There are book you enjoy reading, but once you finish them you put them back on the shelf and don’t really think about them. And then there are books that you read that change your thoughts, opinions and views and really leave an impact to you. There are a couple of books I’ve read that I can say changed my life and how I view on things, some of these books I reread them from time to time. Let’s get into the list.

The Art of War- Sun Tzu

I first read this book when I was a high schooler, it was an essential read for a summer program I did at Yale. I read the book, and somewhat understood it as much as a 16 years old can understand it. Couple of years later I decided to reread it again. Although it’s a book mainly recommended to read for people that are in military and politics. It is a book that is much more than just tactics in warfare. The wisdom in the book can be used for various scenarios in our everyday life. The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. 

The Art of Loving- Erich Fromm

A spontaneous buy, the girl in the bookstore recommended me the book, I liked the name of it and decided to get it. A book that makes you reflect on the relationship you have with yourself, parent, friends, past and current partners. Learning that everything start from within you, but also how society and the people around us shape the love we give and receive. A absolute must read, I will probably reread this book a couple of times in my lifetime.

The Prince- Niccolò Machiavelli

Another book in a way similar to Sun Tsu’s The Art of War. During my undergraduate studies I probably read this book 2 or 3 times and wrote a couple of papers on it. I have to admit it was my favorite essential read. Machiavelli is best known for his ruthlessness, and The Prince is the perfect example for it. Although the book is about reign and how to rule a country, the approaches and ideas can be used for everyday life especially if you work in the fields of politics, management and business.

Women who run with the wolves- Clarissa Pinkola Estés

A book I feel everyone should read, especially women of all ages. Through myths, stories and fairytales we go into the women’s unconsciousness . Going back to reconnecting with the healthy, instinctual, visionary attributes of the Wild Woman archetype.

The Little Prince- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Although it is seen as a children’s book, this book is very deep and meaningful, and is better understand when you are reading it when a bit older. This is the book that made my say “aha” multiple times aloud (keeping in mind this is a very small book). But whenever I fell sad, lost or need a reminder on what is truly important in life I give this book a read.

F*ck No!: How to Stop Saying Yes When You Can’t, You Shouldn’t, or You Just Don’t Want To- Sarah Knight

Fell for the title and the minimalistic book cover (guilty). I got the book during a period when I found myself not being able to tell no to some people around me. I found myself being scared of saying no whenever I get asked for a favor, or to go somewhere I didn’t want to go or simply do things that I didn’t have the time nor the energy to do. I honestly, didn’t think a book will help me with saying no, but there I was saying no to things and people I was scared to say no a couple of months before.

Hope you enjoyed this list, if you have a book that has changed your life comment below which one was it.