Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved to read. To this day, it is still one of my favorite things to do. Whether it’s non-fiction teaching me something new, life-changing books about spirituality, or a whimsical novel that whisks me off to faraway places, reading is the one thing that comforts and sustains me at the same time.

I remember when I was 10 years old and I would head to the local library. I would stagger to the checkout desk under the weight of 20 books in my arms. Some of my favorites at the time were written by Judy Blume (A prerequisite for every girl who’s coming of age!) and Roald Dahl.

During my teenage years, I devoured everything from classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, popular fiction including Steven King’s It, and dystopian stories like Brave New World. And I was a teenage girl, so of course, I couldn’t put down the Sweet Valley High series!

As an adult, my tastes are equally as eclectic. I love to read everything from self-help and spiritual books to chick-lit and historical fiction. My love of books has no bounds, and I like to think it’s also part of the reason I now love to write.

Now with all of the travel I do, there’s one thing I always bring with me – my Kindle. Whether I’m on a beach vacation, in the mountains, or on a cruise, I make sure to load it up with books before I head out on my next adventure.

There are a handful of life-changing books that have had a profound impact on me that I want to share with you. These books have transformed me and taught me to look at the world from a new perspective. I hope you’ll take a peek at these and enjoy them too. And while these titles might not be the ones that ultimately resonate with you, I do hope you find books that you connect to so deeply, it’s almost as if you’ve written the words yourself.

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9 Life-Changing Books on My Bookshelf

          

          

         

The War of Art
By Steven Pressfield

Yes, The War of Art is a catchy title that’s a spin on the well-known book, The Art Of War, but this book is so much more than that. The War of Art is a straight-up manifesto on pursuing creativity and why we must not give up. It was a huge wake-up call for me when I read it, and part of the reason I’m where I am today, writing this blog.

Eat, Pray, Love
By Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat, Pray, Love was life-changing for me because it finally made it okay to question what modern women want. Maybe it isn’t 2 kids and the house in the suburbs. Instead, it might be a life of writing and adventure. Elizabeth’s year-long journey across the world to discover herself was inspiring and thought-provoking. It’s a book I still come back to today when I’m considering big questions in my life.

Born to Run
By Christopher McDougall

A lifelong runner, I was riveted from the first moment I started reading Born to Run. Not only did it change everything I thought I knew about running, but the discovery the author makes of the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico, and the techniques that allow them to run hundreds of miles without rest, is downright fascinating. Whether you’re an athlete or an armchair enthusiast, this book opens you up to a completely new world and shows us what we are truly capable of accomplishing.

A Thousand Hills to Heaven
By Josh Ruxin

I picked up A Thousand Hills to Heaven on my last day in Kigali, Rwanda when I was sitting in the airy, outdoor restaurant Heaven, run by the author and his wife. As soon as I started reading this memoir, I couldn’t put it down. A Thousand Hills to Heaven is about a couple who move to Kigali to make a difference in the lives of Rwandans rebuilding their country post-genocide and actually do. It’s a story of heartache, triumph, love, adventure, and family. For me, it was a reminder that with love and the right intentions, we can indeed make a difference in this world.

The Pilgrimage
By Paulo Cohelo

Most people consider Paulo Cohelo’s The Alchemist to be a life-changing book. And while I loved reading that novel (along with so many others by the author), it’s The Pilgrimage that has had the most impact on me. The first book that the author wrote, this memoir of his journey across Spain along the San Tiago trail, sets his future course as a writer. Following in the footsteps of so many pilgrims before him, he discovers the true value of simplicity and the importance of following what’s in your heart. It’s a constant reminder for me to listen to my inner voice above all else.

Year of Yes
By Shonda Rhimes

Ever since Grey’s Anatomy first hit our TV screens, I have been a fan of Shonda Rhimes. My adoration only increased when I discovered that she, like me, is a graduate of Dartmouth. So when her book, the Year of Yes was released, I couldn’t wait to read it. And boy, am I so glad I did. Not only did I get insight into how Shonda creates her three-dimensional and realistic characters who inhabit her fictional worlds of TV and film. I also learned about her daily struggles with taking more control of her life.

It’s reassuring to know that even someone as successful as Shonda grapples with the same questions we all face, and how one little word – yes – has the power to transform us. For anyone looking for inspiration to make a change, this book is for you. And, if you happen to be a member of the Peloton community, they’ve just announced a collaboration with Shonda Rhimes based on the themes in her Year of Yes book. It includes 8 weeks of classes and conversations that challenge you to say yes to the things that scare you.

Many Lives, Many Masters
By Brian L. Weiss, M.D.

When I first heard about Many Lives, Many Masters, I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical. The idea of reincarnation and that we have lived previous lives seemed a bit far-fetched to me. But after reading Many Lives, Many Masters written by a classicly and ivy-league trained psychiatrist, I am much more receptive to this idea. The story he describes treating a patient with past-life therapy and the discoveries they both make about human life is extraordinary. But more than anything, this book taught me the importance of being open to other ideas and theories, as strange or fantastical as they might sound. If you have metaphysical questions about who we are and where we come from, I highly recommend this book.

10% Happier
By Dan Harris

On and off, I have dabbled in meditation for the past 15 years. I have read many books on the subject. But it wasn’t the classical texts that convinced me of the power of meditation. It was Dan Harris’ book, 10% Happier. The reason his book resonated with me is that Dan is relatable. He works in a high-pressure job in TV, in one of the most fast-paced, hectic cities in the world. He’s not a guru sitting on some mountaintop, watching the clouds drift by every day. I appreciated reading about his experimentation with meditation and his struggles to fit it into his daily schedule. And a veteran journalist, his book is packed with scientific evidence about the benefits of this practice. I credit Dan’s book with motivating me to reset my own meditation practice.

Making Life Easy
By Christiane Northrup

It was a revelation reading this book. Dr. Christiane Northrup is a best-selling author who has written many books on women’s health. But with Making Life Easy, she finally opens up about her spiritual beliefs. She writes about how intertwined our bodies, minds, and souls really are. with this approach, she takes integrated health to another level. This book forces us to question how everything in our life can impact our health. And she does so with the voice of a kind, gentle, and wise mother. While I can’t say that I agree with Dr. Northrup’s political views or her stance on the Covid vaccines, I do appreciate the wisdom she imparts in this book.

Now I’d love to hear from you. What are the books on your shelf that you turn to for advice, guidance, or plain old encouragement? Are there any life-changing books that you can’t live without? I’m always looking for new books to add to my collection so please share in the comments below.

And if you’re looking for more book recommendations, check out my fall reading list.

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