The Most Inspiring Books I’ve Ever Read (And Why They Still Stick With Me)

Some books don’t just entertain or inform—they transform. They leave a mark on your soul, shift how you see the world, and stay with you long after the final page. These are the kind of reads that show up in your thoughts when life gets messy, when you need courage, or when you just need to remember what really matters. Here are 5 of the most inspiring books I’ve ever read—and why they’ve stayed with me through the years.

1.When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

📖 About:

Written by a brilliant neurosurgeon diagnosed with terminal cancer, this memoir explores what it means to live meaningfully in the face of death. Read more

💡 Why You’ll Love It:

It’s raw, poetic, and deeply human. It reminded me how precious time is, and how purpose isn’t about what we do—it’s about how we love and show up for others.

🎯 Best For:

Anyone facing a life transition, loss, or searching for deeper meaning.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cIEDgv

2.The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

📖 About:

A must-read for creatives, this short and powerful book dives into the concept of “Resistance”—that invisible force that stops you from creating, growing, or becoming. Read more

💡 Why You’ll Love It:

It gave me a language for that internal battle we all fight, and the courage to show up, even when it’s hard. A creative kick in the soul.

🎯 Best For:

Writers, artists, entrepreneurs, or anyone battling procrastination or fear.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jCKc2o

3.Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

📖 About:

Based on years of research, Brené Brown explores the power of vulnerability and how embracing it can transform the way we live, love, and lead. Read more

💡 Why You’ll Love It:

This book changed how I see strength—not as perfection, but as the courage to be real. Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s where connection lives.

🎯 Best For:

Anyone tired of pretending to have it all together, leaders, parents, creatives.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cGiIXk

4.Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

📖 About:

A collection of advice columns from Cheryl’s time as the anonymous “Sugar,” this book is filled with brutally honest, compassionate wisdom. Read more

💡 Why You’ll Love It:

It’s like therapy in book form. Cheryl’s letters made me laugh, cry, and feel seen in a way that few books ever have. Pure emotional magic.

🎯 Best For:

Anyone struggling with heartbreak, identity, or just being human.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jIBaB0

5.The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

📖 About:

A spiritual classic, this book explores how living in the present moment is the key to freedom from anxiety, regret, and mental noise. Read more

💡 Why You’ll Love It:

It was a total mindset shift for me. Learning to be here, not stuck in the past or worried about the future, gave me peace I didn’t know I needed.

🎯 Best For:

Those battling anxiety, overthinkers, and anyone craving inner stillness.

👉 Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GjAQKt

Final Thoughts:

These books didn’t just inspire me—they shaped me. They’ve become part of how I see the world, how I treat others, and how I treat myself. They reminded me to slow down, to create, to feel deeply, and to never give up on becoming who I’m meant to be.

If you’re looking for stories and ideas that stay with you and spark something in your soul, start here. You might just find your own life-changing read.