In between running one of the world’s largest charitable agencies and acting as Microsoft’s technology advisor，Bill Gates manages to find time to read books，both long and short.Now Gates who has been labeled a greedy reader—has released a list of his favorite books.All of the books are standout reads，according to the billionaire，most of which are focused on business and economy.

Here are Bill’s top four picks（with parts of his full review of each book）.

Business Adventures，by John Brooks

Brooks’ collection was published in 1969 and remains one of Gates’ favorites.He reread it again this year，labeling it the best business book he has ever read.

“Shortly after we met，Warren Buffett lent me this collection of business articles from The New Yorker from the 1950s and 1960s.I loved them as much as he did.Brooks’ insights into business have aged beautifully，and they are as true today as ever.”

Capital in the Twenty First Century，by Thomas Piketty

Piketty’s novel hit the shelves in August 2013 and sparked much discussion concerning income inequality throughout this year.Gates also got to sit down with Piketty himself after reading the nonfiction work to discuss the topic.

“As I told him，although I have concerns about some of his secondary points and policy prescriptions，I agree with his most important conclusions：inequality is a growing problem and governments should play a role in reducing it.”

How Asia Works，by Joe Studwell

Studwell’s work，which was published in May 2014，addresses how countries such as Japan，South Korea and China have continued to achieve high growth，and why other countries have failed to do the same.

“The agriculture section of the book was particularly insightful.It provided ample food for thought for me as well as the whole Agriculture team at our foundation.And it left us thinking about whether parts of the Asian model can apply in Africa.”

Making the Modern World：Materials and Dematerialization，by Vaclav Smil

Smil’s books are a constant favorite of the Microsoft’s founder—one of his books makes Gates’ list almost every year.Making the Modern World came out late in 2013 and explores the global use of materials，from silicon to wood and plastic.

“If anyone tries to tell you we’re using fewer materials，send him this book.With his usual skepticism and his love of data，Smil shows how our ability to make things with fewer materials—say，soda cans that need less aluminum—makes them cheaper，which actually encourages more production.”

（  ）9.The books mentioned in the text are all about_____.

A.charity in the world

B.business and economy

C.poverty in the world

D.Bill Gates’ life experience

9.B【解析】细节理解题。根据文章第一段最后一句“most of which are focused on business and the economy”可知，这些书大都是关于商业和经济的书籍。故选B。

（  ）10.Of the books，_____is best praised by Bill Gates.

A.How Asia Works

B.Capital in the Twenty First Century

C.Business Adventures

D.Making the Modern World：Materials and Dematerialization

10.C【解析】细节理解题。根据文章第三段最后一句“He reread it again this year，labeling it the best business book he has ever read.”可知，这一年他再次读了这本书，并给它贴上了他所读过最好的商业小说的标签。故选C。

（  ）11.Gates once had a personal discussion with the author of_____.

A.Capital in the Twenty First Century

B.Business Adventures

C.How Asia Works

D.Making the Modern World：Materials and Dematerialization

11.A【解析】细节理解题。根据文章第五段最后一句“Gates also got to sit down with Piketty himself after reading the non-iction work to discuss the topic.”可知，Gates在读完非小说类作品后，也坐下来和Piketty本人讨论此话题。故选A。

（  ）12.In How Asia Works，the author analyses_____.

A.why African agriculture cannot be developed fast

B.how they can apply Asian economic model in African countries

C.why Asia is so slow in agricultural development

D.how some Asian countries have rapidly grown in economy

12.D【解析】细节理解题。根据文章第七段“Studwell’s work，which was published in May 2014，addresses how countries such as Japan，South Korea and China have continued to achieve high growth，and why other countries have failed to do the same.”可知，Studwell 2014年五月发表的著作指出了日本、韩国和中国如何实现了持续的高增长，而其他国家却没有做到的原因。故选D。