Transformative Reads That Will Change Your Perspective
Dive into a selection of hidden gems that have the power to reshape your worldview. These books, often overlooked, offer profound insights and revelations that will leave you pondering long after the last page. Discover the titles that have made readers rethink their lives and beliefs, and find your next life-changing read.
This Is Water
142 pages
This is Water is a powerful commencement speech that profoundly changes your perspective on life and how you view yourself and others. Its brevity makes it easy to revisit, and its impact is lasting.
The House of the Spirits
512 pages
This book helped me realize that fear is an internal choice rather than a reflection of reality, which was incredibly liberating.
![Cover of Crime and Punishment [Large Print Edition]](https://storage.googleapis.com/suggestmebooks.firebasestorage.app/covers/9781501027970.jpeg)
Crime and Punishment [Large Print Edition]
706 pages
This book delves into the mind of Raskolnikov, a man in the slums of Russia who contemplates murder, and it's written so well that it lingers in your thoughts long after you've finished reading.
A River Runs Through It and Other Stories
263 pages
This book offers deep reflections on family, love, and the search for purpose, making it a great read for anyone grappling with existential anxiety.
The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
756 pages
Adams' dry humor in this book helps put things in perspective, making you realize how un-extraordinary your problems are, which can be a great relief for anxiety.
Saga
160 pages
Saga is a hugely influential and therapeutic read, set in a sci-fi/fantasy world that explores strong themes of family, life, and grief. Even if you're not a typical comics reader, this series is worth giving a chance!
Speaker for the Dead
This book really changed my worldview and improved my ability for empathy, offering insights into understanding those with different backgrounds.
Flowers for Algernon
218 pages
This book really makes you ponder the essence of identity and the values we hold, leaving a lasting emotional impact.
The Little Prince
100 pages
The trick is that you have to read it every few years; it means something different as you age.
Dumbing Us Down
148 pages
For a more concise and passionate critique of the education system, Gatto's essay provides a powerful summary of the shortcomings of conventional teaching methods.
Smoke and Mirrors
396 pages
This exposé reveals the root of modern drug policy in America, making it a thought-provoking read that stirs strong emotions.
The Pillars of the Earth
994 pages
With incredible world-building and attention to detail, this novel captivates readers with its heavy themes and diverse perspectives, making it a truly immersive experience.
White Oleander
386 pages
Reading White Oleander was an eye-opening experience for me, especially coming from a sheltered background. The profound impact it had on me was evident as I found myself highlighting so many great quotes during my second read.
The Wind-up Bird Chronicle
642 pages
This book really shocked me in places, and one particular letter had a profound impact on me.
Between the World and Me
163 pages
This book is a powerful read that is both heartbreaking and uplifting, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience that you won't want to put down.
Ishmael
274 pages
Ishmael is a transformative read that shifts your perspective on humanity and our relationship with the world.
The Hour I First Believed
772 pages
This book genuinely helped me do better in life by reminding me that despite everything that has happened, there's still so much I can do.
I Know This Much Is True
884 pages
This book made me introspect deeply, leading to a breakdown that turned into a breakthrough. It emphasizes taking responsibility, seeking help, and moving forward in life.
The Book Thief
578 pages
This historical novel, narrated by Death, explores profound themes of morality, language, and love, leaving a lasting impression long after you've turned the last page.
A Little Life
833 pages
This book is a profound exploration of trauma and resilience, making it a powerful read for those who can relate to its themes. It served as a significant warning sign for me, prompting me to seek therapy and reminding me to keep trying and opening up to others.
Night
133 pages
A short yet gripping and haunting narrative that leaves a devastating impact on the reader.
Survival In Auschwitz
196 pages
This book profoundly explores the context of life experiences, emphasizing how all happiness and suffering are ultimately limited by death. It offers a deep reflection on mortality and the human condition.
Nickel and Dimed
250 pages
This book offers a heartbreaking look into the lives of low-wage workers, revealing the struggles they face just to get by.
Evicted
433 pages
Desmond's work provides eye-opening personal accounts of poverty and the challenges of finding stable housing, making it a must-read for understanding social issues.
1984
309 pages
This book hits even harder today than it did when I first read it, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the implications of totalitarianism.
Pachinko
480 pages
This book offers a deep dive into Korea and Japan's history through a captivating fictional narrative, making it a must-read for those interested in these cultures.
The Outsiders
194 pages
This book is a must-read for its deeply moving portrayal of relationships, making it a timeless classic that resonates with readers.
Only Ever Yours
335 pages
This book is a powerful blend of The Handmaid's Tale and Mean Girls, dissecting sexism in a way that will change your perspective forever. It's a challenging read due to its intense themes, but absolutely worth it.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
144 pages
This book really helped shape my perspective on self-reliance during my early teens.
Bullshit Jobs
368 pages
From David Graeber, the bestselling author of The Dawn of Everything and Debt—“a master of opening up thought and stimulating debate” (Slate)—a powerful argument against the rise of meaningless, unfulfilling jobs…and their consequences. Does your job make a meaningful contribution to the world? In the spring of 2013, David Graeber asked this question in a playful, provocative essay titled “On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs.” It went viral. After one million online views in seventeen different languages, people all over the world are still debating the answer. There are hordes of people—HR consultants, communication coordinators, telemarketing researchers, corporate lawyers—whose jobs are useless, and, tragically, they know it. These people are caught in bullshit jobs. Graeber explores one of society’s most vexing and deeply felt concerns, indicting among other villains a particular strain of finance capitalism that betrays ideals shared by thinkers ranging from Keynes to Lincoln. “Clever and charismatic” (The New Yorker), Bullshit Jobs gives individuals, corporations, and societies permission to undergo a shift in values, placing creative and caring work at the center of our culture. This book is for everyone who wants to turn their vocation back into an avocation and “a thought-provoking examination of our working lives” (Financial Times).
East of Eden
609 pages
This book profoundly impacted me during a time of existential anxiety, reminding me that I could choose my own path and not be defined by my father's traits. It’s a powerful exploration of fathers and sons that encourages personal choice and self-discovery.
The Good Earth
A riveting family saga and story of female sacrifice—a classic of twentieth-century literature. When O-lan, a servant girl, marries the peasant Wang Lung, she toils tirelessly through four pregnancies for their family's survival. Reward at first is meagre, but there is sustenance in the land - until the famine comes. Half-starved, the family joins thousands of peasants to beg on the city streets. It seems that all is lost, until O-lan's desperate will to survive returns them home with undreamt of wealth. But they have betrayed the earth from which true wealth springs, and the family's money breeds only mistrust, deception - and heartbreak for the woman who had saved them. THE GOOD EARTH is a riveting family saga and story of female sacrifice - a classic of twentieth-century literature.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
511 pages
Major New York Times bestseller Winner of the National Academy of Sciences Best Book Award in 2012 Selected by the New York Times Book Review as one of the ten best books of 2011 A Globe and Mail Best Books of the Year 2011 Title One of The Economist's 2011 Books of the Year One of The Wall Street Journal's Best Nonfiction Books of the Year 2011 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient Kahneman's work with Amos Tversky is the subject of Michael Lewis's The Undoing Project: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds In the international bestseller, Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman, the renowned psychologist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, takes us on a groundbreaking tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. The impact of overconfidence on corporate strategies, the difficulties of predicting what will make us happy in the future, the profound effect of cognitive biases on everything from playing the stock market to planning our next vacation--each of these can be understood only by knowing how the two systems shape our judgments and decisions. Engaging the reader in a lively conversation about how we think, Kahneman reveals where we can and cannot trust our intuitions and how we can tap into the benefits of slow thinking. He offers practical and enlightening insights into how choices are made in both our business and our personal lives--and how we can use different techniques to guard against the mental glitches that often get us into trouble. Winner of the National Academy of Sciences Best Book Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and selected by The New York Times Book Review as one of the ten best books of 2011, Thinking, Fast and Slow is destined to be a classic.
Slaughterhouse-Five
289 pages
This book evokes so many conflicting emotions, with one-liners that resonate deeply.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
495 pages
Tess Durbeyfield is driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbevilles, and meeting her "cousin" Alec proves to be her downfall. When Angel Clare offers her love and salvation, she must choose whether to reveal her past or remain silent in the hope of a peaceful future.
Batman Hush
Unaware of being watched, Batman pursues villains including Killer Croc and Poison Ivy, and discovers that Poison Ivy's latest plan will require that he ally himself with Catwoman in order to defeat his old friend Superman.
Born a Crime
277 pages
This book stands out for its real and honest storytelling, making it relatable to many readers.
George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series)
2794 pages
For the first time, all five novels in the epic fantasy series that inspired HBO’s Game of Thrones are together in one eBook bundle. An immersive entertainment experience unlike any other, A Song of Ice and Fire has earned George R. R. Martin—dubbed “the American Tolkien” by Time magazine—international acclaim and millions of loyal readers. Now this bundle collects the entire monumental cycle in the most convenient format available: A GAME OF THRONES A CLASH OF KINGS A STORM OF SWORDS A FEAST FOR CROWS A DANCE WITH DRAGONS “One of the best series in the history of fantasy.”—Los Angeles Times Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King’s Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert’s name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his proud wife, Catelyn; his sons Robb, Brandon, and Rickon; his daughters Sansa and Arya; and his bastard son, Jon Snow. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse—unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances. Now Robert is riding north to Winterfell, bringing his queen, the lovely but cold Cersei, his son, the cruel, vainglorious Prince Joffrey, and the queen’s brothers Jaime and Tyrion of the powerful and wealthy House Lannister—the first a swordsman without equal, the second a dwarf whose stunted stature belies a brilliant mind. All are heading for Winterfell and a fateful encounter that will change the course of kingdoms. Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Prince Viserys, heir of the fallen House Targaryen, which once ruled all of Westeros, schemes to reclaim the throne with an army of barbarian Dothraki—whose loyalty he will purchase in the only coin left to him: his beautiful yet innocent sister, Daenerys. “Long live George Martin . . . a literary dervish, enthralled by complicated characters and vivid language, and bursting with the wild vision of the very best tale tellers.”—The New York Times
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Book 1)
289 pages
The Percy Jackson books opened up a new world for me, sparking a desire to read more fantastical literature and learn about Greek mythology. Their impact on my interests was profound, ultimately guiding me towards a passion for history and my goal of becoming a history teacher.
A Tale for the Time Being
621 pages
This book helped me through a tough time, making me feel less alone and offering a sense of beauty that resonated deeply. It's so impactful that I've read it five times, and the audiobook, narrated by the author, is phenomenal!
The Dark Tower VII
908 pages
This book is a wild ride that pulls you into a unique universe filled with adventure and complex characters.
The Four Agreements
163 pages
This book presents simple yet profound ideas that can transform your perspective on life, making it an essential read for anyone looking to improve their communication and values.
Letters to a Young Poet
90 pages
This book offers deep and meaningful insights that resonate with creative minds, making it a must-read for those seeking intrinsic communication ideas and values.
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies
532 pages
This book provides a compelling argument against racism by exploring how environmental factors shaped the modern world.
Killers of the Flower Moon
417 pages
This riveting true story about the horrific murders of the Osage people and the impact on the newly-formed FBI is a must-read. It inspires a fight for Native American justice and should be on every American's reading list.
Tortilla Flat
209 pages
"Steinbeck is an artists; and he tells the stories of these lovable thieves and adulterers with a gentle and poetic purity of heart and of prose." —New York Herald Tribune A Penguin Classic Adopting the structure and themes of the Arthurian legend, John Steinbeck created a “Camelot” on a shabby hillside above the town of Monterey, California, and peopled it with a colorful band of knights. At the center of the tale is Danny, whose house, like Arthur’s castle, becomes a gathering place for men looking for adventure, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging—men who fiercely resist the corrupting tide of honest toil and civil rectitude. As Nobel Prize winner Steinbeck chronicles their deeds—their multiple lovers, their wonderful brawls, their Rabelaisian wine-drinking—he spins a tale as compelling and ultimately as touched by sorrow as the famous legends of the Round Table, which inspired him. This edition features an introduction by Thomas Fensch. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
177 pages
This book is filled with raw emotion, making you care so much about the characters that it can bring you to tears.
I Know why the Caged Bird Sings
301 pages
Author's memoir of growing up black in the 1930's and 1940's.
Americanah
526 pages
This book changed my perspective on immigration and African culture, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrants and broadening my worldview.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January
373 pages
"A gorgeous, aching love letter to stories, storytellers, and the doors they lead us through...absolutely enchanting."—Christina Henry, bestselling author of Alice and Lost Boys LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER! Finalist for the 2020 Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and World Fantasy Awards. In the early 1900s, a young woman embarks on a fantastical journey of self-discovery after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut. In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place. Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds, and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure, and danger. Each page turn reveals impossible truths about the world and January discovers a story increasingly entwined with her own. Lush and richly imagined, a tale of impossible journeys, unforgettable love, and the enduring power of stories await in Alix E. Harrow's spellbinding debut--step inside and discover its magic. Praise for The Ten Thousand Doors of January: "One for the favorites shelf... Here is a book to make you happy when you gently close it. Here you will find wonder and questions and an unceasingly gorgeous love of words which compasses even the shape a letter makes against a page."―NPR Books "Devastatingly good, a sharp, delicate nested tale of worlds within worlds, stories within stories, and the realm-cracking power of words."―Melissa Albert, New York Times bestselling author "A love letter to imagination, adventure, the written word, and the power of many kinds of love."―Kirkus For more from Alix E. Harrow, check out The Once and Future Witches.
His Dark Materials
1140 pages
This trilogy profoundly shifts your mindset and perspective, making it a resonant read for all ages, despite being categorized as children's literature.
The Power of Myth
317 pages
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An extraordinary book that reveals how the themes and symbols of ancient narratives continue to bring meaning to birth, death, love, and war. The Power of Myth launched an extraordinary resurgence of interest in Joseph Campbell and his work. A preeminent scholar, writer, and teacher, he has had a profound influence on millions of people—including Star Wars creator George Lucas. To Campbell, mythology was the “song of the universe, the music of the spheres.” With Bill Moyers, one of America’s most prominent journalists, as his thoughtful and engaging interviewer, The Power of Myth touches on subjects from modern marriage to virgin births, from Jesus to John Lennon, offering a brilliant combination of intelligence and wit. From stories of the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece and Rome to traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, a broad array of themes are considered that together identify the universality of human experience across time and culture. An impeccable match of interviewer and subject, a timeless distillation of Campbell’s work, The Power of Myth continues to exert a profound influence on our culture.
Of Mice and Men
116 pages
This book is a powerful exploration of friendship and dreams, and it will leave you emotionally shattered.
To Kill a Mockingbird (Enhanced Edition)
266 pages
A profound narrative that tackles themes of racial injustice and moral growth, it will resonate deeply and leave a lasting impact.
The Power of Now
258 pages
Embracing the idea that all you truly have is this moment can be life changing, making it a simple yet profound read.
Black Hawk Down
543 pages
An excellent gritty telling of events that resonated with me as a teenager, especially given my personal experiences around 9/11.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
240 pages
This book had a profound impact on my life during my teens, capturing the essence of friendship and the struggles of mental illness. It made me feel loved and seen, and inspired me to express myself more. It's a must-read for anyone looking for connection and understanding.
Invisible Women
434 pages
This book is totally eye-opening and enraging, revealing how the world is designed with men in mind, from cars to city planning to medicine. It challenges baked-in assumptions and encourages deeper thinking about design for non-default groups.
A Companion to the Works of Hermann Hesse
448 pages
Today, forty years after Timothy Leary's suggestion that hippies read Hermann Hesse while "turning on," Hesse is once again receiving attention: faced with ubiquitous materialism, war, and ecological disaster, we discover that these problems have found universal expression in the works of this master storyteller. Hesse explores perennial themes, from the simple to the transcendental. Because he knows of the awkwardness of adolescence and the pressures exerted on us to conform, his books hold special appeal for young readers and are taught widely. Yet he is equally relevant for older readers, writing about the torment of a psyche in despair, or our fear of the unknown. All these experiences are explored from the perspective of the individual self, for Hesse the repository of the divine and the sole entity to which we are accountable. This volume of new essays sheds light on his major works, including Siddhartha, Der Steppenwolf, and Das Glasperlenspiel, as well as Rohalde, Klingsors letzter Sommer, Klein und Wagner, and the poetry. Another six essays explore Hesse's interest in psychoanalysis, music, and eastern philosophy, the development of his political views, the influence of his painting on his writing, and the relationship between Hesse and Goethe. Contributors: Jefford Vahlbusch, Osman Durrani, Andreas Solbach, Ralph Freedman, Adrian Hsia, Stefan Höppner, Martin Swales, Frederick Lubich, Paul Bishop, Olaf Berwald, Kamakshi Murti, Marco Schickling, Volker Michels, Godela Weiss-Sussex, C. Immo Schneider, Hans-Joachim Hahn. Ingo Cornils is Senior Lecturer in German at the University of Leeds, UK.
The Gray House
This book changed everything for me and continues to do so. It starts as an offbeat YA fantasy but evolves into something much deeper, making it a great read for fans of magical realism and stories about resilience.
Murakami T
171 pages
The international literary icon opens his eclectic closet: Here are photographs of Murakami’s extensive and personal T-shirt collection, accompanied by essays that reveal a side of the writer rarely seen by the public. Many of Haruki Murakami's fans know about his massive vinyl record collection (10,000 albums!) and his obsession with running, but few have heard about a more intimate passion: his T-shirt collecting. In Murakami T, the famously reclusive novelist shows us his T-shirts—from concert shirts to never-worn whiskey-themed Ts, and from beloved bookstore swag to the shirt that inspired the iconic short story "Tony Takitani." These photographs are paired with short, frank essays that include Murakami's musings on the joy of drinking Guinness in local pubs across Ireland, the pleasure of eating a burger upon arrival in the United States, and Hawaiian surf culture in the 1980s. Together, these photographs and reflections reveal much about Murakami's multifaceted and wonderfully eccentric persona.
The Demon-Haunted World
474 pages
This book is a fantastic introduction to scientific skepticism and critical thinking, making it a must-read for anyone looking to challenge their gullibility.
Crime and Punishment
545 pages
Crime and Punishment is the story of a murder committed on principle, of a killer who wishes to set himself outside and above society. It is marked by Dostoevsky's own harrowing experience, and yet there are moments of wild humour. This authoritative translation comes with a challenging new introduction and helpful annotation.
Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind Letters, 1936-1949
486 pages
Gone with the Wind challenges readers to confront the complexities of good and evil through its characters. It provokes thought about the nature of evil, especially in the context of the Civil War, making it an uncomfortable yet essential read.
Talking to Strangers
319 pages
Malcolm Gladwell, host of the podcast Revisionist History and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Outliers, offers a powerful examination of our interactions with strangers and why they often go wrong—now with a new afterword by the author. A Best Book of the Year: The Financial Times, Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, and Detroit Free Press How did Fidel Castro fool the CIA for a generation? Why did Neville Chamberlain think he could trust Adolf Hitler? Why are campus sexual assaults on the rise? Do television sitcoms teach us something about the way we relate to one another that isn’t true? Talking to Strangers is a classically Gladwellian intellectual adventure, a challenging and controversial excursion through history, psychology, and scandals taken straight from the news. He revisits the deceptions of Bernie Madoff, the trial of Amanda Knox, the suicide of Sylvia Plath, the Jerry Sandusky pedophilia scandal at Penn State University, and the death of Sandra Bland—throwing our understanding of these and other stories into doubt. Something is very wrong, Gladwell argues, with the tools and strategies we use to make sense of people we don’t know. And because we don’t know how to talk to strangers, we are inviting conflict and misunderstanding in ways that have a profound effect on our lives and our world. In his first book since his #1 bestseller David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell has written a gripping guidebook for troubled times.
Atomic Habits (Tamil)
306 pages
This book is essentially the Bible of habits, explaining their importance and how to manipulate them. It’s structured into five sections that tackle the reward loop, providing practical advice that is easy to apply. Since reading it, I've transformed my life by taking control of my habits and shaping my identity.
We Need To Talk About Kevin
480 pages
This book explores the complex relationship between a mother and her child, questioning whether love is unconditional simply because of motherhood. It's a disturbing yet elegantly written read that provokes deep thought about parenting and the choices we make.
The Starless Sea
524 pages
This book is a unique and beautiful journey through stories within stories, perfect for those in the right mindset. It beautifully captures the essence of both the current self and the ideal self, making it a heartfelt read.
The Sirens of Titan
338 pages
Incredibly interesting in its writing and storytelling, this book is a must-read for those who appreciate unique narratives.
The Art of Asking
349 pages
This book made me step back and think about the importance of asking for help, which is often against my nature. It really helped me tackle imposter syndrome and showed me that sometimes, pride should be set aside.
Valley of the Dolls
618 pages
The All-Time Pop Culture Classic! Dolls: red or black; capsules or tablets; washed down with vodka or swallowed straight—for Anne, Neely, and Jennifer, it doesn’t matter, as long as the pill bottle is within easy reach. These three women become best friends when they are young and struggling in New York City and then climb to the top of the entertainment industry—only to find that there is no place left to go but down—into the Valley of the Dolls.
A Million Little Pieces
562 pages
This book was moving on every level and made me feel all the feels at a time when I was pretty numb. I recommend it to anyone, especially those going through a rough season.
An Ordinary Man
This book has aged beautifully, especially in today's politically charged environment. It emphasizes the profound value of words, illustrating how they can be a matter of life and death in silenced countries. It opened my eyes to how the labels we use contribute to discrimination and prejudice, making it a must-read for understanding the power of language.
We Were the Mulvaneys
465 pages
This harrowing novel about a girl who survives a sexual assault is incredibly powerful. It humbled, healed, and changed me, making it one of the greatest books I've ever read.
Leaving Las Vegas
174 pages
In spite of the movie, this book is one of my favorite reads ever and deserves more recognition.
Junky
241 pages
This book about a man's heroin addiction helped me understand myself during a tough time in my life. It shaped my perspective and played a role in my journey to sobriety.
The Midwife
353 pages
The true stories in 'Call the Midwife' are impactful and reveal intense, taboo subjects with compassion and non-judgment, making it a worthwhile read.
Horns
390 pages
If you're into unrequited love, you need to read this book. It's a gripping story about a man seeking answers after his wife's murder, and the ending will leave you in tears.
The Poisonwood Bible
563 pages
It's such a beautiful story that intricately shows the growth and change in the characters through shifting viewpoints, and the end is just reflective and beautiful.
Just Mercy
385 pages
This book is a powerful exploration of the stories of men and children on death row, and it profoundly changed my views on the death penalty and the criminal justice system.
The Truth About Forever
422 pages
This book beautifully explores themes of grief and loss, making it a profound read that can change how you cope with your own emotions.
Man S Search For Meaning
124 pages
This book offers a new perspective on facing challenges and has been beneficial for many, especially those feeling lost or struggling with life's difficulties. It's been shared among nurses dealing with burnout, and its impact is evident in the positive feedback from readers.
The Door
289 pages
This captivating novel promises to evoke strong emotions and will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
Olive Kitteridge
289 pages
This is the best book I've read in at least a decade, making it a must-read!
The Shock Doctrine
588 pages
This book delves into the politics of the late 20th century, revealing how certain events shaped our world in significant ways.
More Than This
484 pages
This introspective and lesser-known book by Patrick Ness has a profound impact, making readers reflect on its meaning long after finishing it.
The Stranger
134 pages
With the intrigue of a psychological thriller, The Stranger—Camus's masterpiece—gives us the story of an ordinary man unwittingly drawn into a senseless murder on an Algerian beach. With an Introduction by Peter Dunwoodie; translated by Matthew Ward. Behind the subterfuge, Camus explores what he termed "the nakedness of man faced with the absurd" and describes the condition of reckless alienation and spiritual exhaustion that characterized so much of twentieth-century life. “The Stranger is a strikingly modern text and Matthew Ward’s translation will enable readers to appreciate why Camus’s stoical anti-hero and devious narrator remains one of the key expressions of a postwar Western malaise, and one of the cleverest exponents of a literature of ambiguity.” –from the Introduction by Peter Dunwoodie First published in 1946; now in translation by Matthew Ward.
Skinny Legs and All
434 pages
This book explores the 'veils' we create to obscure reality, such as money, religion, and politics. It offers profound insights, like how the value of money has overshadowed the worth of things themselves, making it a thought-provoking read.
A Clockwork Orange (Restored Text)
273 pages
This book completely challenges your views of morality and ethics, making it a thought-provoking read, even if it's super messed up.
Dark Money
521 pages
This book offers a deep dive into politics, revealing how harmful agendas have been pushed through, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the current political landscape.
Stranger in a Strange Land
655 pages
This book brilliantly stretches our concepts of humanity and our ability to cope with the unknown, making it a thought-provoking read that feels new every decade.
Mussolini
355 pages
Spike Milligan's memoirs of WW2, particularly 'Mussolini and his Part in my Downfall', brilliantly blend humor with the harsh realities of war. Milligan's unique perspective shows how laughter can emerge even from the darkest experiences, making it a powerful read that changes your worldview in a positive way.
Escape from Camp 14
258 pages
This book is a mind-blowing true story of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only known person born in a North Korean prison camp who successfully escaped. It's a gripping read that you can finish in just a few afternoons.
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
403 pages
This book offers an eye-opening perspective on the food supply chain and provides insights on how to shop for food more thoughtfully.
EGO IS THE ENEMY
306 pages
Buku yang Anda pegang saat ini ditulis dengan satu asumsi optimis: Ego Anda bukanlah kekuatan yang harus Anda puaskan pada setiap kesempatan. Ego dapat diatur. Ego dapat diarahkan. Dalam buku ini, kita akan melihat orang-orang, seperti William Tecumseh Sherman, Katharine Graham, Jackie Robinson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bill Walsh, Benjamin Franklin, Belisarius, Angela Merkel, dan George C. Marshall. Bisakah mereka mendapatkan yang telah mereka dapatkan sekarang—menyelamatkan perusahaan yang hampir bangkrut, menguasai seni peperangan, menjaga kekompakan tim bisbol, merevolusi strategi rugbi, melawan tirani, dan menghadapi ketidakberuntungan—jika ego menguasai mereka dan membuat mereka hanya memikirkan diri sendiri? Hal yang membuat mereka sukses adalah pemahaman terhadap realitas dan kesadaran—sesuatu yang pernah dikatakan oleh seorang penulis dan ahli strategi Robert Greene, “kita perlu menyerupai laba-laba dalam sarangnya”. Itulah inti dari kehebatan mereka, kehebatan penulisan, kehebatan desain, kehebatan bisnis, kehebatan dalam pemasaran, dan kehebatan kepemimpinan mereka. Yang kami temukan saat mempelajari orang-orang tersebut adalah mereka selalu memiliki dasar berpikir, berhati-hati, dan realistis. Tidak ada satu pun dari mereka yang tidak memiliki ego sama sekali. Akan tetapi, mereka tahu cara meredamnya. Tahu cara menyalurkannya dan melepaskannya, ketika ego muncul. Mereka hebat namun tetap rendah hati. Sebentar, tunggu dulu, tetapi ada juga beberapa orang yang memiliki ego tinggi dan sukses. Bagaimana dengan Steve Jobs? Kanye West? Beberapa dari mereka mempelajari kerendahan hati. Beberapa orang memilih ego. Beberapa mempersiapkan diri untuk perubahan nasib, positif ataupun negatif. Yang lainnya tidak siap. Yang mana yang akan Anda pilih? Akan menjadi siapakah Anda? Yang pasti, Anda telah memilih buku ini karena merasa bahwa Anda membutuhkan menjawab pertanyaan itu, cepat atau lambat, sadar atau tidak sadar.
Steppenwolf
224 pages
Harry Haller is a sad and lonely figure, a reclusive intellectual for whom life holds no joy. He struggles to reconcile the wild primeval wolf and the rational man within himself without surrendering to the bourgeois values he despises. His life changes dramatically when he meets a woman who is his opposite, the carefree and elusive Hermine. The tale of the Steppenwolf culminates in the surreal Magic Theater—for mad men only. Steppenwolf is Hesse's best-known and most autobiographical work. With its blend of Eastern mysticism and Western culture, it is one of literature's most poetic evocations of the soul's journey to liberation. Originally published in English in 1929, the novel's wisdom continues to speak to our souls and marks it as a classic of modern literature.
Who Moved My Cheese?
62 pages
THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER WITH OVER 28 MILLION COPIES IN PRINT! A timeless business classic, Who Moved My Cheese? uses a simple parable to reveal profound truths about dealing with change so that you can enjoy less stress and more success in your work and in your life. It would be all so easy if you had a map to the Maze. If the same old routines worked. If they'd just stop moving "The Cheese." But things keep changing... Most people are fearful of change, both personal and professional, because they don't have any control over how or when it happens to them. Since change happens either to the individual or by the individual, Dr. Spencer Johnson, the coauthor of the multimillion bestseller The One Minute Manager, uses a deceptively simple story to show that when it comes to living in a rapidly changing world, what matters most is your attitude. Exploring a simple way to take the fear and anxiety out of managing the future, Who Moved My Cheese? can help you discover how to anticipate, acknowledge, and accept change in order to have a positive impact on your job, your relationships, and every aspect of your life.
The Things They Carried
259 pages
A classic work of American literature that has not stopped changing minds and lives since it burst onto the literary scene, The Things They Carried is a ground-breaking meditation on war, memory, imagination, and the redemptive power of storytelling. The Things They Carried depicts the men of Alpha Company: Jimmy Cross, Henry Dobbins, Rat Kiley, Mitchell Sanders, Norman Bowker, Kiowa, and the character Tim O’Brien, who has survived his tour in Vietnam to become a father and writer at the age of forty-three. Taught everywhere—from high school classrooms to graduate seminars in creative writing—it has become required reading for any American and continues to challenge readers in their perceptions of fact and fiction, war and peace, courage and fear and longing. The Things They Carried won France's prestigious Prix du Meilleur Livre Etranger and the Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize; it was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award.
The Sorrow of War
241 pages
This book is a heartbreaking exploration of war that goes beyond just battles and soldiers. It reveals the human cost of conflict, showing that war is a decision made by politicians and fought by real people, making it a must-read for understanding the true impact of war.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
324 pages
When The Unbearable Lightness of Being was first published in English, it was hailed as "a work of the boldest mastery, originality, and richness" by critic Elizabeth Hardwick and named one of the best books of 1984 by the New York Times Book Review. It went on to win the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction and quickly became an international bestseller. Twenty years later, the novel has established itself as a modern classic. To commemorate the anniversary of its first English-language publication, HarperCollins is proud to offer a special hardcover edition. A young woman in love with a man torn between his love for her and his incorrigible womanizing; one of his mistresses and her humbly faithful lover -- these are the two couples whose story is told in this masterful novel. Controlled by day, Tereza's jealousy awakens by night, transformed into ineffably sad death-dreams, while Tomas, a successful surgeon, alternates loving devotion to the dependent Tereza with the ardent pursuit of other women. Sabina, an independent, free-spirited artist, lives her life as a series of betrayals -- of parents, husband, country, love itself -- whereas her lover, the intellectual Franz, loses all because of his earnest goodness and fidelity. In a world in which lives are shaped by irrevocable choices and by fortuitous events, a world in which everything occurs but once, existence seems to lose its substance, its weight. Hence we feel, says the novelist, "the unbearable lightness of being" -- not only as the consequence of our private acts but also in the public sphere, and the two inevitably intertwine. This magnificent novel encompasses the extremes of comedy and tragedy, and embraces, it seems, all aspects of human existence. It juxtaposes geographically distant places (Prague, Geneva, Paris, Thailand, the United States, a forlorn Bohemian village); brilliant and playful reflections (on "eternal return," on kitsch, on man and animals -- Tomas and Tereza have a beloved doe named Karenin); and a variety of styles (from the farcical to the elegiac) to take its place as perhaps the major achievement of one of the world's truly great writers.
The Bear
106 pages
Andrew Krivak's *The Bear* is a gorgeous, emotional story that beautifully intertwines themes of nature, loss, endurance, and love. It offers a unique blend of fairy tale and post-apocalyptic elements, making it a captivating read that resonates deeply with the reader's spirit.
The Lives of Things
161 pages
Combining bitter satire, outrageous parody and uncanny hallucinations, this collection of José Saramago’s earliest stories from the beginning of his writing career attests to the novelist’s imaginative power and incomparable skill in elaborating the most extravagant fantasies. Each tale is a wicked, surreal take on life under dictatorship: in ‘Embargo’ a man drives around a city that is slowly running out of petrol; ‘The Chair’ recounts what happens when dictator Salazar falls off his chair and dies; in the Kafkaesque ‘Things’ the life of a civil servant is threatened as objects start to go missing.
God and the Gay Christian
226 pages
This book is a powerful refutation of homophobic rhetoric through biblical study, making it a valuable read for anyone struggling with their identity, especially within the context of faith.
Winter Counts
352 pages
This book stays on my mind daily, as it powerfully addresses themes of colonialism and generational trauma.
Desert Solitaire
292 pages
This book profoundly impacted my life when I was 18, offering insights that changed my perspective.
Unseen Academicals
546 pages
The wizards of Unseen University in the ancient city of Ankh-Morpork must win a football match, without using magic, so they're in the mood for trying everything else. As the match approaches, four lives are entangled and changed forever.
Breakfast of Champions
322 pages
“Marvelous . . . [Vonnegut] wheels out all the complaints about America and makes them seem fresh, funny, outrageous, hateful and lovable.”—The New York Times In Breakfast of Champions, one of Kurt Vonnegut’s most beloved characters, the aging writer Kilgore Trout, finds to his horror that a Midwest car dealer is taking his fiction as truth. What follows is murderously funny satire, as Vonnegut looks at war, sex, racism, success, politics, and pollution in America and reminds us how to see the truth. “Free-wheeling, wild and great . . . uniquely Vonnegut.”—Publishers Weekly
Cat's Cradle
305 pages
This book blew my mind! If you're unprepared for Vonnegut's unique style, it will have a profound impact on you.
The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien
679 pages
A comprehensive collection of letters spanning the adult life (1914-1973) of one of the world’s most famous storytellers.
Ray Bradbury: The Last Interview
91 pages
This short story is one of the best I've ever read, capturing deep emotions in a brief format.
The Nickel Boys
This book takes you on a personal journey, allowing you to feel the deep pain and injustice faced by black men who are wrongfully imprisoned.
The Book
169 pages
This book is a must-read as it opens your mind to understanding our place in the universe.
The Lord Of The Rings
1267 pages
This book is a monumental journey that builds confidence in readers, exploring themes of good and evil, politics, and sacrifice, while showcasing the incredible world-building of Tolkien.
A Lesson Before Dying
272 pages
NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD WINNER • A deep and compassionate novel about a young man who returns to 1940s Cajun country to visit a Black youth on death row for a crime he didn't commit. Together they come to understand the heroism of resisting. "An instant classic." —Chicago Tribune A “majestic, moving novel...an instant classic, a book that will be read, discussed and taught beyond the rest of our lives" (Chicago Tribune), from the critically acclaimed author of A Gathering of Old Men and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. "A Lesson Before Dying reconfirms Ernest J. Gaines's position as an important American writer." —Boston Globe "Enormously moving.... Gaines unerringly evokes the place and time about which he writes." —Los Angeles Times “A quietly moving novel [that] takes us back to a place we've been before to impart a lesson for living.” —San Francisco Chronicle
Ender's Game
260 pages
Ender's Game really spoke to me, as I related to Ender and found it easy to get into. The book explores deep themes about the human experience, emotional abuse, empathy, and loving someone as they are, making it an important read.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
268 pages
This book is filled with thought-provoking ideas that challenge your perspective. Each reading offers a new takeaway, making it a rich experience that encourages deep reflection.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
408 pages
This book will evoke deep emotions that linger long after reading.
A People's History of the United States
675 pages
THE CLASSIC NATIONAL BESTSELLER "A wonderful, splendid book—a book that should be read by every American, student or otherwise, who wants to understand his country, its true history, and its hope for the future." –Howard Fast Historian Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States chronicles American history from the bottom up, throwing out the official narrative taught in schools—with its emphasis on great men in high places—to focus on the street, the home, and the workplace. Known for its lively, clear prose as well as its scholarly research, it is the only volume to tell America's story from the point of view of—and in the words of—America's women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, the working poor, and immigrant laborers. As Zinn shows, many of our country's greatest battles—the fights for a fair wage, an eight-hour workday, child-labor laws, health and safety standards, universal suffrage, women's rights, racial equality—were carried out at the grassroots level, against bloody resistance. Covering Christopher Columbus's arrival through President Clinton's first term, A People's History of the United States features insightful analysis of the most important events in our history. This edition also includes an introduction by Anthony Arnove, who wrote, directed, and produced The People Speak with Zinn and who coauthored, with Zinn, Voices of a People’s History of the United States.
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
233 pages
This book opened my eyes to understanding my emotional state and improved my communication skills. It offers practical advice on how to express feelings without judgment, which can help resolve conflicts and enhance relationships.
Death and the Dervish
500 pages
This book changed my view of EVERYTHING. It offers a deep perspective on life and death, and while it may be challenging, its true meaning unfolds over time, making it a truly amazing read that you won't regret.
Rena's Promise
289 pages
Rena's Promise offers a profound insight into the harrowing experiences of Rena and her sister as they navigate the horrors of Auschwitz.
