In various ways, these 30 books convey some of the philosophy of how Angel and I live our lives. I honestly credit a fraction of who I am today to each title. Thus, they have indirectly influenced much of what I write about on this site. A medley of both fiction and nonfiction, these great reads challenged my internal status quo, opening my mind to new ideas and opportunities, and together they gave me a basic framework for living, loving, learning and working successfully.
If you haven’t read these books yet, I highly recommend doing so. They will enrich your library and your life.
- Stumbling on Happiness
by Daniel Gilbert – Gilbert, a Harvard professor of psychology has studied happiness for decades, and he shares scientific findings that just might change the way you look at the world. His primary goal is to persuade you into accepting the fact that happiness is not really what or where you imagined it would be. This is my favorite book on happiness by a long shot. - The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck – Pretty much the granddaddy of all self-improvement books, it’s easily one of the best nonfiction works I’ve ever read. By melding love, science and spirituality into a primer for personal growth, Peck guides the reader through lessons on delaying gratification, accepting responsibility for decisions, dedicating oneself to truth and reality, and creating a balanced lifestyle.
- Getting Things Done by David Allen – The ultimate ‘organize your life’ book. Allen’s ideas and processes are for all those people who are overwhelmed with too many things to do, too little time to do them, and a general sense of unease that something important is being missed. The primary goal of this book is to teach you how to effectively get your ‘to-do inbox’ to empty.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey – Covey presents a principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems by delivering a step-by-step guide for living with integrity and honesty and adapting to the inevitable change life brings us everyday. It’s a must-read.
- Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand – This novel is an explanation of what has been and always will be at the core of America’s prosperity: freedom and capitalism. It should be required reading for every American. All 1,069 pages are worthwhile. Hands down, Atlas Shrugged is one of the best, most influential books I’ve ever read.
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – More parable than novel, ‘The Alchemist’ uses the story of young shepherd Santiago’s search for his personal legend as an allegory for everyman’s struggle to break from the comfortable confines of conformity and pursue his life dreams. Along the way, of course, our young everyman is beset by numerous setbacks, testing his resolve and forcing him to become attuned to the Soul of the World in order to survive. By paying attention to the details in the world around him, which serve as omens guiding him towards his goal, young Santiago becomes an alchemist in his own right, spinning unfavorable circumstances into riches. I’ve read this tale a few times now and it always provides priceless inspiration.
- Walden by Henry David Thoreau – Thoreau spent two years, two months and two days writing this book in a secluded cabin near the banks of Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. This is a story about being truly free from the pressures of society. The book can speak for itself: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
- The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz – Schwartz gives the reader useful, proactive steps for achieving success. He presents a clear-cut program for getting the most out of your job, marriage, family life and other relationships. In doing so, he proves that you don’t need to be an intellectual or have innate talent to attain great success and satisfaction in life.
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely – Looks at the reasons so many of us continuously make irrational decisions on a daily basis. It’s a scientific but easily readable and unquestionably insightful look at why we do what we do on a daily basis, and why we never change our ways even though we often ‘know better.’
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss – Ferris challenges us to evaluate our perspective on the cost and availability of our dreams, and he teaches us that hard work isn’t very hard when you love what you’re doing. Although there’s certainly some pages of self promotion within, Ferris provides invaluable tips to help us remain aligned with our goals, set expectations on our terms, and eliminate unnecessary time-sinks while increasing our overall effectiveness.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie – Easily one of the best and most popular books on people-skills ever written. Carnegie uses his adept storytelling skills to illustrate how to be successful by making the most of human relations.
- Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse – A short, powerful novel about the importance of life experiences as they relate to approaching an understanding of self, happiness and attaining enlightenment.
- 1984 by George Orwell – 1984 still holds chief significance nearly 60 years after it was written in 1949. It’s widely acclaimed for its haunting vision of an all-knowing government which uses pervasive, 24/7 surveillance tactics to manipulate all citizens of the populace. In today’s world of continuous online connectivity, Orwell’s visions hit pretty close to home.
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Set in the Jazz Age of the roaring 20’s, this book unravels a cautionary tale of the American dream. Specifically, the reader learns that a few good friends are far more important that a zillion acquaintances, and the drive created from the desire to have something is more valuable than actually having it.
- The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck – Steinbeck’s deeply touching tale about the survival of displaced families desperately searching for work in a nation stuck by depression will never cease to be relevant.
- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason – The best book on money management ever written. Although only 145 pages, this book is packed to the brim with powerful, life changing information. I’ve read it three times and I still pull new pearls of wisdom out of it. Babylon should be mandatory reading beginning at the grade school level, then again in college, and should be given as a gift right along with a college diploma.
- Quitter by Jon Acuff – If you’re looking for an honest account of what it’s like to make the transition from your day job to your dream job, this book is for you. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the journey or convince you that it’s worth making stupid decisions now that you’ll pay for later. He stays grounded in reality while inspiring you to truly connect with the things you’re passionate about, and he gives you hope and a plan for getting yourself there.
- The Success Principles by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer – The creator of the ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ series reveals secrets to success with sixty-four timeless principles packed into this one book. Sixty-four principles may seem like a lot, but each receives a concise, easy-to-digest chapter that challenges readers to risk creating their lives exactly as they want them. This is easily one of the most practical books I’ve ever read on achieving your dreams.
- The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less by Barry Schwartz – Faced with too many options or decisions in your life? We feel worse when we have too many options. This book will make you feel better and change the way you look at them. Schwartz discusses people making difficult decisions about jobs, families, where to live, whether to have children, how to spend recreational time, choosing colleges, etc. He talks about why making these decisions today is much harder than it was thirty years ago, and he offers many practical suggestions for how to address decision-making so that it creates less stress and more happiness.
- The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman – Unfortunately, the title may limit the market to business people, but the truth is we are all in the business of managing and selling ourselves no matter what our occupation. What makes this book warrant such a strong statement is the fact that it’s a comprehensive synthesis of all of the concepts you need to know to understand business inside and out. There are no complex models to learn or outdated theories to memorize just to get marks or pass exams. What you get is a clear, comprehensive set of ‘rules of thumb’ for any possible scenario you might encounter in running a business (or just your life in general).
- The Art of War by Sun Tzu – One of the oldest books on military strategy in the world. It’s easily the most successful written work on the mechanics of general strategy and business tactics.
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowieckiv – Great examples of how groups of diverse people acting independently are smarter than any one person in the group. This is one of the most entertaining and intellectually engaging books I’ve come across in a long while. The author has a gift for making complex ideas accessible, and he has a wonderful eye for the telling anecdote. The material within has huge implications for management, markets, decision-making and more.
- The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz – The authors worked with the best athletes and executives for years and found that the best ones knew how to push themselves, then recuperate, push, recuperate, and so forth. Take this same approach to your emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual life, and it’s a powerful metaphor. Think of sprints, not marathons. Be fully in whatever you’re in, then give time to recuperate. But push further each time, past your comfort zone, like a good exercise plan.
- Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath – An easy to read psychology book about real ways to make change last – both personal and organizational. So many powerful insights, based on fact not theory. Inspiring counterintuitive stories of huge organizational change against all odds. Highly recommended for people in all walks of life.
- The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz – I have read so many books promising joy in my life, yet I have read none as simple and practical as that of ‘The Four Agreements.’ This book is a beautiful instruction guide to achieve a life of freedom and happiness. The author teaches four lifestyle commitments which can transform life into the realization of your own personal dream. Simply put, this small book has made profound positive changes in my life.
- Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt – The chapters are short, the prose is easy to follow and the logic is compelling. I’ve never seriously studied economics in my life, yet I had no trouble following the reasoning in this book. This is a must read for anyone who wants to understand basic economics and the keys to widespread prosperity in the long run.
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki – It is unfortunate that in America, arguably the greatest nation in the free world, few people including those with high incomes understand the value of investing and the proper use of money strategies. You can live off your income, but you can’t get wealthy off your income. True wealth is the result of using principles described in this book. This is a classic, must read for everyone.
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams – This novel is hilarious and depicts some pretty insightful observations about life, people, and the world in general. Under it all, it’s an enjoyable read that will leave you yearning for more. If you don’t like science fiction, it doesn’t matter; read this book just for the laughs. The most amazing thing about Adams’ humor is the fact that everyone seems to get it.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – The themes within primarily involve racial injustice and the destruction of human innocence. The author also addresses issues of class, courage, compassion, and gender roles in the American Deep South. It’s simply a classic piece of our American history that depicts racism and prejudice, childhood innocence, and the perseverance of a man who risked it all to stand up for what he believed in.
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey – The plot follows a sane man that, due to a brush with the law, opts for being committed in a mental asylum rather than be incarcerated with hard labor. Upon his entry into the secluded world of the asylum, he strips all the barriers formed and starts laying his own rules, in his own way. This leads to problems with the head honcho of the place. The rollercoaster that the protagonist takes the inmates through finally leads them to realize the ultimate goal. That man, no matter the situation, can always hold his destiny in his hands.
by Daniel Gilbert – Gilbert, a Harvard professor of psychology has studied happiness for decades, and he shares scientific findings that just might change the way you look at the world. His primary goal is to persuade you into accepting the fact that happiness is not really what or where you imagined it would be. This is my favorite book on happiness by a long shot.
by M. Scott Peck – Pretty much the granddaddy of all self-improvement books, it’s easily one of the best nonfiction works I’ve ever read. By melding love, science and spirituality into a primer for personal growth, Peck guides the reader through lessons on delaying gratification, accepting responsibility for decisions, dedicating oneself to truth and reality, and creating a balanced lifestyle.
by David Allen – The ultimate ‘organize your life’ book. Allen’s ideas and processes are for all those people who are overwhelmed with too many things to do, too little time to do them, and a general sense of unease that something important is being missed. The primary goal of this book is to teach you how to effectively get your ‘to-do inbox’ to empty.
by Stephen Covey – Covey presents a principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems by delivering a step-by-step guide for living with integrity and honesty and adapting to the inevitable change life brings us everyday. It’s a must-read.
by Ayn Rand – This novel is an explanation of what has been and always will be at the core of America’s prosperity: freedom and capitalism. It should be required reading for every American. All 1,069 pages are worthwhile. Hands down, Atlas Shrugged is one of the best, most influential books I’ve ever read.
by Paulo Coelho – More parable than novel, ‘The Alchemist’ uses the story of young shepherd Santiago’s search for his personal legend as an allegory for everyman’s struggle to break from the comfortable confines of conformity and pursue his life dreams. Along the way, of course, our young everyman is beset by numerous setbacks, testing his resolve and forcing him to become attuned to the Soul of the World in order to survive. By paying attention to the details in the world around him, which serve as omens guiding him towards his goal, young Santiago becomes an alchemist in his own right, spinning unfavorable circumstances into riches. I’ve read this tale a few times now and it always provides priceless inspiration.
by Henry David Thoreau – Thoreau spent two years, two months and two days writing this book in a secluded cabin near the banks of Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. This is a story about being truly free from the pressures of society. The book can speak for itself: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
by David Schwartz – Schwartz gives the reader useful, proactive steps for achieving success. He presents a clear-cut program for getting the most out of your job, marriage, family life and other relationships. In doing so, he proves that you don’t need to be an intellectual or have innate talent to attain great success and satisfaction in life.
by Dan Ariely – Looks at the reasons so many of us continuously make irrational decisions on a daily basis. It’s a scientific but easily readable and unquestionably insightful look at why we do what we do on a daily basis, and why we never change our ways even though we often ‘know better.’
by Tim Ferriss – Ferris challenges us to evaluate our perspective on the cost and availability of our dreams, and he teaches us that hard work isn’t very hard when you love what you’re doing. Although there’s certainly some pages of self promotion within, Ferris provides invaluable tips to help us remain aligned with our goals, set expectations on our terms, and eliminate unnecessary time-sinks while increasing our overall effectiveness.
by Dale Carnegie – Easily one of the best and most popular books on people-skills ever written. Carnegie uses his adept storytelling skills to illustrate how to be successful by making the most of human relations.
by George S. Clason – The best book on money management ever written. Although only 145 pages, this book is packed to the brim with powerful, life changing information. I’ve read it three times and I still pull new pearls of wisdom out of it. Babylon should be mandatory reading beginning at the grade school level, then again in college, and should be given as a gift right along with a college diploma.
by Jon Acuff – If you’re looking for an honest account of what it’s like to make the transition from your day job to your dream job, this book is for you. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the journey or convince you that it’s worth making stupid decisions now that you’ll pay for later. He stays grounded in reality while inspiring you to truly connect with the things you’re passionate about, and he gives you hope and a plan for getting yourself there.
by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer – The creator of the ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ series reveals secrets to success with sixty-four timeless principles packed into this one book. Sixty-four principles may seem like a lot, but each receives a concise, easy-to-digest chapter that challenges readers to risk creating their lives exactly as they want them. This is easily one of the most practical books I’ve ever read on achieving your dreams.
by Barry Schwartz – Faced with too many options or decisions in your life? We feel worse when we have too many options. This book will make you feel better and change the way you look at them. Schwartz discusses people making difficult decisions about jobs, families, where to live, whether to have children, how to spend recreational time, choosing colleges, etc. He talks about why making these decisions today is much harder than it was thirty years ago, and he offers many practical suggestions for how to address decision-making so that it creates less stress and more happiness.
by Josh Kaufman – Unfortunately, the title may limit the market to business people, but the truth is we are all in the business of managing and selling ourselves no matter what our occupation. What makes this book warrant such a strong statement is the fact that it’s a comprehensive synthesis of all of the concepts you need to know to understand business inside and out. There are no complex models to learn or outdated theories to memorize just to get marks or pass exams. What you get is a clear, comprehensive set of ‘rules of thumb’ for any possible scenario you might encounter in running a business (or just your life in general).
by James Surowieckiv – Great examples of how groups of diverse people acting independently are smarter than any one person in the group. This is one of the most entertaining and intellectually engaging books I’ve come across in a long while. The author has a gift for making complex ideas accessible, and he has a wonderful eye for the telling anecdote. The material within has huge implications for management, markets, decision-making and more.
by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz – The authors worked with the best athletes and executives for years and found that the best ones knew how to push themselves, then recuperate, push, recuperate, and so forth. Take this same approach to your emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual life, and it’s a powerful metaphor. Think of sprints, not marathons. Be fully in whatever you’re in, then give time to recuperate. But push further each time, past your comfort zone, like a good exercise plan.
by Chip and Dan Heath – An easy to read psychology book about real ways to make change last – both personal and organizational. So many powerful insights, based on fact not theory. Inspiring counterintuitive stories of huge organizational change against all odds. Highly recommended for people in all walks of life.
by Miguel Ruiz – I have read so many books promising joy in my life, yet I have read none as simple and practical as that of ‘The Four Agreements.’ This book is a beautiful instruction guide to achieve a life of freedom and happiness. The author teaches four lifestyle commitments which can transform life into the realization of your own personal dream. Simply put, this small book has made profound positive changes in my life.
by Henry Hazlitt – The chapters are short, the prose is easy to follow and the logic is compelling. I’ve never seriously studied economics in my life, yet I had no trouble following the reasoning in this book. This is a must read for anyone who wants to understand basic economics and the keys to widespread prosperity in the long run.
by Robert Kiyosaki – It is unfortunate that in America, arguably the greatest nation in the free world, few people including those with high incomes understand the value of investing and the proper use of money strategies. You can live off your income, but you can’t get wealthy off your income. True wealth is the result of using principles described in this book. This is a classic, must read for everyone.
by Douglas Adams – This novel is hilarious and depicts some pretty insightful observations about life, people, and the world in general. Under it all, it’s an enjoyable read that will leave you yearning for more. If you don’t like science fiction, it doesn’t matter; read this book just for the laughs. The most amazing thing about Adams’ humor is the fact that everyone seems to get it.
by Harper Lee – The themes within primarily involve racial injustice and the destruction of human innocence. The author also addresses issues of class, courage, compassion, and gender roles in the American Deep South. It’s simply a classic piece of our American history that depicts racism and prejudice, childhood innocence, and the perseverance of a man who risked it all to stand up for what he believed in.
by Ken Kesey – The plot follows a sane man that, due to a brush with the law, opts for being committed in a mental asylum rather than be incarcerated with hard labor. Upon his entry into the secluded world of the asylum, he strips all the barriers formed and starts laying his own rules, in his own way. This leads to problems with the head honcho of the place. The rollercoaster that the protagonist takes the inmates through finally leads them to realize the ultimate goal. That man, no matter the situation, can always hold his destiny in his hands.What are your favorite books? How did they change your life? Leave us a comment below and let us know.
Photo by: Katie Harris
Lily says
Stephen King is a King! Most of his books are amazing. Everyone should read at least one of them.
Samantha says
My old professor didn’t teach from textbooks but from some of the books listed above! He changed my life. He also has a book of his own, “What do you Think?” by George Stern. I suggested it
Brian says
Second to “Ishmael” and the rest of Quinn’s books. They are #1-#4 for me, with “Tao of Pooh” coming in a close fifth
Paola says
the man in search of meaning – viktor frank
Lilly Anne says
The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Jess says
Definitely Anthem by Ayn Rand! I agree with a lot of the books on your list too, especially The Four Agreements. I had to read that in college this semester, and it was phenomenal.
Susan says
I had a half dozen and bought the rest to give my 2 sons (23 & 26) for Christmas. The books are packed in a large box for them to open…with the list placed on top. I am hoping they will leave them here, in a bookcase, and consider it a lending library so they can take and return as desired. This list has created many conversations with acquaintances. Thank you.
Chuck says
Alex Haley’s Roots, along with the Autobiography of Malcolm X would make this list incredible. Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Talents is a life changer too.
Drew says
Great list – besides Ayn Rand, as some have mentioned above. Self improvement is a wonderful goal – but in the world as we know it, the virtues of selfishness – as extolled in her “Objectivism” – is something the world can do without.
As far as works of fiction, Cormac McCarthy (No Country for Old Men, The Border Trilogy, The Road) makes the spirit soar with his prose, dark though some of it is.
Victoria says
I’m so surprised that there are no Malcolm Gladwell books on this list. “The Tipping Point” is a stunning look at how products, ideas, movements, etc. get started and how they “tip” – the idea of Mavens and Connectors and how they move in society and influence our culture is fascinating.
His other book – The Outliers – is a more objective look at what other people have been discussing in this thread regarding Rand, capitalism, self-made citizens and overly reliant ones.
The idea that no one is completely self-made is examined thoroughly with real-life examples and research into family history. Somewhere in the history of your life, someone helped you – outright or inadvertently – and this has made a difference in your successes. Great book.
Also, having read both Anthem and 1984, but not Atlas Shrugged, I want to point out that Animal Farm is probably a book that suits all groups, as it more about the institution of governance and power, and how we are predisposed to continue the corrupt cycles, regardless of political party, initial intent, etc.
Reim says
I agree Animal farm should be read along with 1984.
The Shock |Doctrine by Naomi Kline and The End of Work by Jeremy Rifkin, The Social Contract and Discourses by Jean-Jaque Rousseau,
Winner Take-All Politics: How Washington Made the Rich Richer and Turned Its Back on the Middle Class,” by Jacob S. Hacker and Paul Pierson
And as mentined above Globalization and its Discontents by Joseph Stiglitz
The Moral Economy of the Peasant by James Scott
The Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano
Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity In Rwanda by Romeo Dallaire
Lebogang says
Dear Marc, my 18 year old daughter sent me a link to your blog 2 days ago. I have read almost everything on it and wrote down your list of 30 books plus the other ones recommended by others on your site, thank you all. I have read a handful of the recommended books and as an aspiring writer, will derive great help from this list. Be anointed further. Lebogang
Roda says
Thanks for the wonderful list. I will try to finish this list before the year’s end.
Rob P says
Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankel.
Quick read that allows you to appreciate every day and realize what is important in life.
Clyde says
“A Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson should be on everyone’s reading list.
liz says
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is a very inspirational book for people who want to learn how to harness their creativity. I read it every couple of years and it may be my favorite book. She has also written a couple other non-fiction books that are memoir-ish but fall easily into the “inspiration for positive living” category. She is a big proponent of living honestly and with integrity, and being true to oneself.
Basia819 says
Good list of books. For my list I’d add: Chez Moi, The Marriage Artist, Just Kids, The Glass Castle, Born Under A Million Shadows, The Bone Woman, On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Water for Elephants, In the Hot Zone: One Man, One Year, Twenty Wars.
amrit says
I would add “You Can Win” by Shiv Khera.
anna orange says
I would like to suggest the book, “A tree grows in Brooklyn.”
Terrence says
Reposition Yourself by TD Jakes is a great read and also one I wish I read before I was 30.
Seth says
I would recommend “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle, Changed My life.
Going Green says
I am a fan of Walden myself, the only issue is that I find it more and more difficult to get the kids interested in these books.
Stephen says
My favorite on this list are the Alchemist and The Richest Man in Babylon
All these books are great I would also mention:
Awaken the Giant Within
As a Man Thinketh
Acres of Diamonds
Tyler says
I like the book Walden, and I think that the philosophies espoused by Thoreau are important, but few people know that he was not nearly as isolated as the ideas he examined might lead one to believe. The cabin he lived in was one that was located on the back end of the parcel of land that his parents home was located. Also he was seen frequently in a local pub in Concord. Some people jokingly state that for a tome written about isolation, Thoreau was about as isolated as a kid pitching a pup tent in his parents backyard. Other than that misconception the book is great as is your list…There are several books on here that clearly warrant some consideration on my part.
Theresa Jones says
I would highly recommend: I Have One Question – by author, Hayden Dane. This brief e-book has changed my life! It lead me to find true happiness in a relationship.
John Skowronek says
Great list! I can’t believe that no one has mentioned Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. One of my all time favorites.
Monce Abraham says
Great book recommendations! Many thanks for sharing…
Cheers, Monce
Thos Weatherby says
Road to Serfdom – If you liked Atlas Shrugged. And I would recommend, The Original Argument- The Federalists’. This translates the Federalist Papers into present day English.
Michelle says
One of my favorites is also Les Miserables because it shows how we can change and be redeemed. Another influential book for my family was The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey which teaches getting out of debt and financial security.
Linda Radford says
That is a powerful list of books.
I would add:
1. Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” For the way it shifted my thinking around money.
2. Don Miguel Ruiz’s other book, “The Mastery of Love” For how it shifted my whole perception of intimate relationships.
3. Dr Sue Johnson’s “Hold Me Tight” Because it was part of what saved my marriage.
4. Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth” for the level of consciousness it has inspired in me.
Chris Groscurth says
I support the addition of Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” to this list. It describes how positive work can translate into material riches.
Allison says
The Shack is by far the best book I’ve ever read.
Muluken Amha says
I like most of the books listed. Out of the 30 listed, I have only read The 7 Habits of highly effective people, Rich Dad, Poor Dad and now I’m in the middle of Atlas Shrugged. Another influential book that the list should include is ‘WHO MOVED MY CHEESE’ in my opinion any reader could find herself/himself in one of the four characters depicted in it, and will help to examine oneself.
Barbara says
How wonderful to StumbleUpon this list! Have read more than I thought, and found many more books to read and consider. While well over 30, life, happiness, surprises and learning never stops. Thank you all… may your lives all be joyful.
Daniel says
You don’t know what you’re missing not reading the Harry Potter series.. Greatest book series ever. Thank you J.K. Rowling! 🙂
Lapidus says
Great list! I like many of the books listed. And Stephen King is, for me, a big author that could be added to the list.
thebldrsrejectd says
Just found this site, great job!!! (thanks lifehacker) Excellent book list! I have only read about ten of them, and I turn 30 in less than six weeks… So I better get cracking!! My definite 31 is A People’s History of the US by Howard Zinn. Perspective change: rethinking everything learned about history… ever.
Keep up the Great work!
Sue, Illinois says
I have read several of your books on your list, but many of them, long ago, in High School as mandatory reading.
The two that stand out so strongly in my mind though were introduced to me years ago by my father while I was still young.
The first, One Thousand Beautiful things, introduced me to great poems and short stories and was/is still one of my favorite books.
The other is Our Natural World by Hal Borland. A collection of stories of the land and wildlife of America as seen and described by writers since the country’s discovery. Both of these books have a special place on my bookshelf… along with a 1937 copy of the Wizard of Oz. 🙂
kgr says
Catcher in the Rye by Salinger, Perks of Being a Wallflower by Chbosky, Notes from the Underground by Dostoevsky
pattib says
Sarah, great suggestion on Illusions by Richard Bach…I gave this to my husband when we were dating, over 25 years ago and just recently read it again. I love this book.
Robin, I agree with you; Atlas Shrugged is a totally different read at 50 vs 25. Now, I believe in social justice despite the inability of those who simply cannot or will not contribute as I may be able to.
I would like to add “The Prophet” by Khalil Gibran and bless my (all girl Catholic) H.S. Math teacher for taking the time before each class to read a section to us. Nothing I learned in Math has resonated so deeply with me as this book and her willingness to share it with us.
Shon says
The book “The Power of Intention”, Dr. Wayne Dyer changed my life so profoundly I can’t begin to explain how much its influenced me and my friends around me. My life has been propelled in a manner of which I can’t begin to predict. I read the book consistantly and have substituted meaningless absurb music for listening to Dyer’s audio books.
Vic says
Love a good book list and many great ones mentioned here. I’m with those that find the unbridled individualism in Ann Rand a bit suspect.
So many wonderful books, don’t worry if you haven’t got to them before 30. Just keep reading.
10 of my favorites I can think of now off the top of my head.
Animal Farm George Orwell
A Fortunate Life
Vic says
Some great books here, I would endorse
The Alchemist
Animal Farm
100 Years in Solitude
History of Nearly Everything in 10 1/2 Chapters
1984
Brave New World
but I can think of my most influential not mentioned so far
I Ching – wonderful text to filter ones issues and questions about life through
A Fortunate Life.
A Very Easy Death. Simone de Bouvoir
The Passion. Jeanette Winterson
The Trial. Franz Kafka
Shakasta. Doris Lessing
A Suitable Boy. Vikram Seth
The Dance of Intimacy.
Giusi says
A started “my journey” by reading: Women Who Run With the Wolves – Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Thank you.
Giusi
Dani says
The most perspective changing book that I have read until now is “The Power of Kindness” by Pierro Ferrucci. I find every statement true, and while I’ve tried to be kind to others the best I could, this book cleared up a lot of misconceptions and mistakes I was making. Heck, even the Dalai Lama read it and wrote a foreword.
Ryan David says
The User’s Manual For the Human Experience by Michael W. Dean, is a book I wish I had read (or had been written) when I was 18. It is a fantastic read and shows you how to deal with life on YOUR terms.
Baker says
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, was recommended to me by a good friend. I have found that as an invaluable resource for all things time management related.
Judy Belmont says
I would love to suggest my recently released book “The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life” by 2 psychotherapists (myself and a co – author) with a combined 70 years of counseling experience offering the ten most important tips to get through life’s holes without getting stuck in them!
Luc says
Wonderful list and the additions via comments. I have read 60-70% of all listed and agree with many. A Man’s Search for Meaning by Frankl was epic, as was Shaking Hands with the Devil by Dellaire.
I would add;
Think on these things – by Krishnamurti
I read it at age 26 and am still in awe of his observations.
Natasha says
I’m now 26 and have only read 4 of those. 26 more now added to my future reads!