Here are the 10 Books that Changed my Life Forever!

How much information is in your brain is different from how much information your brain can store and process at a time. If you're familiar with the concept of fluid and crystal intelligence, you got me there. Interestingly, I had the advantage of having a massive mental capacity which was discovered and developed only at the age of 14. Would you believe that from someone who graduated batch valedictorian in college, salutatorian in high school, and has achieved great academic milestones, yet?

Yeah, it's a true story.

My home and school environment didn't encourage reading until I pushed myself to this hobby as I entered a university. I’m not understating the fact, but reading was merely an academic endeavor that’s only good for rote learning, and not for deep understanding and contemplation, way back then.

Despite the challenging environment and circumstances, everything changed when I figured out the key to optimal learning...

At the moment, reading has become my powerful tool to learn more things. If you're a bookworm too, I have here a list of my 10 all-time favorite books that can inspire you to have a cup of coffee while you enjoy the smell and sound of rain in summer:

• How to Win Friends and Influence People

Learning how to get along with others and get some strangers into your circle is what this book is all about. It gives you helpful knowledge learned from experience so as to nurture interpersonal relationships. You will find this valuable at home and at work, as you’d also learn how to handle some conflicts and issues that are confronted under usual circumstances. This is highly recommended for all types of readers - young and old.

• Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul

Writing is made easy when you have inspirations in mind. In this book, you’ll read about the stories of multiple authors of how they have overcome their fears and developed their confidence in expressing their thoughts down on paper. It is good most especially for the beginners, and those who want to venture into this worthwhile hobby. You’ll surely discover here some secrets that will help you in your writing journey.

• The Art of Thinking Clearly

I haven't found a book that explains and illustrates in vivid examples the various cognitive biases affecting human work and relationships, until I read this one. It has influenced my way of thinking, for the better. The pros that it carries spread across all human affairs as it deals with how we can manage to think objectively despite the beliefs that we hold in mind. I highly recommend this book to all readers.

• Inherit the Wind

I was able to read this book way back in college when I spotted it in the library by accident. I borrowed and read it during my free time. It entertained me so much because of how the story unfolds. This is all about a public trial on a controversial issue involving science and divine matters, and between two great lawyers at the time. It stimulates critical thinking and gives you the kind of experience as though you are actually involved in the plot. That’s how I felt.

• The Alchemist

This has became a multinational, if not global, sensation, if I am not mistaken. And probably you have also read this book, too. If not, then perhaps you should. This is a mystery and adventure book revolving around a magical story that can stimulate your mind from beginning until the end. I cannot state the specific details as I am not used to that as a reader, but believe me, this book is one of those rarely written by a few authors.

• How to Develop Self Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking

Here’s another book that can help you in becoming a better person and speaker. Written by the renowned author, Dale Carnegie, it focuses on the individual and how he can become a better version of himself in ways that are provided in the book. There are many suggestions on developing self confidence and how to speak before the public without being bothered by doubt and fear. This one’s for you if you’re after self-improvement.

• Rich Dad, Poor Dad

Are you into finance and business? Well then, this book has some treasures in store for you. Here, you’ll discover the ways on how rich people make more money. And how the poor stays broke, despite the many opportunities along the way. The author here shares his personal experience and educates readers about practical strategies to handle finances and even start business and investment ventures. Who knows, this book might be your missing recipe as you work on acquiring more assets and becoming more wealthy.

• Cracked: Why Psychiatry is doing More Harm than Good

I like how the author here is being so honest with the state of affairs in the psychiatric industry. He delves into the major issues of how psychiatry can cause more harm to the patients, than it can do good. It also tackles the business side of the matter presenting the problems that remain unsolved for many years. This is primarily beneficial for the psychiatrists and other doctors, and the mental health patients as well to understand better the industry that they are involved in. You’ll discover surprising facts from this investigative work.

• The Truth Encounter

The author was once a seminarian and eventually became a priest. But everything has changed when he was finally convinced that the truth that he has been seeking for is far from his present set of beliefs, and thus he must conform to what the Bible says. He presents in this book the many truths about the Lord, and how the many catholic practices and rituals deviate from it. This is a very interesting discovery which can enlighten many non-believers and believers of different religions.

• The Holy Bible

I began a serious reading of my Bible every Sunday in the year 2019. Page by page, I finished reading it in February 2021. Does that sound very long? Well, I guess not so. Devoting my Sundays to the old and new testaments was a life-changing experience. There are many truths that I have discovered during the course of analysis and contemplation. I believe that my life has never been the same since I finished reading the entire book.

I once read a passage that says, “You are the book that you read.” If this is true for me, then maybe it’s also true for you and everyone else. What do you think?