Books That Can Change Your Life

This piece started out as a list of the most inspirational books of 2015 – and then grew into something more. (Why put chronological restrictions on ourselves?) If you have any time to read at all, we’re sure you’ll find something engrossing in this assortment of highly recommended publications.

This post was originally part of our Fall Book Give-Away, which has now produced three lucky winners! The winners are:

• "Bet"
• Rhonda Wilson
• Tricia Norby

Each of these three readers have won a book of their choice, from the lists mentioned in this article. We will be sending them their selected books shortly! We hope those books help change their lives. 

From LifeHack.org’s list of 10 books that will change your life:

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

This masterpiece enables you to break through your internal road blocks and create your “authentic life.” The LifeHack reviewer said it was, “The most important book I’ve ever read… that has helped me to build successful businesses, write a book and create an authentic and fulfilling career.”

As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

The central concept in this short, simple and powerful classic is: We are what we think about. It teaches us to create the life we want in our minds, and then bring that dream to reality through actions.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This easy-to-read, descriptive story teaches us how to pursue our dreams, accepting the obstacles that arise along the way, and learning how to channel our courage on the path toward what we value most.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

We’ve all heard of this practical masterpiece, but have we read it? With easy-to-follow instructions, this book teaches us to, “put first things first” and “begin with the end in mind.” It’s considered a must for anyone in a position of influence.

From the Buzzfeed list:

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig

This philosophical novel will help you realize how important it is to actually care about what you’re doing. If you’re fixing a motorcycle, then really fix it. Don’t do something else simultaneously. Do what you need to do, and take pride in it.

Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

Buzzfeed tells us, “Of all the Vonnegut you could possibly read, this is the one that will raise the most questions — in a great way.” This story of a man who wants to write a book about the inventor of the atomic bomb, will make you question whether or not there should be a limit to the pursuit of knowledge.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

We chose this from the list because it’s so refreshingly different. It’s the story of Junior, who grew up on a Spokane Indian Reservation, and dreams of “getting off the rez” via his budding cartoonist career. This funny, smart, heartbreaking book will make you question the idea of destiny.

From Amazon’s Best of 2015 So Far list:

#1: H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

Heart-wrenching and humorous, this book is an unflinching account of bereavement and a unique look at the magnetism of an extraordinary beast.

“Had there been an award for the best new book that defies every genre, I imagine it would have won that too. . . . Coherent, complete, and riveting, perhaps the finest nonfiction I read in the past year.”

~ Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker

From Amazon’s best of 2015 in the nonfiction category:

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

This #1 international bestseller is a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution. It explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.”

Two more of Amazon’s best, for the ladies:

Yes Please! by Amy Poehler

In her first book, one of our most beloved comedians delivers a smart, pointed and ultimately inspirational read. The Amazon reviewer says, “… will make you think as much as it will make you laugh. Honest, personal, real and righteous, Yes Please! is full of words to live by.”

#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

The inspirational true story about the woman who turned her life around by selling vintage clothes on eBay. Eight years later, she is the founder, CEO, and creative director of Nasty Gal, a $100 million online fashion retailer. This atypical narrative was written for anyone seeking a unique path to success, even when that path is winding and lined with naysayers.

And finally, Amazon’s choice for Most Inspiring, from any year:

Achieve Anything in Just One Year by Jason Harvey

“This book will change your life” and help you:

• Feel happier everyday
• Overcome procrastination
• Set goals and stick with them
• Find out what you really want from life
• Define, pursue and celebrate personal success