Books are an important part of my life and I read a lot, though not as much as I’d like. A few rare books I wish I hadn’t bothered with, but mostly I’m selective about what I buy and rely on recommendations from those I trust.
From time to time I read a book that changes my life in a big way.
These are the ten inspirational books that changed my life – in more or less the order they came into my hands.
It’s a uniquely personal list and I’m certain your own list would be very different.
I’m not saying these are all great works, or suggesting they would change your life as they did mine – each came and spoke to me at a particular time and place. If they’d come at another moment in my life, they would have joined the category of ‘interesting, useful or inspiring’ but not made it to this top category of ‘books that changed my life’.
With each I’ve provided a summary (adapted from various sources) as well as my favourite quote and a link to Amazon if you want know more (or even buy it).
1 Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë)
I read this in my late teens and, after being an avid reader as a child, had almost given up on books for the lure of the TV screen. It was this novel that got me interested in reading again. I touched for the first time how storytelling can pull you in and take you on an emotional ride.
For those who assume it’s a ‘girl’s book’ I can tell you I lent it to a friend at the time. He was from a mining town in the North of England and there was definitely nothing ‘girlie’ about him. The book made him cry.
In brief
Partly autobiographical, the novel goes through five stages of Jane’s life: her childhood, where she’s emotionally abused by her aunt and cousins; her education, which is tough but where she makes friends; her time as the governess of a Manor, where she falls in love with Rochester, her employer; her time with the Rivers family, where her cousin proposes to her; and her reunion with and marriage to Rochester.
| Favourite quote
Prejudices, it is well known, are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilised by education: they grow there, firm as weeds among stones. |
‘Jane Eyre’ at Amazon US or Amazon UK
2 Grapes Of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
I remember reading the last page and not being able to move or speak for what seemed like hours. It was my first glimpse of what terrible things we can do to each other and yet still impossible to quash the bright spark of humanity. I still find the final page emotionally devastating.
In brief
Set during the Great Depression, the novel focuses on a poor family of share-croppers, the Joads, driven from their Oklahoma home by drought, economic hardship, and changes in the agriculture industry. In a desperate situation, they set out for California along with thousands of other “Okies” in search of land and jobs.
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Favourite quote How can you frighten a man whose hunger is not only in his own cramped stomach but in the wretched bellies of his children? You can’t scare him – he has known a fear beyond every other. |
‘Grapes of Wrath’ at Amazon US or Amazon UK
3 The Alchemist (Paolo Coelho)
It came to me at a time when I was searching all over the place for peace and happiness in my life. Everything seemed a struggle as my focus was ‘over there’ and definitely not in the places I was and the people I was with.
It was this book that opened my eyes to a wealth of literary treasures coming out of South America as well as relating some of my own life through a beautiful fable.
In brief
Tells the story of a young shepherd named Santiago who finds a treasure beyond his wildest dreams. Along the way, he learns to listen to his heart and, more importantly, realizes that his dreams, or his Personal Legend, are not just his but part of the Soul of the Universe.
| Favourite quote
When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too. |
‘The Alchemist’ at Amazon US or Amazon UK
4 Loving What Is (Byron Katie)
I first heard about Byron Katie from a friend who was very enthusiastic about her Work, so I bought the book. I was still fighting with the reality of how I’d constructed my life and using the method in this book took away all that stress and anguish (well most of it).
If you’ve not come across the Work before then there are several great videos on YouTube.
In brief
The basis of the book is a series of four questions addressed to your assumptions. Starting with, “Is it true?” and continuing with explorations of “Who would you be without that thought?” the method aims to get through unhelpful preconceptions and find peace. An integral part of the process is “turning the thought around,” where you’ll find an acceptance of reality, beyond questions of fault and blame.
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Favourite quote I realized that it’s insane to oppose it. When I argue with reality, I lose—but only 100% of the time. How do I know that the wind should blow? It’s blowing! |
‘Loving What Is’ at Amazon US or Amazon UK
5 A Brief History of Everything (Ken Wilber)
Not an easy read at all – even for someone as intelligent as me (haha). I read it at a time when I was looking for my own understanding of spirituality and my place in the universe. It didn’t give me an answer to that question but did give me a new way of looking at the universe that has been incredibly supportive in my search.
It’s one of the few books that pushed me to the limit of my mental capacity.
In brief
Wilber examines the course of evolution as the unfolding manifestation of Spirit, from matter to life to mind, including the higher stages of spiritual evolution, when Spirit becomes conscious of itself. In each of these domains of evolution, he finds recurring patterns, and by looking at these patterns, learn much about the predicament of our world and the direction humanity must take if global transformation is to become a reality
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Favourite quote I don’t mean to be crude, but it appears that testosterone basically has two, and only two, major drives: f*** it or kill it. |
‘A Brief History Of Everything’ at Amazon US or Amazon UK
6 Long Walk To Freedom (Nelson Mandela)
I grew up believing the media line that, while apartheid was a monstrous invention, Mandela was a terrorist and should be in prison. From a historical point of view this was probably because the British government was refusing to have anything to do with the IRA and so were nervous of any attempt to turn freedom fighters, guerillas or terrorists into heroes. Mandela became one of my heroes.
This book inspired me to see that non-violent struggle is the only way to lasting social change, and that the media, no matter how much freedom of speech I have, is an extension of the State.
In brief
Nelson Mandela’s autobiography describing his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison. The last chapters of the book describe his political ascension, and his belief that the struggle continues against apartheid in South Africa.
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Favourite quote No one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but its lowest ones. |
‘Long Walk To Freedom’ at Amazon US or Amazon UK
7 The Power Of Now (Eckhart Tolle)
I find it hard to explain why this had such an impact on me – I hardly remember the details of the book at all. I can picture, however, exactly where I was when I was reading it – down to the details of what I was eating, smelling, experiencing. Somehow it brought me into the present (the Now) in a very subtle but powerful way. It stays with me to this day.
In brief
Living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. (I told you I couldn’t remember much about the content!)
| Favourite quote
You can always cope with the now, but you can never cope with the future – nor do you have to. The answer, the strength, the right action or the resource will be there when you need it, not before, not after. |
‘The Power Of Now’ at Amazon US or Amazon UK
8 No Logo (Naomi Klein)
I love books that my challenge my view of the world and this one turned it upside down. I’d grown up in the corporate world and never considered what might lay under the surface. This opened my eyes in a way that I can never close them again. It made me much more conscious of the impact of the corporate takeover of the world and my role in it.
In brief
Builds an angry and funny case against branding in general and several large North American companies in particular, notably Gap, Microsoft and Starbucks. What should be a time of consumer choice and interactive communication has not materialized. Instead, huge corporations treat the world as a giant marketing opportunity. These companies have harmed culture and workers both in the Developing World and at home.
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Favourite quote There are already ads on benches in national parks as well as on library cards in public libraries, and in December 1998 NASA announced plans to solicit ads on its space stations. Pepsi’s ongoing threat to project its logo onto the moon’s surface hasn’t yet materialized… |
‘No Logo’ at Amazon US or Amazon UK
9 The Prophet (Kahlil Gibran)
Beautiful, lyrical and wise. I learned many things from this book, and I think the verses on children are the ones I find most powerful. On every line of every page there’s a treat to be relished and savoured and it’s the one book I recommend everyone to read.
So read it.
In brief
Essentially a work of spiritual poetry, it contains Gibran’s philosophy on major concepts in human life, such as love, joy, self-knowledge, freedom, Law, religion, and reason.
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Favourite quote Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you. |
‘The Prophet’ at Amazon US or Amazon UK
10 Maturity (Osho)
Osho is something of a mystery to me. Spiritual teacher owning a large fleet of Rolls Royce’s and deported from the USA – yet some of his writings are amazing. This is the one that spoke to me and I read this as I was coming up to 45 (one of the transition markers) and it helped me understand many of the things that I’d been working with during what might be described as my mid-life crisis. I probably wouldn’t have started this blog if it hadn’t been for this book.
In brief
Osho takes us back to the roots of what it means to grow up rather than just to grow old and explores the benefits in accepting the ageing process as natural, rather than trying to hold on to youth . Both in our relationships with others, and in the fulfilment of our own individual destinies, he reminds us of the pleasures that only true maturity can bring. He outlines the ten major growth cycles in human life, from the self-centred universe of the preschooler to the flowering of wisdom and compassion in old age.
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Favourite quote Listen to your being. It is continuously giving you hints; it is a still, small voice. It does not shout at you, that is true. And if you are a little silent you will start feeling your way. |
‘Maturity’ at Amazon US or Amazon UK
Notes about Amazon
1 I’m currently working on setting up an Amazon aStore to replace the box on the right (which I don’t much like). I’m going to put in one place all the books I recommend and I’m hoping it will be a useful addition to the site.
2 I personally use Amazon a lot as I find them reliable, easy to use and I enjoy the reviews and information they give. I also have an Affiliate account with them (as do many bloggers). Obviously I recommend you read these books – and if you choose to buy after clicking the links then I get a small commission from Amazon (in fact, the commission covers your entire order – not only from the books above).
I understand if that’s not OK with you – in which case don’t buy through the links above!
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I’m with you on “Loving What Is” and “The Power of Now” — my life would be SO different without those books in it!
I was actually surprised, while writing this, to see just how much some of these books influenced me.
Hi Ian — thanks for this — I know a lot of people who recommend The Prophet and I’ve yet to read it. I loved the quote about children, and I get that he’s treading in sensitive territory with it, because I think in our culture there’s an assumption it’s almost too sensitive to talk about that children are here to create a legacy for parents and responsible for making their parents look good.
Chris. His views on many things are surprisingly ‘modern’ (it was written in 1923). I also like his chapter on marriage, for example
“Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.”
Can totally relate to Osho and Eckhart Tolle. Great list (and post ;- ) )
Thanks Dragos.
great books please add holy quran
Why don’t you make your own list javed?
CJ .. I assume the email address you left is not real, but I assume you are a real person.
I edited out one word from your comment which I took as abusive.
Javed. I haven’t gotten around to reading the quran yet as I grew up according to a Christian tradition. This is a list of books that had a profound impact on me, in the same way I guess the quran has had a profound impact on you? I’m sure you understand I’m not going to add a book I haven’t read to my list!
As cjbills suggests … you could always write your own article with your own list
Amazing post! I love The alchemist, it’s my favourite book. The prophet and power of now are definitely on my list as well.
THanks for sharing
I am going to pick up a copy of Osho’s book and No Logo, next chance I get…
Peace
Jonathan
Thanks Jonathan. If you do pick up those books (No Logo and Osho) I’d really enjoy hearing back what you thought about them.
Great comments on Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom. If Mandela became one of your heroes, you might be interested in his foundation’s 46664 global campaign to prevent HIV AIDS, as supported by http://www.theBangle.com.
Thanks Julie – I’ll check it out.
This is a great list. I just finished The Alchemist last week, and I can see how it made the list. I’m not sure it changed my life, but it was incredibly powerful.
And Nelson Mandela – Good choice on a hero
Couldn’t agree more!
Maybe I’ll compile a list of my 10 heroes. Off the top of my head the list would start something like … Mandela, Gandhi, King, Schryer …
With the Alchemist .. as with all the other books on the list … it came at a particular turning point and made a difference to how I was experiencing a lot of turmoil. At any other time it might weel have passed over me without such a big impact.
Hello Ian,
I see four I have not had a change to read yet. Looks like I have a reason to go to the book store now.
Thank you very much for your reviews and selections.
I spend hours in book stores when I go back to the UK. I’m curious. which were the 4 you haven’t read?
Hi Ian,
Great list. Most of the books I have read but it was great to learn about some other books. Thank you so much for sharing your favorites with all of us.
And Amazon totally rocks!
I wonder what it is about Amazon? Maybe I’ve not noticed if it’s there, but I read a lot of complaining about Microsoft and about Google, for example, but nothing about Amazon. Are they the one internet giant everyone loves? (Having said this I’m probably going to get a deluge of mails from people disgruntled with Amazon)
hi Ian,
I used to really like ‘No Logo’,… felt cheated by big business and all that…
then I had a change of heart.
while I don’t deny the persuasiveness of Naomi Klein’s arguments.
I now find them too simplistic…they are perfect for stirring up corporate discontent but does not really address the ultimate reasons for the “corporate takeover” of public space.
Klein and many seems to blame businesses for their bad practices (layoffs, shameless invasion of all public space) as if they were actual people expected to do good, be socially responsible. when they are in fact NOT.
corporations are an easy target, because they are big, powerful and visible: the perfect scapegoat.
I would really recommended ‘Supercapitalism’ by Robert Reich, to see why Klein’s book doesn’t really make sense. he’s a liberal too, but approaches the issue from another perspective.
Indeed, everybody has his own list however the most important thing is to keep on reading plus wondering and pondering about what we read. Ian, it’s funny how three out of ten are on my list too: “Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë)”, “The Alchemist (Paolo Coelho)” and “The Prophet (Kahlil Gibran)”
Hicham .. good to hear that! I’m surprised about ‘Jane Eyre’, for some reason. I always assumed that it was a very ‘English’ book that didn’t travel well. I think I was wrong about that!
Ian, I studied in during High School many years ago. It travelled well indeed
Thanks I’ll check some of these out for sure :] What town in North England by the way, I’m nosey and from a old mining town in the North East.
Hi Bracey. It was one of the pit towns close to Mansfield (Warsop, if I recall right). I know that’s not strictly North England (more like the Midlands) but I was brought up close to London so, as you know, anything North of Watford is ‘North England’!
I’ve been meaning to read “The Power of Now” based on Amazon reviews. Interesting that you remember all the details of the experience of reading it and not so much the content itself. I find songs that will hook me in the same way. Great post.
Oh! I know EXACTLY what you mean about songs! In fact I hardly ever notice the lyrics and can only ever recall part of the tune – I could never be a live performer! It’s not the content that speaks to me usually, but rather the overall experience.
Ian,
suppose you never heard of The Red Sails, by A.S Green
It is nothing like Jane Eyre? but it is a very distinct love story in its own.
If you can find it – trust me on that one.
It is the best of them all!
I haven’t read it … but will definitely look out for it.
Hi Ian, I was just thinking about the insight we gain into a persons perspective by looking at a list of books they have read. Maybe we could create a new science, “readology.” Analyzing people according to reading habits. Thanks for sharing your special list.
I was thinking something similar myself and wondering what impression readers would get of me based on this list. Reading back through the book quotes in the article, they certainly paint a vivid picture of me .. some accurate, some aspirational. ‘readology’ .. yes, I like it!
Naomi Klein…
get real….shows you are pretty ignorant ….calling her a turd is an insult to turds
Robert. I have real mixed feelings about your comment – amused, pissed, confused. It’s clearly not spam so I’ve chosen to keep it here and respond.
You are 100% right when you say I’m ignorant. There are many, many things I’m ignorant about, which is why I read a lot, and listen to people a lot. I’m guessing from your comment that there is something about ‘No Logo’ or about Klein’s views in general (it’s not clear to me from your coment which it is) that differs from your own experience of the world. Combined with your (admittedly pretty vague) advice to ‘get real’ makes me curious to learn something from you .. is there some book or other source you can recommend?
I didn’t like the final part of your comment (the turd bit) and it was this that almost made me hit ‘delete’ straight away. I appreciate your attempt at humour – but I find it disrespectful and I’d really like to see more care for people… I’m guessing some of Klein’s work stimulates some pretty strong reactions in you?
Ian,
Thank for the list. I’ve read some of these books and totally know how much they can change someone and for the ones I haven’t read yet I’d sure note them down to buy.
Hi Sunny. If you do get around to checking any of these out, I’d enjoy hearing what you thought about them.
i find “loving what is” is a great book.
try read it and you’ll know why.
I certainly like it!
Great list. My list includes some of the same:
http://www.explorelifeblog.com/journal/2009/10/16/best-30-self-help-books-ever.html
Osho, Tolle, Chopra and Thich Nhat Hahn to me are the most amazing writers today for inspiration and the raising of consciousness.
Love you blog,
Joseph
Thanks Joseph. I’ve heard so many people mention Thich Nhat Hahn that it’s probably time for me to read some of his work. Thanks for the comment and appreciation!
Nice list! Thanks for sharing Ian.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Keep Climbing by Sean Swarner is an incredibly inspirational book. He is a 2-time cancer survivor and he is the first cancer survivor to climb Mount Everest (with one lung!!). It’s an amazing story! Happy reading!
I know it’s not directly connected but ‘Touching the Void’ would be on my list of Top 10 books … it’s not here because this list was books that changed my life in some way and not necessarily books I consider ‘great’ or ‘best’.
Very interesting list–many of these I have not read and will certainly want to after reading your explanations and personal experiences.
I have to say, it never ceases to amuse and disgust me how people stumble across such a page and add comments like, “you should add this” or “ugh, you should remove that”. It’s the author’s list–it’s not about YOU, people!
Your reply made me smile. I did have a similar thought myself reading some of the comments.
The comments that disturbed me more was a couple attacking me personally (I deleted one of those for just being plain abusive) or attacking the writers. I get that everyone has different tastes, preferences and enjoys different things – and for me that’s part of the beauty of life. I just don’t understand what purpose it serves to attack someone else’s preferences or experiences unless they are damaging to others. How can it possibly damage anyone to hear that The Alchemist or No Logo impacted my life in some way? I just don’t get it.
Hi Ian,
Have you read The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman?
I found that book extremely helpful. He also wrote The Laws of Spirit which I found helpful too.
Thanks
Dion.
The Way of The Peaceful Warrior is wonderful. I highly recommend this book. It is refreshing to see all these suggestions and what other peoples’ thoughts are. Glad I stumbled across this site!
I’ve heard fo this book and it’s on my ‘to buy’ list. Thanks both of you for the reminder.
Recommendation: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Radically changed my world view and belief system helping me to abandon my creation myth. I later discovered the raw truths of Osho. I’ll check out some of the other books on your list. Thanks for compiling this.
Thanks for the recommendation.
Great books. The Alchemist actually helped push me out of my depression.
But then again, I can honestly say that the book that has impacted me the most was Fight Club.
I had a conversation with a friend the other day about the Alchemist. She was upset I’d included it on the list for a number of reasons. I stand by my inclusion.
Yes, it’s popular. Yes, it’s not original and borrows heavily from other sources. Yes, it’s simplistic. Yes, it’s not a great work of literature. Yes, Coelho has become something of a media circus. BUT – it’s a powerful story, an easy access to a small taste of spirituality and it has the power to move people.
Hey Ian, your blog is really very good,especially the short description u gave about your favourite books and your favourite quotes from those books. I enjoyed reading them. Well, m still a 16 year old girl and have to discover a lot about myself. Have not yet read any of those books. Will look up for them for sure here in India
I am glad Gandhi is your inspiration. Keep writing
Hi Shilpi. Thanks for commenting.
I really don’t think age is a good indicator of wisdom (and often not of maturity either) and I wish you a wonderful exploration as you discover more about who you are.
And yes, Gandhi is definitely one of my great inspirations.
Instead of saying fuck you, you could simply say you don’t like Paulo Coelho and you disagree with Ian. No need for vulgar language. It shows the state of your mind. Grow up and I don’t mean in age. At the end of the day this is about books that had an impact on Ian and not about literary excellence.
Hi Dion .. I deleted the comment you’re referring to as it went over the boundary of what I’m willing to accept on here. Thanks for your reply though .. I appreciate it very much!
How did you miss Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It’s been said that 90% of self-made millionaires said it was the most influential book they had ever read…. see http://www.masterytv.com for details
My new favorite inspirational book that I just fnished reading is by Dr. Paul DeBell called Decoding The Spiritual Messages of Everyday Life.
Each of us can benefit from taking a more rational approach to our spiritual feedback. We are at the same point in understanding our interactions with spiritual reality that psychology was in understanding our interactions with material reality 100 years ago. I got so omuch out of this book such as, messages teach you how to act on your beliefs in ways that are appropriate to your own character and unique life circumstances.
Dear Ian;
Wow! You’ve said so much more in this post than just sharing the impact of these books. You are well-spoken, obviously well-read and thoughtful…so lovely and refreshing!
Here’s to fabulous books and the power of words and lots of great stories and growing and learning and opening up and sharing…and so much more.
Thanks, Ian, for the very enjoyable post.
Shauna
I just stumbled upon your list; I’ve read many of these books although I have not yet analyzed their potential impact on who I am and how I think. Thanks for this list, there are several here that look inspirational for me as well, so I plan to give those a read in the future.
First heard about Eckhart Tolle by renting the DVD How to find your life’s purpose. Wow, now THAT has changed my perception about absolutely everything.
Also, just a big thanks to you for being who you are. Your gentle compassion clearly shows through.
Wow. About half of these books are at the very top of my list and I’ve never met anyone else with as many on their own list. The internet’s like that I guess. When it’s not about britney spears, porn or kittens, that is.
I’m laughing out loud here. Britney Spears, porn and kittens just about sums up the content of vast swathes of the internet.
And purely based on your taste in books – I’m delighted to meet you!
Wow, you must have a very interesting view of life and others. These books are social, philosophical, and liberal crap.
Well Troy! I can only assume that you’ve reached this conclusion about the books after reading them all? Do you have some recommendations that aren’t ‘crap’?
And as for the personal judgement about me … it’s hard to be sure from a written comment but I’m pretty sure you meant it sarcastically. I’ll assume it was and reply by saying ‘thanks for the deep and meaningful comment’.
Wow Troy, how insightful your comment is. Is that all you have to say?
Troy people like Ian and myself (and many others) who have read these books (or some of them) have a deeper and more meaningful opinion about life and everything else than you.
No right minded individual (who have gained insightful wisdom from these books) will insult another person that way. We are above that. If we disagree we disagree in a positive way.
I still don’t understand why people like you have to be so negative and carry a chip on your shoulder and make comments like that. I say grow up and I don’t mean in shoe size or just open up your mind.
In addition to Britney Spears, porn, and kittens, the Internet also features scads of small-minded, big-mouthed, self-righteous morons. Thank you, Troy, for filling that role today–it was just what this page was missing.
Dion and Dar – thanks for the support. I did have a moment of self doubt but both your comments helped ease that out of my system (and brought a smile to my face).
I’ve also been surprised by a few of the reactions and struggle to understand where they come from. I’m delighted when people disagree, criticise and have different opinions and tastes.
I’m very think skinned and take judgement and even personal attacks in my stride. I would like to understand more about what motivates someone like Troy to leave a comment such as this – but he didn’t write enough to get much insight.
Troy – if you’re reading any of this I would genuinely like to learn more about your view of the world – which is clearly different to mine. Feel free to drop me a mail or another comment.