Over the years, I have gone through spurts of reading books non-stop, to reading none at all. In an effort to find interesting reading material over a year ago, I came across a list of “life-changing” books that caught my interest. After ordering a couple off the list and reading them front to back, I felt inspired and grateful to have found the long list that I could have easily ignored.
As a form of gratitude, I wanted to share some of my very own perspective-altering books, that are well known in their own respects. This list is a shortened version of my most admired books, in no particular order, that effectively changed my perspective on countless matters.
{I find it extremely important to continue to work on yourself everyday and books such as these provide a creative and exciting platform for personal growth. Make sure to comment with your own personal collection of favorites, you never know who may take one for themselves.}
Enjoy.
- Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed, 2012 (memoir/adventure)
As one of Strayed’s most recognized books, Wild captures the reader’s interest from the first page. The raw and nostalgic nature of the book makes the reader feel as though they are alongside Strayed on her self-proposed journey. This exciting journey inward gives a glimpse into unforeseen hardships, the consequences of rebellious actions, and the loss of relationships Strayed faced in the beginning of her adult life, giving them meaning and importance.
Wild acts as a reminder that all life experiences (good and bad) are significant in the creation of our truest selves. Strayed’s book incorporates the power of nature with the notion of healing, all while demonstrating the authority we hold over our own lives. Wild offers an adventurous plot that results in an overall theme that the unconscious mind has the ability to put you exactly where you need to be (even if you cannot recognize it quite yet).
- The Sheep Look Up by John Brunner, 1972 (science fiction)
An old classic, The Sheep Look Up is said to be an accurate prediction of modern life in the United States. When the book was first published in 1972, many of the topics discussed (pollution, political scandal, the fall of the economy, and overall chaos) lead to this book being awarded its “science fiction” genre. Brunner’s book follows a number of characters in what seems like short television episodes of tragedy and suspense, across the nation and through different class distributions.
The Sheep Look Up discusses many current and relevant topics in the modern age, with scarily accurate details for the time it was created. Brunner presents these events in a science fiction tone that causes eye-opening realizations of the cause and effect within politics, economy, exploitation, and complete disregard for human life. Bringing into question the results of our actions. The current circumstances within our modern lives make this book, debate-ably, more relevant now than ever.
Sherman Alexie, comedian and writer, is a Native American that grew up living on a reservation. The controversial and (at times) comical “diary” follows Alexie and his grade school endeavors, detailing harsh truths about reservation (aka “res”) life that is often overlooked. With a young and naïve setting, this “diary” finds comedy in youthful memories, like changing schools, bullying, and young love.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian illustrates the many struggles that accompanies life on the reservation, bringing to question issues of race, poverty, and alcoholism that are still taking place within the Native American culture. The overall message Alexie provides, comically and seriously, is the power of family, friendships, and love– even in the hardest of times.
- The Last Lecture by Jeffrey Zaslow and Randy Pausch, 2008 (non-fiction)
Based on the well-known lecture, presented by Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture highlights some of Pausch’s valuable life lessons that he wanted his daughters to know. After receiving the news of a terminal illness, Pausch wanted to pass along his powerful messages to the world. The numerous life topics discussed are applicable to many situations and age groups.
The Last Lecture provides intellectual advice on lifelong experiences and dilemmas. The light hearted nature of the book captures interest, remaining positive and upbeat despite terminal illness, with a sense of depth that offers priceless guidance. Zaslow and Pausch’s general premise takes the tone of sincerity and love (being meant for Pausch’s daughters). Making the book a heartfelt proposal for a meaningful and happy life.
- The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubins, 2009 (memoir/non-fiction)
With a variety of background information and personal experience, The Happiness Project is the result of Rubins’ yearlong journey toward personal improvement. Rubins quickly clarifies that the purpose of the book is not for those with depression, but for those looking for more happiness in day-to-day routines. The concept of the project was created in an effort to avoid angry bursts with loved ones, diminish stress, and relieve anxieties that are common when looking towards the future.
The Happiness Project utilizes Rubins’ personal enthusiasms, or things that resonate with her in any form, alongside scholarly findings and philosophies to provide a unique take on happiness. By offering scholarly research with various forms of artistic expression, this book informs and inspires. Rubins lays out an easy to follow “happiness project” that can be adjusted for personal use and reports her results, even admitting to faults that may arise. The Happiness Project is a perfect mix of data and interpretations that provide wisdom with simple instructions for creating a personal happiness project.
Please share any of your own in a comment below!
underthegivingtree 