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10 Books That Will Change Your Life in 2022


New year… New you. But how do we stick to the resolutions we make and how do we go about implementing the changes we want to see? It’s truly incredible how books can change your perspective on life. They can expand your mind and help you acquire new knowledge. Books also just give you time out from the fast-paced world we live in and allow us time to wind down and relax.

Reading other people’s stories can actually help us understand that the goal is not to live like someone else. The goal is to be 100 per cent yourself and create your own path. So kick back, allow yourself some ‘me-time’ and pick up one of our 10 books to change your life today.

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'The Alchemist' book cover
The Alchemist | Image: Harper One

1. The Alchemist

Life is an adventure and we all have dreams we would like to fulfill. So in this book, we ask the age-old question… How do we really pursue our dreams? And Paulo Coelho has the answers. The Alchemist teaches us how to deal with the obstacles that will arise in our lives, and inspires us to channel our ambition and courage and keep to the path of what we value the most.

Author: Paulo Coelho
Publisher: Harper One

Buy it here

'Outliers' book cover
Outliers | Image: Back Bay Books

2. Outliers

In his third non-fiction book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell examines some of life’s extraordinary phenomenons and discusses real life case studies on social intelligence and the impact decision making has on creating vastly different fortunes. Its a great read, as are his other two books, and you’ll be sure to be left with some fascinating stories and facts to repeat to your friends down the pub.

Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Publisher: Back Bay Books

Buy it here

'Sapiens' book cover
Sapiens | Image: Vintage Arrow

3. Sapiens

This thought-provoking #1 bestseller, about humankind completely changes your perspective on life. Exploring how biology and history have defined the human race and delving deep into our understanding of what it means to be human. Sapiens explores creation and evolution like no other book and helps us understand the journeys we go on and the problems we face and how to overcome them with pride and integrity.

Author: Yuval Noah Harari
Publisher: Vintage Arrow

Buy it here

'Can’t Hurt Me' book cover
Can’t Hurt Me | Image: Lioncrest Publishing

4. Can’t Hurt Me

A brave survivor of childhood abuse and poverty, David Goggins has had his fair share of upheaval. But he pushed through the obstacles that life put in his way and became a member of the U.S. Army. Can’t Hurt Me is the story of Goggins’ journey out of the darkness and a heartwarming tale of how humans can tap into their inner power and preserve through the darkest days. An uplifting and thought-provoking read.

Author: David Goggins
Publisher: Lioncrest Publishing

Buy it here

'This Is Going To Hurt – Secret Diaries Of A Junior Doctor' book cover
This Is Going To Hurt – Secret Diaries Of A Junior Doctor | Image: Picador

5. This Is Going To Hurt – Secret Diaries Of A Junior Doctor

During his six years as a junior doctor, Adam Kay documented his experiences on the wards into a hardback journal, and the result is utterly incredible. This Is Going To Hurt paints a true picture of the harrowing and, at times, painfully funny experiences as he made his way up the career ladder in his chosen profession. A well written and hilarious insight, behind the scenes of the chaotic life of a junior doctor – one not to be missed!

Author: Adam Kay
Publisher: Picador

Buy it here

'Think and Grow Rich' book cover
Think and Grow Rich | Image: Vermilion

6. Think and Grow Rich

Based on the research of over 40 millionaires, this incredible book was published during the great depression, but stands the test of time and is still completely relatable in the modern day. The focus here is on personal development and how the psychological power of thought can contribute to increased wealth and pave the way to success. One of the most inspirational books in our lifetimes, and it will definitely leave you wanting to change the world.

Author: Napoleon Hill
Publisher: Vermilion

Buy it here

'How to Win Friends and Influence People' book cover
How to Win Friends and Influence People | Image: Harper Collins

7. How to Win Friends and Influence People

Born into poverty on a small farm in Missouri, Dale Carnegie built a successful career as a traveling salesman before becoming one of the modern days best self help guru’s and prolific author. First published in 1996, How To Win Friends And Influence People has become an iconic bestseller, helping us achieve important life goals, discover new ambitions, and basically, get things done, and done well. If you haven’t read this book, stop everything you are doing and get yourself a copy immediately. It will change your life.

Author: Dale Carnegie
Publisher: Harper Collins

Buy it here

'Mastery' book cover
Mastery | Image: Viking

8. Mastery

Living in a world of fast and ever-changing lifestyles and technology, it’s often decided best to take the easy route and get things done quickly. We feel the need to be constantly busy and keep moving. Teaching us to slow down and learning from case studies of the worlds’ greatest masters, Mastery helps you to realise that taking the longer path can lead to a much higher form of success. This level of mastery – you may be inclined to think very few people ever achieve, but the practical advice in this book will certainly make it more achievable.

Author: Robert Greene
Publisher: Viking

Buy it here

'Atomic Habits' book cover
Atomic Habits | Image: Century

9. Atomic Habits

Struggling with a habit you just can’t break? Atomic Habits follows the advice of habit-formation expert James Clear, offering practical strategies on creating good habits and how to break your not so good ones.

Author: James Clear
Publisher: Century

Buy it here

'The Power of Now' book cover
The Power of Now | Image: New World Library

10. The Power of Now

New car? Latest gadgets? In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly seeking more. More of everything. And it’s easy to get distracted planning for the future and not be content staying in the present. The Power of Now helps us focus on who we are at this moment and how to fight your ego and be happy in the present. This fantastic book really helps open your eyes, brings a new perspective, and see that you do, indeed, have everything you already need.

Author: Eckhart Tolle
Publisher: New World Library

Buy it here

 
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General FAQs

What is the best self help book to change your life?

Atomic Habits by James Clear is one of the best modern day self-help books that can actually help you break existing habits and form new ones to really change your life and get you on a much better path in your work, life, and relationships.

Can reading books change your life?

It's incredible how reading a book can change your perspective on life. They can expand your mind and help you acquire knowledge, and even give you the help you didn't even know you needed.

What is the best book about life?

Written in 1937 and published during the great depression, Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is focused on personal development and the physiological power of thought. This book really can change your life.