Have you ever experienced the moments when you felt down the most and you heard a song or read a sentence making you believe in yourself all again? – I have! “By a list of books which can change your life.”
Today, the topic is about my favorite life-changing books, or I often call them the best self-help books. And, I also want to be shared about your list, too.
Books Which Can Change Your Life, Positively
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.”
– George R.R. Martin –
I like reading: books or quotes because I always find myself learning something from stories and opinions of others. Then, I try reflecting those experiences on my shoes and come up with new ideas.
I have several pages in my diary writing about life-changing books that I read at different stages of my life. Some are not well-known or even not interesting for many people, but they do help me a lot.
#1. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
This book is very meaningful as it was the first book I read on my own when I was 6.
Back then, I thought I did not learn so much from the book, except for the fact I was so excited to take adventures with Peter and his friends to Never-land against Captain Hook, his pirates, the Red Indians, etc.
Now I have given this book to my kids and asked them to share their opinions. I do realize that Peter Pan is extremely inspirational to my life. Most noticeably, I believe that happy and positive thoughts help us to fly over dangerous situations. In contrast, negative thoughts chain you on the ground.
For that reason, I always try to smile to cheer up myself.
#2. Sans Famille by Hector Malot
This is a special gift from my Grandpa on my 9th birthday with a note “Fanie, I hope you always dare to explore new things by yourself. But always remember that you have the family by your side. Love you, sweetie.”
Truth be told, my gypsy lifestyle now is partly influenced by this book. Although I neither experience so much tough like Rémi nor I am as brave as him, I admire and follow the boy’s characteristics that he did not lose his hearts, self-esteem, righteousness, hard-working, and humanitarian under no circumstances.
After all, the family is the most peaceful shelter.
#3. Princess Diaries Collection by Meg Cabot
I read the first book in the collection at my teens and also saw the film year laters. Both are interesting and meaningful.
Honestly, I learned the very beginning beauty lessons from the book. “Treat yourself” – every girl can become a princess if you take good care of your appearance. Yet, you do not need to change your personal qualities to get people awesome. Be a better version of yourself, yet still be “YOU.”
#4. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
This is the diary of another young girl who is also as kind and positive as Mia in a contrast situation, though.
I was shocked and hurt, reading the innermost thoughts of the Little Anna from her Secret Annex. Even in the tension and danger, she taught me with her youthful idealism, tenderness, and hopefulness. In the end, I burst into tears when Anna was killed in the realistically cruel war.
Years after, I still remember her words “I’ve found that there is always some beauty left — in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you.”
$5. Forgiveness by Iyanla Vanzant
When we grow up, we have many more experiences and relationships. However, we also have to suffer from losing some broken ones. Things left behind are often the resentment and anger insides. Without letting go of those negative feelings, you will end up stresses and hurt yourself and others.
Fortunately, I happened to read “Forgiveness” by Iyanla Vanzant. You should read it, too.
#6. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
I learn to forgive myself and those who hurt me in old relationships. More importantly, I try to enhance my current relationships, especially with my big beloved family, my partner, my kids, my friends, my colleagues, etc.
After reading The 5 Love Languages, I agree that if you do not express your love, you can’t receive the same thing in return. However, it is not necessary to say “I love you” all the time. Love has its own verbal and non-verbal languages.
#7. Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou
It was only until I became a Mom that I could understand and love my dedicated mother more. And we shared this book “Mom & Me & Mom.”
The relationship between my mother and me was not exactly like that of Maya and her mother. Nonetheless, it is similar in some ways, like how my Mom was sitting next to me, listening about my issues at school, at work, and in love. She stands between the known and the unknown sometimes, yet she is always a good listener and consultant.
#8. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
This woman knows how to motivate others, especially busy mothers to get a balance between life and work. The book is half memoir and half business advice.
I like that there are conservations about women at work, even the differences and discrimination against genders and between spouses. Also, she offers a bunch of practical advice and inspiration to make your life and work better.
#9. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
My latest favorite self-help book is the Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Yes, some might already know her – the author of Eat, Pray, and Love.
Big Magic, opens a new discussion about your creativity, which is possibly unleashed by expressing your Courage, Enchantment, Persistence, Trust, Permission, and Divinity.
Read and you will learn some useful lessons, I promise.
…. To bring this topic to the end, what are books which can change your life?
