Best Commerce Books of 2026

The Secret Life of Groceries is a thought-provoking and immersive investigation into the human lives at the heart of the American grocery store. Author Benjamin Lorr delves deep into the highly secretive grocery industry, exposing the truth about the failing workers. With hundreds of interviews across every level of the business, Lorr leads readers on a journey to understand the secrets of Trader Joe's success, the shocking forced labor practices, and the entrepreneurs fighting for shelf space. This book provides essential reading for those who want to understand our food system and delivers powerful social commentary on the inherently American quest for more.

"Payments Systems in the U.S. - Third Edition: A Guide for the Payments Professional" is an essential guide for anyone in the payments industry or needing to use payments products. The book offers a comprehensive description of the payments systems, including cards, checks, ACH, wires, and cash, and how they work, evolve, and change. The third edition updates information about each system, adds a chapter on payments innovation, and includes a glossary of industry terminology. The book is written in clear and lively language, making it easy to read and understand. Overall, it is the go-to resource for understanding payments systems.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is a classic motivational self-help book that teaches the famous Andrew Carnegie formula for money-making based upon thirteen proven steps to riches. The book emphasizes the importance of having a strong desire, faith, and persistence in achieving one's goals. It also provides practical advice on how to develop and maintain a positive mental attitude, build a successful team, and overcome obstacles. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to achieve financial success and personal fulfillment.

Invent and Wander: The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos is a comprehensive collection of Jeff Bezos's writings, including his annual shareholder letters, speeches, and interviews. The book provides insights into Bezos's philosophy and principles that have guided him in creating and leading Amazon and Blue Origin. Readers will gain a master class in business values, strategy, and execution, covering topics like innovation, customer obsession, and climate change. This book is a must-read for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone interested in the success of one of the most important innovators of our time.

The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger - Second Edition with a new chapter by the author is an engaging read that tells the story of how a simple idea transformed the global economy. Marc Levinson's book explores the creation and adoption of the shipping container, and the significant impact it had on transportation costs and trade. Levinson draws on previously neglected sources to provide a comprehensive history of the shipping container, and the negotiations and investments required for its success. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in economic history and the global economy.

Back to the Futures: Crashing Dirt Bikes, Chasing Cows, and Unraveling the Mystery of Commodity Futures Markets (Premium Color Edition) is a captivating book that explains the significance of futures markets in our economy, especially in agribusiness. Scott Irwin's engaging storytelling style and unique experiences growing up on an Iowa farm make this book an entertaining yet informative read. The book features other experts in the field, providing clarity on topics such as the role of speculators in making these markets work. Overall, Back to the Futures is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding commodity futures trading and its impact on our financial system.

Shopify For Dummies is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to start an online store using the popular ecommerce platform. Written by ecommerce expert Paul Waddy, the book covers everything from setting up your store and managing inventory to marketing and customer engagement. It also explores Shopify's powerful features like email subscriber collection, shipping rules, and analytics dashboard. The book is perfect for beginners who want to unlock the full potential of Shopify. Overall, Shopify For Dummies is an excellent resource for anyone looking to establish a successful online business.

The Anatomy of the Swipe: Making Money Move is a must-read for software developers, entrepreneurs, and merchants who are looking to implement card-based payments. This book simplifies the complex process of how payment systems work in the US, and provides insights into modern innovations created because of card-based payments. Readers will learn about the motivations and revenue models of each party in the payments ecosystem. The book also answers questions such as how money moves from a credit card to a coffee shop, and how one can build a neo-bank or their own debit/credit card. New Degree Press has done an excellent job of breaking down the details in the simplest manner possible.