12 Books That Changed My Life
Much like Ryan Healy, I love to read. I read when for at least an hour a day, every day. I can’t wake up in the morning without reading a chapter or two of the latest book and I can’t fall asleep at night without reading more.
The great thing about reading is that it isn’t only educational, it’s thought provoking. Sure, I learn from the text…but it goes beyond that, it gets my mind twisting and turning - helping me generate great ideas that weren’t necessarily attached the the book I was reading in any way.
Books are extremely powerful…and here are the 12 that I’ve found to be the most impactful in my life.
The Bible
This is the most important book of my life. Aside from my faith, it has so many great stories and teaches some very solid principles for success. If you look at the message and apply the text, you will be richly rewarded.
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
This was assigned reading for me when I was in high school. Little did I know that it would create in me a never ending lust and appreciation for knowledge and books.
Night, by Elie Wiesel
An incredibly powerful story of a Jewish boy who survived the Holocaust, but had to deal with the guilt and sadness of losing his family. Wiesel’s incredible journey through life and quarrels with God make our problems seem so small, yet he is able to see the good in life regardless of what he went through.
How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
This book taught me so many life skills that would have otherwise been unrefined. Carnegie’s book is simple, yet powerful…a very worthwhile read.
4-Hour Workweek, by Timothy Ferriss
This book inspired me to become an entrepreneur.
Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer
Although we may feel we have true “needs” all around us, we really don’t. This book is about a young man who saw the problems with our society and lived in stark contrast to the commercial and materialistic ways. Perhaps he takes it too far, but his story still shows us that the best things in life are free.
The Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger
Okay, so I didn’t learn anything profound from this book. But it’s some of the best writing I have ever seen and tells a story that is highly addictive.
No Great Mischief, by Allistair McLeod
I have three brothers…this book, along with my mother, taught me how powerful family relationships are and that they can never be forgotten.
Neuromarketing, by Patrick Renvoise and Christophe Morin
This was the first book that really caught my attention as being “different” when it comes to marketing. A truly spectacular read.
Baseball Love, by George Bowering
What an incredible conversationalist! Bowering is able to weave in personal experiences from his childhood and years as the Poet Laureate of Canada with his deep and passionate love for a sport - baseball.
Gifted Hands, by Ben Carson
It’s amazing what type of journey some people take to get to the top. Dr. Ben Carson, one of the top neurosurgeons in the world, went through numerous ups and downs before reaching the top. His faith in God and ability to learn from his mistakes are what really set him apart.
Guinness Book of World Records
Every year as a kid, I would read the records one-by-one…trying to think of ways that I could make my way into the book. I’d build massive LEGO towers only to run out of pieces, try my hand at sinking hundreds of free-throws in a row in basketball, and search for ways of being a childhood movie star. Okay, so I was a bit unsuccessful…but the fact remains, this book would inspire me year after year to push my boundaries.
Those are 12 books that changed my life…now it’s your turn!
Check out Ryan Healy’s blog for more details.
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