There is nothing like reading a great book and having that ’aha’ moment or being so rocked by a book that it can have a deep and lasting impact on the way you live your life. The books discussed in the following list have the power to do just that. Enjoy.
#1 The Color Purple – Alice Walker
This intense and powerful story about a woman’s struggle for equality and independence went on to be a film directed by Steven Spielberg. Despite it being a tale about the oppression and brutality one woman endures, it is also a book about strength of spirit, love, and self-awakening. If you are looking for a great story that packs a big emotional powerful punch, then look no further.
#2 Atonement – Ian McEwan
This is a beautiful and deeply moving book about how one action by a character in the novel follows her and those she loves throughout their entire lives. Skillfully written, this novel will have a lasting impact long after you have read it and it shows us how all our actions have consequences, even the seemingly innocent ones. Love, childhood, obsession, passion, heartache…this book has it all.
#3 The Red Pony – John Steinbeck
Despite the title this book is not an equestrian guide, although one of the short stories in this collection does indeed feature a pony. Following the life of a boy named Jody and his life on a ranch, these stories are about people and life and how a young boy finds his place in his family and in life. Sounds like a simple read, but this book covers many subjects, and not all of them make for easy reading. You certainly won’t forget you read it.
#4 What Color is your Parachute? – Richard N Bolles
This book was first published in the 70’s and has been popular ever since, and when you read it you will see why. Updated and revised annually it’s all about finding your true purpose in life with regard to your profession and career and asks some really interesting questions and includes some great tools. It’s the perfect book to read if you feel that you have lost your way or simply don’t know what career you would like to pursue. A job-hunters and career changers bible.
#5 Way of the Peaceful Warrior – Dan Millman
I have read this book many times and still get much enjoyment and spiritual insight from it and I know I will read it again many more times in the future. This novel/semi autobiography is the simple story of a young man who meets a mysterious mentor at a gas station and the life lessons he teaches him. The book and the lessons it contains will change the way you think about your own life. An absolute mind blowing classic.
#6 Anatomy of the Spirit – Caroline Myss PhD
Now here is a book which left a deep impact on me and got me thinking about how everything in life is connected; mind, body and spirit. A very interesting and informative read about how we create dis-ease in our lives and how we all have the power to heal ourselves. Written by medical intuitive Caroline Myss it is one of the most prominent books on energy medicine available.
#7 End the Struggle and Dance with Life – Susan Jeffers
Inspirational advice and guidance on how to feel calmer and more in control of life’s events. This book dispenses some great advice and includes valuable tools to enable us to realize just how precious and wonderful life really is. It is a great book to dip into or read from cover to cover, and a ’must read’ for those who prefer dancing to struggling. A great book on how to embrace life and come to terms with who we are.
#8 The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values, and Spiritual Growth – M. Scott Peck
A classic in the field of psychology, this exemplary self-help book is an extraordinary read. The book recognizes that ’life is suffering’ and once we accept this, we can go on to transform and view our lives from an entirely different perspective, thus allowing us to confront and resolve problems. This book covers love, psychological and spiritual development and gives insights and understanding on all three.
#9 Change Your Thoughts; Change Your Life – Wayne Dyer
Although at first glance you may think that the message is in the book title, once you really put in place the practices adopted in this book, this bestseller can have a profound impact on your life. Although we may all like to think that we are positive thinkers and that bad stuff happens just because we are unlucky, this book really does make you question your thoughts and beliefs. A great read and certainly one that can make you rethink your true intentions and review and renew your life.
#10 Courageous Dreaming: How Shamans Dream the World Into Being – Alberto Villoldo
This book is a wonderful read and takes the reader on a marvelous journey of self-awareness. It is about how we can dream our world into being with power and grace, and remove the shackles of the negative stories we tell ourselves. Just as the ancient shamans in the Americas knew how to dream their world into being, this book shows us how we can do the same. Thought provoking and life changing, this really is a fabulous book for anyone’s collection.
Of course, when we are on life’s journey we often find our perspectives and thoughts forever changing and recalibrating; we are constantly learning in life. I hope that some of the books listed above help you on this amazing journey of self-exploration. I am sure there are many of your own you can add to the list.
Cover photo:http://bookrhapsody.wordpress.com
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