Ivanka Trump’s Notable Reads for 2025
As 2025 came to a close, Ivanka Trump opened up about some of her favorite books from the year, ones she believed had a significant influence on her. The co-founder of Planet Harvest and daughter of former President Donald Trump shared a list of titles that she felt “shaped” who she hopes to be.
“Each changed my perspective, some gently, some deeply,” she noted, adding that some books weren’t just insightful; they prompted her to make adjustments in thought and action.
The first book she highlighted was “The Women,” a historical novel by Kristin Hannah. Ivanka described it as a narrative of courage, resilience, and the bonds of sisterhood amidst the horrors of war. “It really brings women’s stories back to the forefront of history and highlights how many brave acts often remain unrecognized,” she stated.
Trump also touched on classic literature, mentioning how her children often revisit the books assigned to them in school. This year, she’s chosen to reread “The Odyssey” with her daughter, Arabella. “The adventure in The Odyssey illustrates the trials and triumphs involved in pushing through life’s challenges,” she explained.
Additional Book Recommendations
Among her recommended reads was Daniel Quinn’s “Ishmael,” which she described as a “quiet, yet profound discussion that questions how we define ‘civilization’ and what we’ve sacrificed for it.” She also mentioned Rick Rubin’s “The Creative Act,” calling it a reflection on viewing the world as an evolving piece of art and seeing discipline not as a restriction, but as a form of dedication.
Ivanka acknowledged Dr. Edith Ager’s “The Choice,” appreciating its message that even in dark times, freedom is ultimately a personal decision.
Another entry on her list was Josh Waitzkin’s “The Art of Learning,” which she noted for its exploration of immersive learning. Ivanka also referred to Richard Bach’s “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” labeling it a metaphorical tale for those unwilling to live within imposed limits.
She credited Eric Jorgenson’s “Naval Ravikant Yearbook” for its insights into wealth, wisdom, and contentment. “History Lessons,” by Will Durant and Ariel Durant, served as a reminder for her that having a broader perspective is a rare kind of wisdom.
As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, she pointed to Jeffrey Rosen’s “The Pursuit of Happiness,” which discusses how the Founding Fathers viewed happiness as tied to virtue and discipline.
Ivanka also praised Joseph Campbell’s “The Power of Myth,” considering it a brilliant examination of how timeless myths reflect our personal narratives. She described it as comforting, yet enlightening.
Finally, she acknowledged Bertrand Russell’s “History of Western Philosophy,” which she called an enlightening journey through human thought structures. Ivanka mentioned that, for her, four books always rest on her nightstand: “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, “Silence Speaks” by Eckhart Tolle, “Poems for Every Night of the Year” by Arie Esiri, and “The Essential Rumi” by Coleman Barks—all reflecting her search for deeper meaning and purpose.
