Every once in a while a book will come along and completely change our perspective on life. Some shift the way we look at love, others help us connect with our inner self, and some books simply provide us with the get up and go we need to live a full and meaningful life.
The point is that no matter how these books change us, they change us. They open our eyes, our hearts, and our minds to things that we might not have otherwise felt and they guide us into the unknown.
Here are five such books and if you open to the front page with an open mind, you’re sure to close the last with a new lease of life and an appreciation for every second that passes.
#1 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“When you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true.” Those are the words of an old king to the protagonist of this book, Santiago, and personally I think it’s a beautiful belief.
The Alchemist follows a young shepherd who, over the years, has repeatedly dreamed that he’ll find treasure in Egypt and his journey to find it.
In many ways this book isn’t really about Santiago’s adventure and whether or not he finds his treasure; it’s about the fact that he chooses to follow his dream, reach for a life greater than the one he has now, and that he strives to live life how it was meant to be lived.
#2 The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
I’m going to be honest with you: If you read this book it’s more than likely that you’ll cry throughout it.
The Last Lecture is a non-fiction book about the author Pausch, which he wrote after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and being given only a few months to live. In his final months, Pausch spent his time penning this book and writing about what being positive really means.
He teaches us that even when you’re dealt the most terrible of hands, a little positivity can go a long way and that just because things aren’t going your way, it doesn’t mean you can’t make a positive difference in the world.
#3 The Sandman Series by Neil Gaiman
If you’re looking for something a little lighter to read while still having your outlook on life altered then you should consider reading The Sandman series.
I’ll be upfront with you: Working your way through this series is no mean feat as it’s made up of ten collections; however, your endless nights spent reading will be rewarded.
Over the course of the books, Gaiman teaches us about hope, freedom, forgiveness, and the power of dreams, teaching us more about life with every page we turn.
#4 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in Germany during the Second World War, The Book Thief is a life affirming read that teaches us about the power of the written word, that time is precious, and about the salvation of the soul. The novel is narrated by Death, so right away you know it’s going to get you thinking about the span of life ultimately making the reader appreciate the time they have left.
#5 The Fault in our Stars by John Greene
Once again I feel the need to be honest with you: This is another book that will more than likely have you weeping buckets. ‘The Fault in our Stars’ follows Hazel, a terminal cancer patient, and her journey to the end.
The novel is bold, insightful, tragic, humorous, and raw. It looks at what it truly means to be alive and how one person can change everything. It teaches us to open our heart and live life to the fullest while there’s still enough time.
These books are in no particular order, mainly because each of them will mean different things to different people. You know better than anyone what you’ll appreciate, how you feel, and what you need more of in your life so I’ll leave it up to you to choose which books will change your perspective on life most of all.
Please let me know which ones you enjoy or have read before, and what they mean to you. I’d love to hear from you!
p.s.: For more books that will make you think, check out our list of 50 inspirational books!
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