Written By: Sarah Norman

Literature has the power to transform our understanding of life and ourselves. The right book can challenge our beliefs, inspire new ideas, and broaden our horizons. In this list, we explore 20 books that promise to change the way you see the world.

“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl – A powerful memoir that explores finding purpose through suffering, based on Frankl’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps.

Search For Meaning

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“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – A novel about pursuing one’s dreams and listening to one’s heart, emphasizing the importance of personal legend.

The Alchemist

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“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle – This spiritual guide focuses on living in the present moment and the liberation that comes from mindfulness.

The Power of Now

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“Atomic Habits” by James Clear – A practical guide on building good habits and breaking bad ones, emphasizing that small changes can lead to significant results.

Atomic Habits

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“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz – A spiritual guide that outlines four agreements to follow for personal freedom and a fulfilling life.

The Four Agreements

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“Educated” by Tara Westover – A memoir about a woman who grows up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho and how her quest for knowledge transforms her life.

Educated

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“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown – A guide to embracing vulnerability and cultivating self-acceptance as keys to a joyful life.

The Gifts of Imperfection

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“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari – An exploration of the history of our species that encourages readers to reflect on human evolution and our impact on the world.

Sapiens

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“When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi – A poignant memoir by a neurosurgeon diagnosed with terminal cancer, reflecting on the meaning of life and death.

When Breath Becomes Air

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“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown – This book explores the power of vulnerability and how it can lead to courage, connection, and creativity.

Daring Greatly

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“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a [Expletive]” by Mark Manson – A counterintuitive approach to living a good life, focusing on what truly matters and the importance of embracing challenges.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a [Expletive]

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“Becoming” by Michelle Obama – A deeply personal memoir by the former First Lady that illustrates her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Becoming

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“The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck – A blend of psychology and spirituality that teaches about the importance of personal growth and balance in relationships.

The Road Less Traveled

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“Braving the Wilderness” by Brené Brown – A guide to belonging and being true to oneself in a world that often encourages conformity.

Braving the Wilderness

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“Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins – A memoir by a former Navy SEAL that shares lessons on resilience, mental toughness, and pushing beyond limits.

Cannot Hurt Me

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“Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions” by Edwin A. Abbott – A satirical novella that explores dimensions and perception, encouraging readers to think beyond their own experiences.

Flatland

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“The Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff – This book uses the characters from Winnie the Pooh to explain the principles of Taoism and living in harmony.

The Tao of Pooh

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“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck – An exploration of the growth mindset versus the fixed mindset and how our beliefs about our abilities impact our success.

Mindset

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“A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckhart Tolle – A spiritual guide to personal and collective transformation through consciousness.

A New Earth

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“You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment” by Thich Nhat Hanh – A guide from the Zen master on mindfulness and living fully in the present, promoting peace and awareness.

You Are Here

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