10 Books That Will Change Your Perspective on Life

A single book can have a mighty impact, and we don’t just mean when it comes to using a thick dictionary to squish bugs. Books are far more than mere physical objects, as they can also have a profound effect on our emotions and the way we view the world around us. This isn’t to say that every book will make an indelible impression on our lives, but a few definitely stand out above the rest. So if you’re looking for a new title to peruse, then here are 10 books that could very well change your perspective on life.

A Room of One’s Own — Virginia Woolf

A Room of One’s Own is a lengthy essay by writer Virginia Woolf that speaks to issues of gender inequality and, more specifically, how many women face hurdles in the pursuit of unbridled creativity. Woolf touches upon the idea that women struggle to reach an equal level of acclaim to their male counterparts, especially in creative writing. She introduces a fictional character to illustrate this point named Judith Shakespeare, sister of William Shakespeare, who’s just as talented as her brother yet struggles to reach the same level of fame. The work serves as a reminder to support and amplify minority voices so they can thrive and freely express themselves.

Man’s Search for Meaning — Viktor Frankl

Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl penned the powerful work Man’s Search for Meaning in 1946, just one year after the end of World War II. This heart-wrenching piece focuses on Frankl’s imprisonment in Nazi concentration camps and his quest to maintain hope and find meaning in the face of harrowing anguish. Frankl’s work serves as a reminder that we must all try to persevere even when things seem bleak.

Crying in H Mart — Michelle Zauner

Crying in H Mart is a 2021 memoir by author Michelle Zauner. Its title refers to the popular supermarket chain H Mart, which specializes in Korean food. In this memoir, Zauner touches upon themes of cultural identity, grief, and how food acts as a binding force in many cultures. As we grow older, many people lose touch with the cultures that they were brought up in. But this book may serve as the inspiration needed to get back in touch with any past identities that you have strayed from.

The Alchemist — Paulo Coelho

Brazilian author Paulo Coelho made waves with his 1988 novel The Alchemist, heralded today as an indelible tale of self-discovery. Though the story is fictional, the book reminds you to look deep within your heart and follow your dreams. If we don’t seek out opportunities, we’ll never achieve the things we hope to accomplish. This book, however, preaches the importance of pushing yourself to help rejuvenate the soul.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings — Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou is among the most prolific poets in American history, and her acclaimed autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is one of her most powerful works. In this book, Angelou touches on the joys and pains of childhood, ranging from a delightful sense of wonderment to the bigotry she experienced. This book brings topics of racism and trauma to light in a way that few other works do and can help enlighten the mind to understand what people like Angelou have gone through.

Walden — Henry David Thoreau

In the 1840s, transcendentalist writer Henry David Thoreau sought solace in a cabin by the shores of Walden Pond in Massachusetts. This inspired him to write the 1854 book Walden, where he describes his time living alone surrounded by the elements. This work has inspired many others to follow in Walden’s footsteps and do the same. It preaches self-reliance and how the beauty of the natural world can lead to self-discovery.

The Power of Now — Eckhart Tolle

In 1997, Eckhart Tolle penned The Power of Now, a self-described “guide to spiritual enlightenment.” In this book, Tolle discusses topics of self-discovery and achieving true enlightenment. He suggests that our own minds actually stand in the way of true peace and tranquility, as he offers up examples of how to overcome those mental hurdles that we impose upon ourselves.

Sapiens — Yuval Noah Harari

Author Yuval Noah Harari released Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind in 2011. In this work, Harari analyzes the history of humankind and the intersection of the natural and social sciences. He touches upon how we’ve gotten to where we are today but also asks the interesting question — what do we, as humans, want to become in the future, and how do we achieve that? It’s a fascinating tale that helps us appreciate all the work that’s gone into the way of life we live today.

The Power of Habit — Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg preaches how developing and maintaining good habits can lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Duhigg believes that the surest way to accomplish our personal goals is by incorporating a routine into our lives. This can help us to achieve everything from exercising more regularly to increasing productivity. This book serves as a wonderful jumping-off point for analyzing your current habits and how to improve in areas that are lacking.

Daring Greatly — Brené Brown

Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly is a book about “How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead.” In this work, Brown attempts to dispel the notion that vulnerability equals weakness. Instead, she suggests that adverse experiences only enhance our lives as we learn from those situations and become better individuals because of them.