Books have the ability to change your perspective on all aspects of life; they can motivate you to try something new, think a different way, and overall open up your mind to new possibilities. In this article I’ve listed couple such books:
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This book is written simply yet beautifully. The story follows the cross-continental journey of a shepherd in pursuit of glorious treasure. Along the way, he faces various challenges and characters that teach him valuable lessons and even lead him to the treasure–though what he finds it much more life changing than expected.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Set in the Regency era of England, this satire is a slice-of-life romance novel centered around a family of women which includes our protagonist Elizabeth Bennet. Because of the time period, there were many expectations women had to deal with, including the race to find an eligible husband. Elizabeth, however, doesn’t care about becoming a “proper woman” and is fine being independent, though she finds herself slowly falling for Mr. Darcy nevertheless. This story reveals that love has no limits.
3. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Some things are so convincing that they aren’t questioned. For many, the pesticide DDT that was frequently used in the 50s and 60s seemed like the perfect solution, yet they may not realize that it kills more than just pests; animals, plants, and even people would fall victim to DDT’s toxic properties. From seizures to brain damage to premature death, was this substance really as safe as people thought?
4. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
A story of the unthinkable, this novel follows a young man named Pi who attempts to move his zoo from India to Canada by boat. Unfortunately, disaster strikes and the ship soon sinks, drowning nearly every passenger aboard. Pi manages to survive–but he is not alone. Richard Parker, a full grown Bengal tiger, accompanies him in the beginning of a terrifying but remarkable journey.
5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
When 16 year old Hazel Grace is diagnosed with cancer, her life completely changes. She knows that she has limited time left, and so thinks little of it when her mom signs her up for a cancer-victim support group. Unexpectedly, it is in this very support group that Hazel meets Augustus Waters, and two go on to make the rest of each other’s lives a little more worthwhile.