If you don’t love books, you never find the right one. You might have heard many people claim that a book changed their life. Because the world of books is amazing.
Some crack you up, some take you on an emotional roller coaster, or some amaze you. Today, I’ve listed down 25 books that have the superpower to improve your life if you let them.
Grab it from the store or order it online. If you don’t have enough time to read, go for an audiobook but exploring what’s in there is definitely worth a shot.
25 Best Life Changing Books to Read
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1. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind – Yuval Noah Harari
If you are browsing the list of life-changing books, “sapiens” has to be there. A book that will change your perspective to look at humans and the world forever. This is a book that one must read at least once in life.
Yuval shares why Sapiens are the most dominant species on the planet. He argues that they might have killed other human species, such as Neanderthals and also various other megafaunas.
Further, he argues that humans can cooperate because of their ability to believe in imaginative concepts. Like religion, money, god, etc.
2. Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking – Susan Cain
Barely heard anyone talk about the power of introverts before? Don’t worry. Susan has documented, researched, and tried explaining it to the world. She has argued against the extrovert-centric world and works environment.
The Author explains how extrovert culture started and shows the downside of it. If you are an extrovert, it will help you understand introversion.
Susan will have ways for you to deal with an introverted friend or colleague. She has published another bestseller, a child-centric book called “Quiet Power.” This is a book you must read.
3. Zero to One – Peter Thiel
The book is written by the co-founder of PayPal, Peter Thiel. “Zero to One” is a self-help book for aspiring entrepreneurs. The book's main idea is to create something entirely new, i.e., from zero, and then take it to the first step. This contradicts the idea of “ 1 to n” which says that you work to add on to something already known.
Peter explains the need for start-ups and their infinite horizon of success. He says that future champions will win by discovering new possibilities and earning with their absolutely unique ideas.
4. The 48 laws of power – Robert Greene
This book is not for everyone. If you are against the idea of manipulation and deceit, proceed with a lot of caution. But this book has to make it to the list. Forty-eight laws of power state down the laws for gaining power and simultaneously explain how it works.
You will gain a better understanding of the power game and will be able to see the world for what it is. You’ll foresee people's underlying motives and learn to protect yourself from unfair treatment and burden.
But you need the wisdom to practice these. If you are naive and wrongly implement the laws, you might end up losing your friends.
5. Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up – Marie kondo
Marie Kondo is a Tidying expert. Her book will help you clear all the clutter in your house and lead a minimalist lifestyle. Her book can change the way you live. She will guide you to analyze every article and eliminate materials you don’t need.
Once you clean your space in her way, you’ll know that you don’t have to clean for weeks. Millions of copies are sold, and many have changed their ways of life for the better.
She has already appeared on over 50 major Japanese television and radio programs. She was also featured in The New York Times, The Wallstreet Journal, The Times of London, Vogue, and many more.
6. The secret – Rhonda Byrne
The secret has already sold 35 million copies worldwide. It is a self-help book uncovering the secret for you to succeed. Millions of people have applied the secret to manifest their dreams into reality.
Not only does it reveal the secret, but it also shows you how to apply it and what can go wrong. They have also released a movie featuring Rhonda Byrne, Bob Proctor, Jack Canfield, and many other well-known personalities.
7. How to win friends and influence people – Dale Carnegie
This is an 80-year-old book that still stands amongst the most influential books. You will definitely learn how to talk to people and be friends with almost anyone from anywhere.
But, it is centered around being a people pleaser rather than making loyal lifetime friends. It has helped the world to cooperate better. As a result, it has been passed down by thousands of readers to the next generation.
8. The subtle art of not giving a f*ck – Mark Manson
This is an anti-self-help book. It doesn’t ask you to stay positive all the time and instead accept the turmoil you go through. Not giving a fu*k doesn’t mean you stop caring about things and become indifferent.
It simply means that you focus on important things in life and find meaning in them. Though the book is a bit controversial, it still stands amongst the books which can change your life.
9. Ikigai – Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
Okinawa is a Japanese region with a much higher average life expectancy than the world. They believe it is because of Ikigai. “Ikigai” is a Japanese word for “ the reason to live.”
This book emphasizes on purposeful life and helps you to live one. It reflects the importance of a balanced life so you can live happily for a long time. This is one of the best life-changing books.
It is a very comforting book and a must-read for those who are stressed very often. Also, many examples throughout the book help you discover the secret of a longer life.
10. Think like a monk – Jay Shetty
This masterpiece is a beautiful blend of an age-old monk mindset and today's practicalities. Jay Shetty will guide you into living a rich and meaningful life. The author was a practicing monk for three years.
Until one day, his teacher told him that he could make a difference in the world if he chose to leave the monk’s path. He had to apply his learnings while living the life of a normal man. In this book, he shares his experiences and shows how everyone can live a serene and meaningful life.
11. How not to die: Discover the foods scientifically proven to prevent and reverse disease – Michael Greger
We all want to live a long life. Even if it's not long, we want a healthy life. Michael Greger shows how you can prevent prescriptions, surgeries, and diseases by changing your food habits.
He has listed down 12 foods you must eat daily to prevent diseases and the foods you can avoid. He promotes plant-based and whole-food diets. Depending upon your family's disease history, he has given you various food items you can eat daily to prevent that history from repeating itself.
12. Never split the difference – Chris Voss
You know you can crack better deals if you negotiate better. But how? This book will teach you to negotiate as if your life depended upon it.
Chris has worked with the FBI as a hostage negotiator. He has dealt with bank robbers, gang leaders, and even terrorists. He had revealed nine key principles that helped them succeed when it mattered the most. You can apply this while negotiating for your salary, car, rent, anything and everything.
13. Can’t hurt me – David Goggins
This is one of the best life-changing books. You might have heard this name, but not his story. David Goggins was named “The fittest man in America” by the outside magazine. He is an icon of the U.S. Armed Forces and one of the world’s top endurance athletes. But, Behind all the glamor rests a story of poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse.
His story shares that even if you are deprived of family money and fame and have a terrible start, you can still make it to a legendary life. This story of hard work and perseverance is a must-read for anyone worldwide.
14. How to be a Bawse – Lilly Singh
Lilly Singh has earned money, fame, and the love of millions with her hard work. Her book “How to be a Bawse” has 50 rules for making the most out of your life. All her success wasn’t by luck, charm, or chance. All of her achievements required real effort and determination.
This book is a guide for you to conquer your life. You’ll be empowered to hustle and fight tooth and nail with life for what you want.
15. Year of Yes – Shonda Rhimes
This world-famous writer and producer was an introvert. She feared public speaking and thus barely appeared for any interviews.
One day her sister said, “you never say yes to anything.” This thought stayed with her, and she decided to say yes to all her fears. In this book, she accounts for her journey before her “yes” year. It is a hilarious account of her past and the challenges she overcame.
After reading her book, you will have found the guts to go ahead and face your fears. The fears which hold you back from living your life to the fullest and achieving all you can.
16. Dopamine Detox – Thibaut Meurisse
If you are easily distracted and can’t focus, “Dopamine Detox” will help you regain it in less than 48 hours (Yes. you read it right). Dopamine is our brain’s reward system, also called “ the happy hormone.”
It’s released when you pick up your phone to check that ting of notification. But, with the advent of social media and a highly connected world, your brain gets overstimulated, and thus you struggle to focus.
Dopamine detox is a short guide to remove distractions and get your brain to do hard things. You will have to follow three simple steps to get a successful detox in just 48 hours.
17. The rudest book ever – Shwetabh Gangwar
This book takes no mercy on you. Sometimes you need someone to give you a reality check than sugarcoat the harsh truths.
Shwetabh Gangwar is a professional problem solver. He will guide you on dealing with rejections, not going behind seeking approval and acceptance, the truth about social media influencers, changing your perceptions, and a lot more. He covers almost every aspect of our sour feelings and why it’s important to focus on “how we think” rather than “what we think.”
18. You are a badass – Jen Sincero
Jen Sincero is an author and a world-traveling success coach. She wrote this book for people who are desperate to improve their lives. But especially the ones who don’t want to get busted in the process. She gives easy activities for you to manifest the energy.
You’ll find the power to love what you can’t change and change what you don’t love. She’ll teach you to change your self-sabotaging beliefs and get what you want.
19. Atomic habits – James Clear
A few bad habits bind us all we’re struggling to change. Also, we know a few good habits we can’t get into our routine. Atomic Habits by James Clear is the solution to all your woes. This book treasures the proven techniques to help you get 1% better daily. The principles can be applied in every field and to everyone.
The book will work on your habit-changing system, i.e., from the roots of the problem. It has already sold 5 million copies and has been translated into over 50 languages.
20. The psychology of money – Morgan Housel
The book is a quick read, and you’ll complete it in no time. The psychology of money will teach you how to make better financial decisions and explain why you sometimes make terrible ones.
It has 19 short stories to give you an insight into your spending and saving behaviors. Morgan has showcased the teamwork of our emotions and money very easily.
21. Rich dad, poor dad – Robert Kiyosaki
Chances are high that you’ve already heard of this book or even read it. The author has undoubtedly left a deep imprint on our minds.
The author reveals the difference between the financial upbringing of a rich and a poor family. His advice is something you’ll treasure to pass it on to the next generation. He emphasizes letting the money work for you rather than you working for the money.
22. The power of habits – Charles Duhigg
The power of habits explains the science of habit formation and how you can use it to suit your goals. He shows the keys to analyzing your habits from the core and how to work on them.
The science of habits has benefitted many commercial giants, the military, students, and professionals. If you are determined to identify and break your bad habits, then reading this book can be on your priority list.
23. Man’s search for meaning – Victor E. Frankl
This book will move you. If you are going through something terrible in your life, you should definitely consider reading this. The author has stayed in four Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz. As he suffered, he observed the life of his fellow prisoners. In this book, he documents his experience and dwells upon the importance of a purpose in life.
Everyone has to suffer in their life, but you can choose to cope with it, experience it and complete the greater purpose.
24. Grit: The power of passion and perseverance – Angela Duckworth
Your grit accounts for a lot more than your “genius.” Even if you are a mediocre student or employee, you can still make it to the top with your grit. Angela shares her story of success and many others who achieved with their constant efforts and “never say die” attitude.
There are times in life when we give up on trying and go hopeless but reading this will help you stay loyal to your goals and motivate you to complete them.
25. The Courage to be disliked – Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi
The courage to be disliked is a conversation between a philosopher and a young man. He helps him understand his ability to determine the direction of his life. Very often, we forget to live for ourselves.
Our past, future or the set way of our society drive us. You can expect deep and thought-provoking ideas as you turn the pages of this book.
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Conclusion
Choose one book that fits your goals or problems and get on board for a life-changing journey. I am sure you won't be the same person after reading a few of the must-read books from this collection.
