1. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
This book was one of those books they assigned in middle school for my English class reading and I don't think i picked it up once then. I kicked myself after I picked it back up a couple years later and really read it for leisure. There are so many lessons to be learned from this book and Harper Lee does an amazing job of reminding you what it means to be human.
2. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
“you can't get away from yourself by moving from one place to another.”
This book really made me want to travel, not to simply see places all over the world but to have the experience with yourself that goes along with that. It is beautifully written, depicting travel as therapy and getting to know yourself outside of your comfort zone.
3. The Crack-Up by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“I must hold in balance the sense of the futility of effort and the sense of the necessity to struggle; the conviction of the inevitability of failure and still the determination to succeed."
There have been many books that have inspired me to be a writer, but this one in particular. F. Scott Fitzgerald may be known for more famous novels, however this one has always stuck with me. It is styled in a autobiographical way, yet so poetic and honest.
4. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Yes, technically this is a children's book, but in a world of "adulting" it reminds you that the inner child inside you is never done growing, creating or learning.The illustrations are also magnificent.
5. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
“Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer.”
Not only is the story behind the author amazing, but the wisdom, truth and hope he provides in his reading is a collection of everything you need to know, to live and to live life well. I also highly recommend watching the author give the lector in the video link below, it is lengthy but so worth the time.
6. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
“Forgiveness doesn't sit there like a pretty boy in a bar. Forgiveness is the old fat guy you have to haul up a hill.”
I am listening to the audio book version of this book and i have lost track of the amount of times i have missed the green light at an intersection and got honked at because i was laughing so hard or pulling over because i was crying or staying up a little too late to get to finish a chapter. I cant talk enough praise about this book. Cheryl Strayed is my hero and an amazing writer and the only way to truly experience this book is to listen to her read it to you.
7. The Art Of Gratitude by Meredith Gaston
"To love one's self is the beginning of a life long romance"
This was an impulse by at an Anthropology in London, because I loved the artwork in the book. But let me tell you guys Meredith Gaston is the "god mother" to guide you on your journey of self love and gratitude. Theres really cool writing activities in the book that connect you with you mind, body and soul that in turn strengthen your relationship with your family and friends and the Universe.
8. Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed
“Forgiveness doesn't sit there like a pretty boy in a bar. Forgiveness is the old fat guy you have to haul up a hill.”
“This is not the moment to wilt into the underbrush of your insecurities. You’ve earned the right to grow.”
Yes another Cheryl Strayed book because she is amazing. Simply refer to the explanation of her other book above. This one is just more wisdom and awesomeness
9 & 10: Get Your Sh*t Together & The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving A F**k by Sarah Knight
These books cover two different aspect of your life but it is an hilarious complication of everything you need to know to be a better, happier and functioning adult. Too many quotes and so little time but i encourage you, especially as a college student to pick one of these babies up!
