I’ve always been curious about what people born into powerful families read and think about when they’re away from the cameras. And the list of 17 books Ivanka Trump shared as she entered 2026 gave me a surprisingly clear answer: it’s a very quiet world, full of contemplation, and nothing like the noisy image often associated with the name “Trump.”
Ivanka says that every book has left its own mark on the way she sees life. Some she read once and moved on from, while others she returned to again and again in search of resonance. It sounds very much like the mindset of someone who reads not to show off, but to understand herself a little better.
Her list begins with The Woman by Kristin Hannah, a historical novel centered on women’s courage and resilience in wartime. Ivanka described it as a reminder that many of the bravest acts happen quietly, without spotlight or glory—an intriguing choice for someone who grew up under constant media attention.
Ivanka also keeps the habit of rereading classics with her children. Over the past year, she read The Odyssey by Homer with her daughter Arabella. The way she talks about the book isn’t academic at all; it sounds more like a story about a human journey—full of temptation and trials, yet always demanding that one keeps moving forward.
Several books on the list reveal her deep interest in humanity’s biggest questions. Ishmael by Daniel Quinn made her reflect on the price civilization has paid, while The Creative Act by Rick Rubin struck her as a reminder that the world, ultimately, can be seen as a constantly evolving work of art.
On a more inner, emotional level, Ivanka mentions The Choice by Edith Eger—a book about inner freedom even in the harshest circumstances. She also appreciates The Art of Learning, where deliberate practice is valued as highly as talent, and Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a fable for those who refuse to live within predefined limits.
The list is also rich in philosophy and history. From The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, with its reflections on wealth and happiness, to The Lessons of History and A History of Western Philosophy, Ivanka shows that she spends considerable time building a long-term perspective rather than chasing short-lived trends.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, she read The Pursuit of Happiness to revisit how the Founding Fathers defined happiness—not as indulgence, but as the result of discipline and virtue. Toward a Meaningful Life reminded her that life’s meaning lies not in ambition, but in faith and service.
Most striking are the four books Ivanka says she always keeps on her bedside table: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle, a poetry collection she reads every night, and The Essential Rumi. All are slow, deep reads with very little to do with power or fame.
Looking at this list, I get the sense that Ivanka Trump in her private life is not so much a political or fashion icon, but rather a woman trying to preserve inner stillness in a world overwhelmed by noise. And perhaps books are how she does it.
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