Books can have a tremendous impact on our lives. A single one can change our entire perspective on the world and our lives. But which book that is varies completely from person to person. That’s why we asked our community which books changed their perspective on life. Here are some of their answers:
I know why the caged bird sings – Maya Angelou*
Words by Manu Reas: “Maya Angelou’s I know why the caged bird sings inspired me from a young age. Her sad but inspiring life story gave me motivation that everything can be possible for you, if you stay connected to yourself and love yourself.”
A new earth – Eckhart Tolle*
Words by Hellen Modiba: “The Book that made me aware of my inner processing of such situations is “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle, which I had received as a gift 4 years prior to actually reading it! One day I just reached for it.
I think I was ready for it by then. All my inner dialogues and observations felt recognized. It inspired me to question and shift a lot from old beliefs.”
The Why Are You Here Café – John Streckely*
Words by Cecilia Lucio: “Das Café am Rande der Welt” – John Streckely (“The Why Are You Here Café”) – This book opened a door in my life which gave me a new perspective about myself, my path and life in general. It taught me to have trust in my journey and to let my heart guide my way without fear.”
Daring Greatly – Brené Brown*
Words by Nicole Smolinski: “After reading Daring Greatly, I truly felt like I’d woken up from this painfully numbing kind of slumber; I realized I’d been keeping out pain in my life, but that also meant I’d been keeping out joy, spontaneity, and any sort of vibrancy that comes with being fully awake to life.”
The Untethered Soul – Michael Alan Singer
Words by Jacqueline Foster: “The Untethered Soul by Michael Alan Singer showed me the concept of ‘we are not our thoughts’. It explores being an observer to your thoughts and that we can choose how we react to them.
It gave me a sense of peace in knowing that in challenging moments of overthinking, I have the ability to decipher what is true, what story is being created in my mind, and how to move forward.”
The power of now – Eckhart Tolle*, The power is within you – Louise Hay*, Emotional Agility – Susan David*
Words by Aigerim Toktamys: “There are three books: The Power of Now, The Power is Within You and Emotional Agility. I guess the book names speak for themselves why they changed the perspective on my life.
And for me they are not just books, more like a self discovery guide for life. I do believe books come to your life, you do not choose them – they choose you. And all three books came to my life by beautiful life-situations as a gift from strangers and sudden circumstances.”
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck – Mark Manson*
Words by Florian Oefner: “In the San Francisco airport I picked up a copy of „The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck“ by Mark Manson and read it in one go during the flight. It showed me that all those thoughts in my head were ok, there was nothing wrong with me and helped to focus on what actually matters.”
Goodbye, Things: On Minimalist Living – Fumio Sasaki*
Words by Kitty Chu: “A book that I’ll never forget would be Goodbye, Things: On Minimalist Living by Fumio Sasaki. The process of seeking simplicity transcends my old path and heightens the understanding of myself, from needs and desires to creativity and sense of awareness. Mr. Sasaki’s philosophy and vision impacts me on how to live a more meaningful life with less possessions.”
Siddhartha – Hermann Hesse
Words by Raúl Osés Iturmendi: “Siddhartha, from Hermann Hesse, is a life’s journey in search of meaning and self-growth.”
Books by Paulo Coelho
Words by Daniela Da Silva: “I am very impacted by what I read and I read constantly, it would be unfair to pick a single one, however, Paulo Coelho’s manuscripts were my companion from when I was a teenager and I found great lessons on all of them.”
Wow, so many inspiring book tips! Maybe there is one for you too. What was your favorite book that changed your perspective on life? Write us!
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We will keep this post updated – so check back regularly for more book recommendations!