Okay, so here’s the thing: I used to roll my eyes whenever someone said “Top 10 Books That Will Change Your Life.” Like… really? A bunch of words on paper rearranged your entire brain? Come on. But then (of course), it happened to me. More than once, actually. And suddenly I was the annoying friend saying, “No, seriously, you HAVE to read this one.”
So today I’m spilling about the top 10 books that will change your life — or at least shake something loose in your brain, in the best way possible. I’m not saying you’ll read them and suddenly quit your job, adopt a goat, and move to the Alps (although… would that be the worst?). But these are the books that stuck with me. Books that whispered when I needed them to. Books that kicked me in the shins when I needed that.
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
I know, I know. Every “life-changing books” list has this one. But listen — there’s a reason.
I first read The Alchemist when I was 19, sitting on a plastic chair in my grimy college laundromat (the kind with flickering fluorescent lights that made everyone look slightly dead). And something about Santiago chasing his “Personal Legend” hit me. Like, why am I folding socks when I could… I don’t know… follow my dream? (Spoiler: I still folded the socks. But with slightly more purpose.)
👉 If you want to see Paulo Coelho talk about it himself, there’s a great Guardian interview.
2. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Frankl survived concentration camps and somehow turned his pain into this… blueprint for hope. I read it during a break-up (not comparable, obviously, but I was deep in the pity party), and his line about choosing your attitude in any circumstance? Oof.
It felt like a slap and a hug at the same time.
3. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Not everyone’s cup of tea — but it cracked me open. I was 22, pretending to be a “real adult” with a job and rent, but inside? I was Esther Greenwood, stuck under the bell jar.
Reading Plath felt like someone had turned my messy thoughts into actual sentences. Painful, raw, kinda beautiful. (Also, fun fact: I underlined half the book. Literally half. My copy looks like a toddler went wild with a highlighter.)
You can read more about Plath’s chaotic brilliance on Poetry Foundation.
4. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
This one hit me sideways. Food, grief, identity — Zauner ties them together so intimately that I cried into my takeout pad thai.
I didn’t lose my mom, but reading about hers made me call mine immediately. And that’s the thing: sometimes books don’t change you directly, but they change what you do. Like sending a “hey, love you” text at 11 PM.
She originally wrote it as a New Yorker essay if you want the shorter gut-punch version.
5. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Listen. I used to think “self-help” was cringe. Then I realized… maybe I actually need help. (Don’t we all?)
James Clear’s whole thing is: stop obsessing over goals, and focus on the tiny habits that stack up. It sounds basic, but it smacked me upside the head like, oh wow, maybe I don’t have to overhaul my life in one dramatic New Year’s Eve montage.
Also, his weekly 3-2-1 newsletter is free therapy in your inbox.
6. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Ever wonder what would’ve happened if you said “yes” to that road trip, or “no” to that job? This book is basically a choose-your-own-adventure of regret and possibility.
I finished it at 3 AM, ugly crying on the couch, surrounded by snack wrappers. And I don’t even regret the tears (or the snacks). Sometimes you need a reminder that the life you’re in is enough.
Matt Haig’s blog has other gems, too: matthaig.com.
7. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
A friend gave me this book and said, “You’re gonna hate it at first, but trust me.” He was right.
The writing felt overly simple at times, but those four little agreements? Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take things personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best.
They sound like Pinterest quotes… until you actually try them. Then suddenly you’re like, wow, maybe my life is less messy when I stop assuming my coworker’s tone means she hates me.
8. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
The number of women I’ve heard say, “This book changed me” could fill a stadium. And yes, I rolled my eyes before reading it. And yes, I then wanted to dye my hair pink and run barefoot through a field.
Doyle talks about living uncaged, trusting your gut, basically being the cheetah you were meant to be. Is it cheesy? Yup. Did I love every second? Also yup.
9. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Here’s the thing: I don’t meditate. I’ve tried. I fall asleep or make grocery lists in my head. But this book? It smuggled mindfulness into my brain without me realizing.
Tolle’s whole deal is about presence — being here, now, not in the past or the future. (Easier said than done when my brain likes to replay awkward 7th grade moments at 3 AM, thanks.)
10. Educated by Tara Westover
I saved this for last because… wow. Tara grew up in rural Idaho with survivalist parents who didn’t believe in schools or doctors, and somehow she made it to Cambridge.
It’s wild. It’s heartbreaking. And it makes you look at your own education — formal or not — differently.
When I finished, I sat there just whispering, “damn.” That’s it. Just… damn.
Quick Recap (because I ramble): Top 10 Books That Will Change Your Life
- The Alchemist made me dream bigger.
- Man’s Search for Meaning smacked me with perspective.
- The Bell Jar mirrored my messy brain.
- Crying in H Mart made me call my mom.
- Atomic Habits taught me small > big.
- The Midnight Library softened my regrets.
- The Four Agreements simplified my chaos.
- Untamed made me feel wild.
- The Power of Now tricked me into mindfulness.
- Educated left me speechless.
