“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ― Charles William Eliot

Much like travel, reading provides the opportunity to open up our eyes to another world, another way of thinking, another way of living that brings us closer to our truest selves and assists in reaching our full potential, ultimately allowing us to appreciate the world more fully and completely. Because as Aristotle reminds, “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.” Paradoxically, more knowledge which leads us to his finding can actually bring more calm into our lives because it allows us to let go and simply proceed; it allows us to move away from judgment and be more understanding, resilient and less absolutist in our thinking.

In many ways when we are opened in this way we are set free. We are liberated. We come to understand there are many ways to live and live well. We come to understand that the outcome from mistakes can be varied and vast. We come to understand that there is good and bad, and how we perceive both has much to do with our mind. We come to understand that with each book we read, a part of the world we didn’t know even existed could be opened up to us, and that, that is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves at any time of the day, week or year.

Upon reading this article about the 36 ways to change your life for the better, I saw one of the items: Read a book that changes your life. So today I’d like to share with you 10 books that changed my life. And while I am always adding to this list, and in fact this list is much longer than 10, these first 10 provided comfort, validation, information and revelation, changing my life in many ways only observable by myself, but without question changing me in irrevocable ways.

1.Happiness: A Philosopher’s Guide by Frédéric Lenoir

Recently discussed here and on The Simple Sophisticate podcast, Lenoir’s concept of what ultimately cultivates happiness was a tremendous relief. “People are truly happy only when their lives are pleasant and also have meaning.”

2. French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano

Having had read this book what feels like ages ago, well before the concept of TSLL blog was dancing around in my mind, Guiliano opened my eyes to a simple, yet thoughtful way of living the everyday. Upon reading her book, which I have since read a multitude of times, I one of the many lifestyle changes I made was to cease running as my form of exercise (because I hated it and only did so because I felt it was the only way to maintain a slim physique) and began walking as it has always been something I enjoy doing, especially when my dogs are in tow. I have never looked back.

3. All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation by Rebecca Traister

More recently, Traister’s book was the inspiration for this post and podcast episode, and it was validating in many ways. Serving as a reminder that whether one is married or single, we must be aware of how the government we live under sees, values and protects us. And to recognize that if we don’t speak up, the status quo persists. Knowing that being married consists of fewer than half of the female population in the United States was a reminder that marriage should be choice, and not the only avenue for a better life either for emotional and/or financial gain.

4. Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life Greatest Lessons by Mitch Albom

Having read and taught this book numerous times, the quotes of inspiration I could share are endless, but for me what stuck was his awareness of society, and refraining from going along even if it doesn’t feel right. “Well, for one thing, the culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. We’re teaching the wrong things. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it. Create your own. Most people can’t do it.”  

5. Salt, Sugar & Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moss

The truth behind the food industry in the United States. Michael Moss’ book was an eye-opener and a reminder that if it is manufactured and it tastes too good, thus enticing you to have more, you may want to reconsider what you’re actually eating. The Bliss Point was introduced and that is what has made all the difference for me when it comes to buying anything processed.

6. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

One of the many classic novels I read in school, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley was enlightening to the danger that can lay behind our assumptions. The idea that what we see isn’t always the truth and that our actions do indeed have lasting, often devastating consequences when we act first and think later, I found a tender spot for Frankenstein’s creation, the ‘monster’ and was inspired to always look past the façade.

7. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

A reader of TSLL sent me a copy of Paulo Coehlo’s international best-selling novel more than four years ago, and I continue to be inspired as I have read it several times since. A reminder that the gift of the journey is often not always where it leads but what it reveals along the way and allows for us to appreciate and understand, I often choose this book to give to my high school graduates as they commence to contemplate whether to travel far and wide.

8. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

The moment Susan Cain’s book was released in 2012 I read and could not put it down until it was done. I had finally found my home, a dictionary that defined me to a “T”. As discussed in this TSLL post that same year, being an introvert is indeed something to embrace and revel in.

9. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Knowing that we all have the potential to be creative is the gift that Elizabeth Gilbert lays out in her book Big Magic. The reminder that inspiration will not wait for us to grab it, but will instead move on should we not grab hold of the opportunity, that was my aha, that was a reminder of where true success resides as discussed in this episode of the podcast.

10. Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson

The first piece of American literature I held in my hands and was given as a gift was Ralph Waldo Emerson’s compilation of essays and other writings. At the time I wasn’t truly aware of who he was and what the transcendental movement was entirely about, but I have since come to understand why I was drawn to his and his protégé’s writings.Writing of solitude, “It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” Writing about finding courage within yourself, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”  And writing about how they intertwine should you choose to find your inner-strength, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

I am excited to share more books that changed my life, many from the past and more still to be experienced and enjoyed in the future. But in the meantime, please feel free to share the book or books that changed your life and why. I look forward to adding new books to my reading list as I am sure other TSLL readers do as well. Vous avez un merveilleux mercredi! (Have a wonderful Wednesday!)

~Shop all TSLL Book Recommendations here.