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.

eBook | Audiobook | Print

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

Audiobook | Kindle | Print

Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez

Audiobook | Kindle | Print

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

Audiobook | Kindle | Paperback