10 Facebook Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Recommended by Shira Ovide, Jake Tapper, Kara Swisher — trusted voices on Facebook Books

Shira Ovide
Jake Tapper
Kara Swisher
Tucker Max
Dan Martell
Ryan Deiss
Updated on June 27, 2025
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What if I told you Facebook's story is far more complex than just a social network? Its influence spills over politics, culture, and even democracy itself. Today, understanding Facebook means grappling with questions about power, ethics, and technology’s role in society.

Journalists like Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang uncovered Facebook's internal struggles in "An Ugly Truth," while whistleblower Ryan Hartwig exposes content moderation bias in "Behind the Mask of Facebook." Meanwhile, marketing guru Nicholas Kusmich shares proven strategies for advertising success on the platform. These voices, among others, reveal a multifaceted picture of Facebook’s reach and challenges.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks and insider perspectives, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Facebook interests and goals might consider creating a personalized Facebook book that builds on these insights, offering a customized path through this ever-evolving platform.

Best for understanding Facebook censorship
Zach Vorhies, a former senior software engineer at YouTube and Google turned whistleblower, discovered this book amid his fight against censorship on major platforms. He calls Ryan Hartwig "one of the most important whistleblowers to emerge since the likes of Julian Assange and Edward Snowden," emphasizing how Hartwig risked everything to expose Facebook's biased content moderation and social engineering tactics. This insider perspective reshaped Vorhies’ understanding of Facebook's role in shaping political narratives. For anyone concerned about tech influence on free speech, Vorhies' endorsement offers a compelling reason to explore this eye-opening account. Also worth noting is Jani Allan's reflection on the book’s illumination of Big Tech’s power surpassing constitutional boundaries, highlighting its broader societal relevance.
ZV

Recommended by Zach Vorhies

Former YouTube/Google engineer and whistleblower

Ryan Hartwig is one of the most important whistleblowers to emerge since the likes of Julian Assange and Edward Snowden. Ryan risked everything to reveal to the public the bias at Facebook and how they were using that bias and their monopoly to perform social engineering. (from Amazon)

2021·352 pages·Facebook, Social Media, Content Moderation, Censorship, Political Bias

Ryan Hartwig's experience as a Facebook content moderator exposed him to the platform’s inner workings and its shift toward politically motivated censorship post-2016 elections. In this book, you’ll encounter detailed accounts of how Facebook prioritized certain political viewpoints, illustrating this through over forty specific examples, including censorship of content related to public figures like Greta Thunberg and Alyssa Milano. You learn not just about content moderation challenges but about the broader implications for free speech and political influence within social media. This book suits anyone interested in the intersection of technology, politics, and media ethics, especially those seeking an insider’s perspective on social media bias.

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Best for Facebook's corporate dynamics
Shira Ovide, a respected technology journalist at The New York Times, brings a critical eye to this book, noting how it reveals the disconnect between Facebook’s leadership and the realities faced inside the company: "To the people who were there, Ms. Sandberg seemed to be hearing only what she wanted to hear." Her insight underscores the book’s deep dive into the internal dynamics shaping Facebook’s controversial decisions. This perspective, coupled with endorsements from Jake Tapper and Kara Swisher, who praise the book’s stunning revelations and broad relevance, makes it a compelling read for anyone wanting to grasp the complexities behind Facebook’s rise and challenges.
SO

Recommended by Shira Ovide

Technology journalist, New York Times

"To the people who were there, Ms. Sandberg seemed to be hearing only what she wanted to hear." A must-read excerpt from Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang's new book, WHICH I CANNOT WAIT TO READ. (from X)

An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebook's Battle for Domination book cover

by Sheera Frenkel, Cecilia Kang··You?

After analyzing extensive interviews and internal documents, Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang developed a revealing narrative of Facebook's internal struggles with ethical dilemmas and leadership challenges. You’ll gain insight into how decisions by Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg shaped a platform that prioritized growth even as it fueled misinformation and polarization. The book details specific incidents, such as engineering choices to maximize user engagement at the cost of amplifying harmful content, and how lobbying efforts reinforced Facebook's dominance. If you want to understand the complex forces behind one of the most influential tech giants and its societal impact, this book offers a detailed, investigative account worth your attention.

New York Times Bestseller
Winner of SABEW Best in Business Award
Pulitzer Prize Finalist for National Reporting
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Best for personal growth plans
This custom AI book on Facebook growth is created based on your current knowledge, interests, and goals related to the platform. By sharing your specific focus areas and experience level, the book delivers content tailored to what you need to master growth tactics, engagement, and advertising. It guides you through the complexities of Facebook with targeted insights that fit your unique path, making learning efficient and relevant to your ambitions.
2025·50-300 pages·Facebook, Facebook Growth, Audience Engagement, Ad Targeting, Content Creation

This tailored book explores essential tactics for mastering Facebook growth, engagement, and advertising, crafted specifically to match your background and goals. It examines key concepts such as audience building, content optimization, and ad performance, providing a clear and focused pathway through the platform’s complex ecosystem. By concentrating on your interests, it reveals how Facebook’s features can be harnessed effectively to amplify reach and interaction. With a personalized approach, this book emphasizes practical understanding of growth drivers and engagement techniques, addressing your specific objectives. It invites you to explore targeted advertising nuances and organic growth methods, making the learning experience relevant and immediately applicable to your unique situation.

Tailored Guide
Engagement Tactics
3,000+ Books Created
Best for Facebook advertising ROI
Tucker Max, an author and entrepreneur well-versed in marketing, highlights Nicholas Kusmich as more than just another self-promoter. "There are a lot of 'gurus' out there who are experts at one thing only--selling themselves. Nic is the opposite. He's the smartest, most effective person operating right now in his space. Listen to him, you make money. Ignore him, you lose money. Pretty simple." Max discovered Kusmich’s approach while seeking reliable Facebook strategies amid a crowded field of advice. This endorsement underscores why Kusmich’s book is invaluable for anyone serious about mastering Facebook advertising. Alongside Max, Dan Martell praises Kusmich’s heartfelt storytelling combined with effective tactics, further cementing the book’s practical value in a noisy marketing landscape.
TM

Recommended by Tucker Max

Author and entrepreneur

There are a lot of "gurus" out there who are experts at one thing only--selling themselves. Nic is the opposite. He's the smartest, most effective person operating right now in his space. Listen to him, you make money. Ignore him, you lose money. Pretty simple. (from Amazon)

Nicholas Kusmich, widely recognized for achieving some of the highest ROI in Facebook advertising, challenges the traditional sales-focused mindset by emphasizing what marketers have to give rather than get. You'll learn a four-step framework that includes pinpointing your target audience, mastering your message, crafting a magnetic offer, and building a system to capture and nurture leads effectively on Facebook. For example, Kusmich delves into how to align your messaging with social media norms to avoid pushy ads that turn people off. This book suits business owners and marketers eager to harness Facebook's unique advertising dynamics for sustained client growth rather than quick wins.

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Best for Silicon Valley insider views
Dan Sullivan, a respected strategic planner and coach, brings a unique perspective to the tech world, making his endorsement of this book especially meaningful for anyone seeking to understand Silicon Valley's inner workings. His expertise in guiding entrepreneurs aligns well with the book’s candid exploration of startup life and innovation chaos. Similarly, Raoul Pal, founder of Real Vision Group and a noted investment strategist, shares enthusiasm for the book’s storytelling and insight into the tech ecosystem, reinforcing its value for those interested in technology’s impact on markets and culture.

Recommended by Andrew Ross Sorkin

New York Times journalist and author

Incisive.... The most fun business book I have read this year.... Clearly there will be people who hate this book — which is probably one of the things that makes it such a great read. (from Amazon)

2016·528 pages·Silicon Valley, Startup Biography, Facebook, Technology, Startups

Drawing from his experience as a Facebook product manager and startup founder, Antonio García Martínez delivers a candid look at Silicon Valley’s chaotic culture and the tech industry's turbulent evolution. You’ll gain insights into the mechanics of social media monetization, venture capital mindsets, and the raw realities behind today’s tech giants, including vivid anecdotes like the infamous internal battles over Facebook’s advertising strategy. This book suits anyone curious about the intersection of technology, business, and culture, especially those wanting an unfiltered perspective on how digital empires are built and how disruption shapes our world.

New York Times Bestseller
Inc. Best Book of the Year for Entrepreneurs
NPR Best Book of the Year
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Best for Facebook's company history
Hunter Walk, a partner at Homebrew VC and former product lead at YouTube and Google, brings a deep understanding of tech platforms and their societal roles. His recommendation of this book underscores its thorough exploration of Facebook’s trajectory and influence. Given his background in scaling internet services, his endorsement signals the book’s value for anyone looking to grasp the complex forces shaping one of the world’s most powerful social media companies.
HW

Recommended by Hunter Walk

Partner at Homebrew VC, ex-YouTube/Google product lead

Facebook: The Inside Story book cover

by Steven Levy··You?

When Steven Levy set out to chronicle Facebook's evolution, he tapped into decades of experience as Wired's editor at large and a veteran tech journalist. You get a detailed narrative that goes beyond surface-level history, revealing the company's strategic maneuvers, cultural challenges, and controversies, such as the acquisition of WhatsApp and Instagram and the platform's addictive design. The book offers you insights into Facebook's internal operations and its impact on society, making it especially useful if you want to understand the intersection of technology, business, and social influence. This is a solid pick if you're curious about how Facebook became a dominant force and the complexities behind its growth and public scrutiny.

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Best for rapid audience growth
This AI-created book on Facebook growth is crafted specifically for you based on your current experience and goals. By focusing on your desired topics and skill level, it provides a personalized pathway through the complex world of Facebook engagement. Customizing this book around your unique interests means you'll get targeted steps to expand your audience and improve your presence without wading through irrelevant information. It's like having a friendly expert guiding you exactly where you want to go.
2025·50-300 pages·Facebook, Facebook Basics, Content Creation, Audience Engagement, Post Optimization

This tailored book explores focused, effective actions to rapidly enhance your Facebook audience and engagement. It covers practical techniques for growth, content optimization, and community interaction, all aligned with your unique background and goals. By concentrating on what matters most for your specific situation, this personalized guide reveals pathways to boost your social presence efficiently and meaningfully. It examines how to craft compelling posts, leverage platform features, and engage your target audience in ways that resonate with your style and objectives. This personalized approach ensures the content matches your interests and skill level, making the learning experience both relevant and motivating.

Tailored Guide
Audience Amplification
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for Facebook VR evolution
Amber Osborne, Chief Marketing Officer at DogheadSims and recognized expert in VR and AI marketing, highlights this book as a key read for understanding virtual reality's impact. She shared her excitement with "Great new book on VR coming out soon!" Osborne’s experience leading VR meeting software gives her a front-row seat on the industry’s evolution, and she found Harris’s detailed exploration of Oculus and Facebook’s role illuminating. Her endorsement signals this book’s value for anyone keen to grasp the VR revolution’s business and cultural shifts.
AO

Recommended by Amber Osborne

CMO at DogheadSims, VR and AI marketing expert

Great new book on VR coming out soon! (from X)

After analyzing hundreds of interviews and insider stories, Blake J. Harris found a gripping narrative about Oculus's rise and its complex relationship with Facebook. You get a close-up on Palmer Luckey’s journey from a young inventor in a camper to the center of a multi-billion-dollar VR revolution, revealing chapters that detail key moments like Oculus's landmark acquisition and its founder’s fallout. This book is less about technical VR specs and more about the human drama and strategic battles behind the scenes, making it ideal if you're curious about tech entrepreneurship, corporate power plays, or virtual reality’s early days. If you're looking for a dry business manual, this won’t satisfy, but if you want a vivid tech saga, it delivers.

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Best for Facebook's growth narrative
Dustin Moskovitz, co-founder of Facebook and CEO at Asana, carries deep insight into the company's origins and impact. His endorsement underscores this book’s unique access to Facebook's leadership and detailed narrative of its rapid growth. Given his direct experience shaping the company, Moskovitz’s association adds significant credibility, making this a go-to account for anyone serious about understanding Facebook's rise and its broader societal effects.
DM

Recommended by Dustin Moskovitz

Co-Founder and CEO at Asana

2010·384 pages·Facebook Company History, Facebook, Internet Company History, Technology, Internet Services

David Kirkpatrick's years as senior editor for Internet and technology at Fortune magazine led him to write this detailed chronicle of Facebook's rise. You gain an inside look at how Mark Zuckerberg and his team built one of the fastest-growing global tech companies, focusing on growth over profits and reshaping social communication. The book explores Facebook's influence beyond social media, including its impact on politics and personal identity, with chapters detailing its early days and pivotal moments. If you want to understand the company's strategic decisions and cultural significance, this is a solid choice; however, those seeking a critical exposé might find it more descriptive than investigative.

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Best for societal impact analysis
Suzi Mccarthy, a social strategist and educator at IBM known for her deep insights into digital culture, highlights this book as a crucial resource for anyone trying to untangle Facebook's complex role today. She points to how it offers a great breakdown of the platform's societal impact, a perspective that helped reshape her understanding of social media's broader consequences. Her recommendation underscores why this book is essential for those grappling with Facebook's influence on democracy and public discourse.
SM

Recommended by Suzi Mccarthy

Social strategist and educator at IBM

@RobertTanguay Yup! Check out @sivavaid’s latest book for a great breakdown (from X)

2018·288 pages·Facebook, Social Media, Media Studies, Facebook Impact, Democracy

When Siva Vaidhyanathan discovered the unexpected consequences of Facebook's rise, he set out to trace how a platform designed for connection became a tool that challenges democracy itself. Drawing on his expertise as a media studies professor and former journalist, Vaidhyanathan breaks down how Facebook's code and ideology foster misinformation, erode trust, and enable authoritarian manipulation. You’ll gain insight into the platform’s transformation from a harmless social site into a global force with profound societal impact, including chapters detailing election interference and media disruption. This book suits anyone seeking to understand the complex social and political fallout of Facebook’s dominance, especially those concerned with media ethics and democratic health.

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Best for authors mastering Facebook ads
Matthew J Holmes, together with his wife, has built a six-figure author business through effective marketing strategies. He specializes in helping authors navigate the complexities of advertising, particularly on Facebook, to enhance their visibility and sales. Living in the British countryside with his family, Matthew shares his insights and experiences to empower other authors in their publishing journeys.
2023·99 pages·Facebook, Marketing, Advertising, Strategy, Facebook Ads

What happens when an author who’s built a six-figure writing career turns his focus to Facebook Ads? Matthew J Holmes shares the exact blueprint he and his wife used to transform their book sales through targeted advertising. You’ll learn how to craft ads that capture attention, interpret 11 key metrics to optimize spend, and scale campaigns with minimal weekly effort. Chapters break down complex strategies into manageable steps, from initial planning to analyzing ad performance. If you’re an author eager to move beyond organic reach and master paid promotion without overwhelm, this guide offers a precise roadmap, though it’s best suited for those ready to invest time and money into advertising.

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Best for mastering Facebook ad strategy
Perry Marshall is the world’s most-quoted consultant on Google advertising, renowned for shaping the $100 billion Pay Per Click industry. His expertise in engineering and marketing converges in this book, which aims to unravel Facebook’s advertising complexities. Endorsed by FORBES and INC Magazine, his background—including contributions published in Harvard Business Review and partnerships with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labs—grounds this guide in proven principles rather than hype. This book builds on his legacy to help you navigate and excel in Facebook advertising with clarity and precision.
Ultimate Guide to Facebook Advertising book cover

by Perry Marshall, Thomas Meloche, Bob Regnerus, Mark Ingles··You?

Perry Marshall’s decades of experience in advertising and engineering brought him to write this fourth edition, aiming to clarify Facebook’s complex ad ecosystem. You’ll learn how to craft targeted campaigns using Facebook’s Campaign Blueprint, optimize video ads with a three-step formula, and leverage tools like the Facebook Pixel to track and retarget users effectively. The book dives beyond initial clicks, exploring strategies for engagement minutes and days after the ad interaction, which is rare in marketing guides. If you manage Facebook ads or want to understand the platform’s nuanced audience-building tactics, this book offers concrete frameworks without overhyping quick fixes.

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Conclusion

Across this collection, three key themes emerge: the complex ethics behind Facebook’s content policies, the corporate decisions shaping its global impact, and the tactical strategies businesses use to thrive on its advertising platform.

If you’re grappling with Facebook’s societal influence, start with "Behind the Mask of Facebook" and "Antisocial Media" for critical analysis. For marketers seeking rapid gains, "Give" and "Ultimate Guide to Facebook Advertising" offer actionable tactics. Combining these perspectives equips you to engage with Facebook both critically and effectively.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Facebook book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "An Ugly Truth" for an investigative overview of Facebook's leadership and practices. It offers a broad foundation before diving into more specialized topics like advertising or content moderation.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Facebook?

Not at all. Several books, like "Give" and "Ultimate Guide to Facebook Advertising," break down concepts clearly, making them accessible for beginners eager to learn Facebook marketing.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with historical and ethical explorations like "The Facebook Effect" and "Behind the Mask of Facebook," then move to marketing-focused titles such as "Give" to apply practical knowledge.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Newer books like "The Six-Figure Author's Guide To Facebook Ads" reflect current ad strategies, while classics like "Chaos Monkeys" provide context on Facebook's origins. Use both to balance history and innovation.

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

You can definitely skip around. Each book covers distinct aspects of Facebook, so choose based on your interest—whether it's corporate history, social impact, or advertising techniques.

How can personalized books complement these expert Facebook titles?

Personalized Facebook books tailor expert insights to your unique goals and experience, bridging theory with practical steps just for you. They complement these titles by making the knowledge actionable. Learn more here.

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