I don’t know how many books I’ve read in my 35 years on this planet, but I can say that a few have changed my life for the better.

However, since I want this to be a normal-sized article, I’ll only pick five of my favorites- a difficult choice for a reader like myself.

They are, in no particular order:

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen

My brother introduced me to this book, and while I was hesitant to read it at first, I’m so glad I did.

After reading The Slight Edge, you understand how your choices- good, bad, or otherwise- can affect your life.

According to the blurb, it’s “how a way of thinking, a way of processing information, can impact daily choices that will lead you to the success and happiness you desire. The Slight Edge is “the key” that will make all the other how-to books and self-help information that you read, watch and hear actually work.”

And it lives up to that expectation.

The Art of Saying No by Damon Zahariades

If you’re a people-pleaser (like me), then this book will change your life. Not only does it give you permission to set boundaries and say NO, but it also teaches you how to take those first crucial steps.

As the blurb says, “Imagine being able to turn down requests and decline invitations with confidence and poise. Imagine saying no to people asking you for favors, and inspiring their respect in the process.”

If you need a confidence boost (and a reminder that it’s OK to say no / stand up for yourself), then you need this book.

Homebody by Rupi Kaur

Kaur is one of my favorite modern poets, and her book taught me that poetry doesn’t have to be elaborate and structured to be impactful.

Her small, delicate verses pack a punch, and I’ll forever aspire to achieve the same effect in my writing.

In Homebody, “she walks readers through a reflective and intimate journey visiting the past, the present, and the potential of the self.”

Be aware- it’ll make you feel things.

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements is the type of book where the more you read it, the more you learn.

Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, the Four Agreements “reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.”

It changes perspectives, inserts ideas, and aligns your goals with the universe. Read it!

The Harper Hall of Pern by Anne McCaffrey

Finally, we have The Harper Hall. It’s technically three books in one (Dragonsong, Dragonsinger, Dragondrums), but I have the collection, so I’m counting it as one.

It’s a fantasy story about Menolly, a shy teenager who runs away from home, survives the wilderness, befriends tiny dragons (called Fire Lizards), and eventually becomes one of the first female Harpers in the world.

It’s one of my comfort series, and Menolly’s courage, adaptability, and resilience taught me that I could survive anything if I had faith in myself.

And that’s a lesson I’ve kept close.

Your Turn!

Each one of these books has changed or influenced my life in some way, and I wouldn’t be the same without them!

Which books have changed your life? I’d love to talk about them!