If other people's ideas can affect how we live our lives, then books have the power to change the world. A good book can inspire you to become a better person, take a leap of faith, or simply help you travel without having to leave your home. No matter what challenge life throws at you, reading an uplifting story or self-help book can only improve your outlook.
The birth of a child, moving to a new place, marrying the love of your life, or making a career change are all transitions that can be both exciting and intimidating. Finding understanding and insight through these 13 books will help you achieve your dreams and live your best life.
Pick the one that's right for you:
1. Fifty Acres and A Poodle by Jeanne Marie Laskas
What if you lived in the city all your life and suddenly moved to the country? Laskas details her adventures going from one extreme to the next, and it's a great story for anyone who's about to step out of their comfort zone.
2. Brooklyn by Colm Tobin
You may have watched the movie, but have you read the book? Brooklyn is a engrossing and thought-provoking novel that follows Ellis Lacey, a young Irish immigrant who struggles to adjust to her vastly different life in 1950s NYC.
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
There's a reason this is the second best selling book in the world. Through allegory, the plot revolves around a Andalusian shepherd who decides to make his way in the world. You'll be both inspired and interested by his adventures.
4. Get a Life, Not a Job by Paula Caligiuri
Everyone will tell you to follow your dreams, but what if you don't know what those are yet? What if you're taking it one step at a time? Instead of following ambiguous advice, hear what the author has to say about making dreams a reality.
5. The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander
If you don't have time to read a large book, this one's for you. It's great to be a dreamer, but how can you improve yourself both professionally and personally? This book will tell you: "You can transform yourself by the same route musicians take to get to Carnegie Hall "“ through practice."
6. Travels with Myself and Another by Martha Gellhorn
Maybe you're saying to yourself: "A serious book isn't for me." Famous journalist Martha Gellhorn will take you away from the overly-scholarly tones of many self-help books and explore the humor, horror, and happiness of living.
Go to the next page to discover 6 more non-fiction reads!
7. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Who isn't on a journey of self-discovery? This inspiring book will help you make sense of your observations and give you four solid practices to accomplish in your life.
8. How Should a Person Be? by Sheila Heti
How indeed? As we struggle to fit into this world, many of us ask this very same question. Sheila Heti brings a new perspective while detailing her personal struggles with a failed marriage.
9. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
In order to be happy, we often make a string of changes in our lives, and they don't always work out. Perhaps we need to look at things differently. This amazing and dare we say spiritual book makes the reader think about happiness in simpler terms: living in the present moment.
10. Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Don't let the strange title throw you off - this book is a great read if you feel out of touch with your inner strength and beauty through analyzing popular myths and stories.
11. The Element by Sir Ken Robinson
Do you ever feel like motivational books are talking down to you? We all want to find our place in life, and every book tells us something different about how to get there. Robinson's book isn't like that. With great compassion drawing from real-life stories, he guides the reader to their own discovery of their path.
12. Scratch Beginnings by Adam W. Shepard
When you're about to take that leap of faith, you need to be reminded of all the people who've gone before you. Scratch Beginnings seeks to answer the question "Is the American dream real anymore?"
13. Daring Greatly
If you've ever been on a high cliff with just a bungee cord attached to your ankles, you know how scary it can be. Making a big change in your life can feel similar. Luckily, this insightful book will give you encouragement and reassurance.
Have you read any of these books? Tell us what you loved about them in the comments section.
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