The most famous books Phil Jackson handpicked for his players

As the Christmas holidays draw near, many people are excited about taking some well-deserved time off to unwind. For some, this means diving into a good book.

If you're thinking about picking one up but don’t have a specific title in mind—or if you need a thoughtful gift idea—why not consider one of the books recommended by legendary head coach Phil Jackson for his players?

Below is a list of some of the most popular titles that “The Zen Master” handed out throughout his remarkable coaching career, during which he won a record-breaking 11 championship titles. The term "most popular" refers to the number of ratings each book has received on the review site, Goodreads.

“2666” by Roberto Bolaño (44,084 ratings)

Released posthumously in 2004, Robert Bolaño’s novel revolves around the search for Benno von Archimboldi, a writer who mysteriously disappears in Santa Teresa, a desert town on the Mexico-U.S. border known for its unsettling violence against women.

Combining elements of gangster fiction, coming-of-age stories, science fiction, and journalism, this book was once gifted to Pau Gasol by Jackson.

“Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison (118,402 ratings)

Published in 1977, Toni Morrison’s third novel follows Macon Dead III, also known as "Milkman," as he embarks on a journey to uncover his family’s history and a hidden treasure. Through "Milkman’s" quest, the story contrasts his individual experiences with those of his community. 

One of Barack Obama’s favorite books, “Song of Solomon,” was once handpicked for Michael Jordan.

“Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance” by Barack Obama (227,643 ratings)

This memoir, published in 1995, explores Barack Obama’s journey of identity, belonging, and self-discovery. Chronicling his life up to the start of his studies at Harvard Law School, the book provides a powerful portrait of a young Black man navigating questions of heritage and humanity.

One of the many books published by the 44th President of the United States, it was once given to Shannon Brown as a gift.

“Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts (225,027 ratings) 

Released in 2003, this epic novel by Gregory David Roberts follows Linbaba, an escaped Australian convict who arrives in Bombay. Immersed in the city’s vibrant yet gritty life, he experiences everything from village living to the harsh realities of the slums and underworld of 1980s Bombay.

Adapted into a major Apple TV show featuring actor Charlie Hunnam in 2022, this book was gifted to Jelani McCoy.

“Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking” by Malcolm Gladwell (604,170 ratings) 

Published in 2005, Malcolm Gladwell’s book delves into the power of intuition, showing how quick decisions can often be more effective than prolonged analysis. It offers insights into improving this ability for better judgment.

Differing in terms of being non-narrative driven from the other books on this list, “Blink” was once given to Kobe Bryant.

“Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse (807,983 ratings)

Hermann Hesse’s classic novel, released in 1922, tells the story of Siddhartha, a young man from an aristocratic priestly caste in India. Despite his privileged upbringing and knowledge, Siddhartha feels unfulfilled and sets off on a journey with his friend Govinda to discover the meaning of life.

This work, written by one of Germany’s most celebrated authors, was once gifted to Shaquille O’Neal.

Besides those mentioned in-depth, “The Zen Master” also recommended several other impactful titles to his players, including:

• “The White Boy Shuffle” by Paul Beatty
• “The Ways of White Folks” by Langston Hughes
• “Soul on Ice” by Eldridge Cleaver
• “Montana 1948” by Larry Watson
• “The Monkey Wrench Gang” by Edward Abbey
• “Reservation Blues” by Sherman Alexie
• “Ecce Homo” by Friedrich Nietzsche