Best Books to Change Your Life
I read a book one day and my whole life was changed.
– Orhan Pamuk
I have always loved to read, a passion instilled in me from an early age (thank you Mom!).
It’s incredible how one book can change your life. One new idea, decision, or habit can take your life in a different direction.
I created this page to share the best books I’ve read. You can be sure that each one is fantastic and will be worth your time. I’ve sorted the books into categories to help you find something that matches your interests. There is a mix of time-tested classics and new & notable titles.
If you have trouble finding time to read, audiobooks are a great way to listen to books while commuting, working out, cooking, or any other activity you do. Each of these recommended books has an audiobook version which I’ve linked to. Click here to try Audible for free.
Best Biography & Memoir Books
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
This is not just a memoir; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome. Goggins, a retired Navy SEAL, shares his extraordinary journey of transforming himself from an overweight young man into one of the world’s toughest endurance athletes. This book teaches resilience, discipline, and the power of self-belief, making it a must-read if you want to push your limits.
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
This book offers more than just a peek into the life of an Oscar-winning actor; it’s a blueprint for catching more greenlights in life and how to deal with the red and yellow ones too. Through stories, wisdom, and insights from his own experiences, McConaughey invites you on a journey of self-discovery and spontaneous living. It’s essential reading if you are seeking to navigate life’s challenges with optimism and grace.
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
This a profound look at survival and the quest for meaning under the most horrific circumstances, as Frankl recounts his experiences in Nazi concentration camps. This book explores the psychological survival strategy of finding meaning in all forms of existence. It’s a deeply moving and philosophically rich testament to the human capacity for resilience, making it a cornerstone for anyone’s life-changing reading list.
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
This powerful and poignant memoir explores what makes life worth living in the face of death. Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, writes with touching honesty about facing mortality, making sense of one’s purpose, and the intersection between life and science. This book is a must-read for its beautiful prose and life-affirming message, reminding readers to cherish every breath.
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
This is an inspiring story of redemption and self-discovery. Following the death of her mother and the collapse of her marriage, Strayed embarked on a solo 1,100-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, unprepared and alone. This memoir captures the brutal physical challenges and emotional catharsis of her journey, making it an essential read for anyone looking to find themselves in nature or overcome personal adversity.
Best Business & Entrepreneur Books
Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days by Chris Guillebeau
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Best Creativity Books
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic serves as an empowering guide to embracing creativity without succumbing to the fears that so often hinder our expressive pursuits. Gilbert, with her signature wit and wisdom, invites you into a world where creativity is a natural and accessible aspect of life, encouraging an attitude of openness and curiosity. This book is a must-read if you are looking to inject a dose of inspiration into your life, offering practical advice on how to live creatively beyond the shadow of fear.
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
Creativity, Inc. provides an insider’s perspective on the unique culture of Pixar Animation Studios. Catmull, one of the co-founders of Pixar, shares the lessons learned while building a company where creativity and innovation are at the heart of its success. This book is essential for leaders and individuals in any field who want to understand how to foster a creative environment and overcome the barriers to innovation.
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
The War of Art: Break Through Your Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
The War of Art is a powerful exploration of the obstacles that inhibit creativity and how to overcome them. Pressfield personifies these barriers as ‘Resistance,’ a force that can be conquered by understanding its nature and committing to the work. This book is a compelling call to action for artists, writers, and anyone looking to break through personal blocks to find their creative voice. It’s a vital read for those ready to confront their limitations and embrace their creative potential fully.
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Best Habits & Routines Books
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Best Learning Books
Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance by Josh Waitzkin
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Best Life Design Books
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferris
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Best Mediation & Mindfulness Books
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day by Jay Shetty
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Best Financial Freedom & Money Books
The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins
Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
Best Personal Growth & Success Books
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Deep Work (Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World) by Cal Newport
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Best Psychology & Science Books
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker
