Books have a way of finding us exactly when we need them. Over the years, certain books have arrived at pivotal moments in my life and fundamentally shifted how I see the world. These are the ten that have left the deepest mark.

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This beautiful fable about following your dreams came to me during a period of major career uncertainty. Its message about listening to your heart and pursuing your personal legend gave me the courage to make a big change. I still reread it whenever I need a reminder to trust the journey.

2. Atomic Habits by James Clear

A practical guide that transformed how I think about personal growth. The concept of tiny improvements adding up to remarkable results has influenced everything from my morning routine to my creative practice. The systems-over-goals framework changed everything for me.

3. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

For anyone who creates—or wants to—this book is a permission slip to embrace curiosity and let go of perfectionism. Gilbert’s warm, encouraging voice is like having a wise friend cheer you on. It helped me stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and just start creating.

4. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Written by a Holocaust survivor, this profound book explores how we can find meaning even in the darkest circumstances. It fundamentally changed how I approach suffering and purpose. A challenging but essential read.

5. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

A challenging but rewarding read about presence and consciousness. It took me several attempts to finish, but the concepts about living in the present moment have stayed with me and profoundly influenced my mindfulness practice.

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.

George R.R. Martin

The other five transformative books on my list are: Essentialism by Greg McKeown, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön, The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown, and A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.

What books have changed your perspective? I’m always looking for recommendations!