her business has done a jaw-dropping $82 million in revenue, mainly from digital products like online courses and building a relationship with her audience through an email list. So if you daydream of ditching the cubicle, you’ll find some proven tips here.
Top lessons include:
- Step-by-Step Online Business Launch: Porterfield breaks down the process of starting a side hustle into manageable, actionable steps, ideal for those looking to transition to full-time entrepreneurship.
- Building and Nurturing an Email List: Key strategies for leveraging social media to grow and engage an email list, a critical asset when starting and growing an online business.
- Practical Tips for Quitting Your Job: Real-life advice and insights for those who’ve dreamt for years about leaving their 9-5, with a focus on creating a sustainable business.
Is it worth reading? Reviews summary:
- 4.7 stars on Amazon
- 4.2 stars on Goodreads
- Pros: Step-by-step guidance — Inspirational personal story
- Cons: Basic for experienced entrepreneurs — Only a specific type of businesses
(Our summary is coming in the future.)
14. Will It Fly? by Pat Flynn
What is the book about? 10-second summary:
Will It Fly? by Pat Flynn is a detailed guide to test your business ideas before fully committing to them. It helps readers validate if their ideas can succeed in the real world, before spending a lot of time and money on them. Flynn combines personal stories with actionable exercises, to help us refine our business plans to reduce risk of failure.
Top quote:
“What can you bring to the table that no one else can? What is your unfair advantage?”
Why should you read it?
Launching a business can feel intimidating, like trying to fly a paper airplane in a hurricane. Pat Flynn’s wisdom on the topic is deep, considering he’s been hosting the renowned Smart Passive Income Podcast for over 13 years. And hey—you gotta respect a man who launched a channel about Pokemon card collecting a couple years ago and has already amassed 700,000+ subscribers… to his side hobby! He clearly knows something about catching the wind just right.
Top lessons include:
- Step-by-Step Validation Process: Learn how to methodically validate your business idea to save time and money before fully launching.
- Building a Sustainable Online Business: Gain insights into creating a business model that generates passive income, using easy-to-follow strategies.
- Aligning Business with Personal Goals: Understand the importance of aligning your business idea with your personal values and goals, ensuring a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
Is it worth reading? Reviews summary:
- 4.7 stars on Amazon
- 3.9 stars on Goodreads
- Pros: Comprehensive overview of online business — Practical advice
- Cons: Basic for some — Repetitive in places
(Our summary is coming in the future.)
15. Hooked by Nir Eyal
—Nir Eyal
What is Hooked about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 🧠 1. Why Create User Habits?: Developing user habits is crucial for product longevity and customer retention in the digital age
- 🚦 2. Start With Triggers: Effective triggers drive consistent usage and reinitiate user interaction with your app
- 🤝 3. Engineer User Investment: When people invest time or effort, their connection to the product deepens
Why should you read it?
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
Hooked is rated 4.5 on Amazon and 4.1 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: Insightful model — Thought-provoking — Actionable steps
Criticism: Narrow focus on tech products — Basic for expert UX designers
Best Passive Income Books For Real Estate
Now let’s dive into real estate investing, a classic path to passive income. We’ve handpicked a few essential books to guide you on this journey. These selections offer foundational knowledge and strategies for navigating the real estate market successfully.
16. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
What is Rich Dad Poor Dad about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 🏦 1. Understand Assets vs Liabilities: 'The Rich' buy assets that generate income, while 'The Poor' buy liabilities that cost them money (like a house and cars)
- 🧠 2. Master Your Psychology: We all have inner obstacles to wealth like fear, arrogance and laziness
- ⚖️ 3. Maximize Tax Advantages: Having a corporation can offer you many benefits including tax savings
Why should you read it?
Now, I know some people think the author is more of a salesman or even call him a fraud because of how he presents his ideas. But on the flip side, a lot of readers feel really fired up after reading the book. It's easy to understand and makes you see money in a whole new way, pushing you to take action towards financial freedom. 💸
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
Rich Dad Poor Dad is rated 4.7 on Amazon and 4.1 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: + Thought-provoking + Inspires entrepreneurship + Simple to understand
Criticism: - Oversimplified concepts - Undermines education and careers
17. The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner
What is the book about? 10-second summary:
“The Book on Rental Property Investing” by Brandon Turner is a concise yet comprehensive guide to earning through rental properties. It covers key aspects like property selection, financing, tenant management, and maximizing income. Ideal for anyone venturing into rental investments, Turner’s book offers valuable insights for building a successful portfolio.
Top quote:
“Real estate investing can make you wealthy, and it can make you wealthy faster than any other investment out there, if you are willing to work toward it. And that’s the key: work.”
Why should you read it?
With over 700 rental units under his belt, Brandon Turner knows a thing or two about making real estate investing profitable. He’s also co-host of the popular BiggerPockets podcast, so he can simplify the complex jargon of real estate into straightforward directions.
Top lessons include:
- Finding the Right Properties: Strategies to identify properties that offer the best return on investment.
- Effective Property Management: Tips on managing rental properties efficiently to ensure steady income and tenant satisfaction.
- Financial Planning for Long-Term Success: Guidance on financing options, budgeting, and planning for future growth in your rental property portfolio.
Is it worth reading? Reviews summary:
- 4.7 stars on Amazon
- 4.4 stars on Goodreads
- Pros: Packed with valuable info — Clear and simple to understand
- Cons: Author’s tone can be irritating to some — Focus on smaller properties
(Our summary is coming in the future.)
Best Passive Income Books For Mindset
With these books, you’ll learn how to reshape your financial mindset to unlock a new perspective on building wealth. From understanding the psychology of persuasion to adopting the habits of successful people and breaking free of limiting beliefs. These reads aren’t just informative; they transform your mindset into a powerful tool for creating passive income streams.
18. Influence by Robert Cialdini
—Robert Cialdini
What is Influence about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 🎁 Reciprocity: We feel obligated to pay back gifts and favours. When someone does something for us, we naturally want to do something for them in return. It's why free samples work.
- 🤝 Commitment and Consistency: We want to appear consistent with our past actions. This is why committing to a goal or action publicly can be such a strong motivator.
- 👥 Social Proof: We often look to the behavior and actions of others to determine our own behavior. This is the basis for trends, social media influence, and testimonials.
Why should you read it?
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
Influence is rated 4.7 on Amazon and 4.2 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: Scientifically backed — Insightful analysis — Practical examples
Criticism: Some examples outdated — May be manipulative — Repetitive writing
19. The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone
—Grant Cardone
What is The 10X Rule about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 🎯 1. Set 10X Goals: Aim for objectives 10 times larger than before; goals that feel significantly beyond your current reach
- 🌟 2. Expand When Others Contract: Seize opportunities to grow when others are hesitant, capitalizing on less competition
- 📈 3. Obsess About Results, Not Effort: Focus on achieving tangible outcomes rather than just how long or hard you work
Why should you read it?
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
The 10X Rule is rated 4.7 on Amazon and 3.9 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: High-energy and motivational — Straightforward advice for achieving success
Criticism: Can be repetitive — 10X philosophy not for everyone
20. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
—Napoleon Hill
What is Think and Grow Rich about?
What are the key takeaways?
- 🔥 1. Cultivate a Burning Desire: The beginning of riches is an overwhelming desire bordering on obsession
- 🎯 2. Set a Definite Purpose: Clear goals that are written down are essential for success, not vague wishes
- 😎 3. Conquer Fear of Criticism: Being afraid of what others will say is often the biggest obstacle to chasing our dreams
Why should you read it?
Is it worth reading? Reviews Summary
Think and Grow Rich is rated 4.7 on Amazon and 4.2 on Goodreads.
Positive reviews say: Many found the book highly empowering for helping them defy norms, continue towards their dreams, and cope with criticism.
Criticism: Some argue the book fails to acknowledge the role of luck and circumstance in attaining wealth, and it contains too much unproven pseudo-spiritual mumbo jumbo.
Community Notes