20 Best Books of All Times

"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson

After decades of being told that positivity is the key to happiness, Manson told the world the opposite. This raw "self-help" book will make you realize that there are only so many f*ck to give, so picking which ones are actually worth giving will make you happier and healthier. It's both realistic and grounding.

"Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget" by Sarah Hepola

Yes, your twenties are supposed to be fun and wild, but as Hepola will tell you in this memoir, working hard and playing harder isn't always as great as it sounds. The 30-something now-sober writer looks back on her years of binge drinking in a way that is hilarious, insightful, and helpful.

"Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Two teenagers, Ifemelu and Obinze, fall in love in Nigeria as teenagers but are separated when Ifemelu emigrates to America and Obinze is denied a visa post-9/11. It’s a poignant love story about a couple finding their way back after living different lives half a world away from each other.

"The Defining Decade" by Meg Jay

To anyone who says that your 20s don’t really matter: Dr. Meg Jay begs to differ. In The Defining Decade, the clinical psychologist uses science and real-life stories to argue that our personalities, relationships, and identities can change more in this decade than any other time in our lives. Dr. Jay provides a smart and practical guide to making the most of these transformative years.

“Our “thirty-is-the-new-twenty” culture tells us that the twentysomething years don’t matter. Some say they are an extended adolescence. Others call them an emerging adulthood. But thirty is not the new twenty. In this enlightening book, Dr. Meg Jay reveals how many twentysomethings have been caught in a swirl of hype and misinformation that has trivialized what are actually the most defining years of adulthood. Drawing from more than ten years of work with hundreds of twentysomething clients and students, Dr. Jay weaves the science of the twentysomething years with compelling, behind-closed-doors stories from twentysomethings themselves. Our twenties are a time when the things we do–and the things we don’t do–will have an enormous effect across years and even generations to come.”

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is a modern classic that deserves a read no matter what your age is. Through the mystical story of Santiago and his adventurous travels, Coelho offers readers important lessons about listening to their hearts, following their dreams, and recognizing opportunity—making this a perfect read for young adults still feeling insecure about their life’s path.

"Becoming" by Michelle Obama

It’s hard to believe, but even Michelle Obama struggled to find her calling. In this memoir, the former First Lady recalls all of the hard work it took to defy society’s expectations of a girl growing up on the South Side of Chicago. She also describes the self-reflection that forced her to admit (post-Harvard) that being a corporate attorney wasn’t her passion. As she describes her triumphs and disappointments, Michelle reminds all of us that it’s okay (and never too late) to change direction.

“Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.”

"Year of Yes" by Shonda Rhimes

“With three hit shows on television and three children at home, Shonda Rhimes had lots of good reasons to say no when invitations arrived. Hollywood party? No. Speaking engagement? No. Media appearances? No. And to an introvert like Shonda, who describes herself as ‘hugging the walls’ at social events and experiencing panic attacks before press interviews, there was a particular benefit to saying no: nothing new to fear. Then came Thanksgiving 2013, when Shonda’s sister Delorse muttered six little words at her: You never say yes to anything. Shonda Rhimes reveals how saying YES changed – and saved – her life.”

"When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi

“At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade’s worth of training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, and the next he was a patient struggling to live. And just like that, the future he and his wife had imagined evaporated. What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when the future, no longer a ladder toward your goals in life, flattens out into a perpetual present? What does it mean to have a child, to nurture a new life as another fades away? These are some of the questions Kalanithi wrestles with in this profoundly moving, exquisitely observed memoir.”

"Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert

“Around the time Elizabeth Gilbert turned thirty, she went through an early-onslaught midlife crisis. She had everything an educated, ambitious American woman was supposed to want—a husband, a house, a successful career. But instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, she was consumed with panic, grief, and confusion. She went through a divorce, a crushing depression, another failed love, and the eradication of everything she ever thought she was supposed to be. To recover from all this, Gilbert took a radical step. In order to give herself the time and space to find out who she really was and what she really wanted, she got rid of her belongings, quit her job, and undertook a yearlong journey around the world—all alone.”

"Factfulness" by Hans Rosling

“In Factfulness, Hans Rosling, together with his two long-time collaborators, Anna and Ola, offers a radical new explanation of why this happens. They reveal the ten instincts that distort our perspective—from our tendency to divide the world into two camps to the way we consume media to how we perceive progress. Our problem is that we don’t know what we don’t know, and even our guesses are informed by unconscious and predictable biases. It turns out that the world, for all its imperfections, is in a much better state than we might think.”

"The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch

What would you talk about if you knew you only had a few months left? That’s the question Professor Randy Pausch had to answer a month after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. This booked is based on his now iconic lecture, called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” and challenges his students and readers to think back to their own childhood dreams, and what their biggest hopes and desires for their life were then. While he doesn’t suggest you join the circus or try to become an astronaut, he urges you to pursue the life you truly desire, without limiting yourself to the constraints of society or what you’re “supposed to do.” The book complements the lecture with added stories from Pausch’s own childhood that he wanted to pass on to his children.

"Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success by John C. Maxwell

We are taught early on to avoid failure at all costs. You don’t want to be a loser, right? But the truth is that everyone fails at some point in their life. The question isn’t whether we will fail, but how we will deal with our failures? John C. Maxwell writes: “When achievers fail, they see it as a momentary event, not a lifelong epidemic.” Only by owning up to and learning from our failures can we grow as people, in business and in relationships. The most successful people have failed over and over again. James Dyson invented 5,126 prototypes before he built his first commercially successful vacuum cleaner. He used his failures as stepping stones towards success. This book will teach you to observe your failures, analyse them, and learn from them.

"Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity" by David Allen

Granted, the title of this book might not capture your imagination, but if you read one book about productivity in your life, then make it this one. The basic principle behind the Getting Things Done, or GTD method, is the idea that you should get all your thoughts and tasks out of your mind so they don’t clutter your headspace. First, apply the 2-minute rule. If a task takes less than 2 minutes to complete, do it now. If it takes longer, follow a simple five-step workflow: capture, clarify, organise, reflect, and engage. By following these two principles you can virtually take control of all projects and tasks in your life. Sound simple? That’s because it is. You can start applying it to school work, hobbies, and any other projects right away. While the original book was published in 2001, Allen has kept it updated and relevant to today’s busy and noisy world of multi-tasking, email, and social media.

"The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss

Since its publication in 2007, The 4-Hour Workweek has been heavily criticised by some, while becoming something of a business and lifestyle bible for others. The main premise is that the traditional concept of retirement, deferred gratification, and the 9-to-5 is outdated and that there’s no reason to wait until you’re old to enjoy yourself, especially in these difficult economic times. While the title can be somewhat misleading, there are many valuable lessons to be learned. Ferriss shares how he managed to reduce his working hours to just 4 per week by automating and outsourcing large chunks of his business, while increasing his income from $40,000 per year to $40,000 per month. Even if you’re not interested in becoming an entrepreneur, you’ll learn about productivity, time management, and learning techniques—and most importantly, the concept of lifestyle design and how you can take control over what your life looks like.

"Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg

Celebrated as a modern feminist manifesto, Sandberg’s book Lean In should be essential reading for both female and male students. The chief operating officer at Facebook and former Google executive shares her own experiences as well as those of other women in high corporate positions, encouraging women to “lean in” and claim their seat at the table. Instead of simply bemoaning the current state of affairs, she gives concrete advice on how women can break the limiting patterns they face in the working world. Don’t check out of your career early just because you’re planning to have kids, find a partner who is willing to support your career, forget the unrealistic concept of “having it all,” and start taking more risks. Both men and women will find invaluable lessons in leadership that will help you maneuver your future career. In her latest book, Lean In for Graduates Sandberg has added a few chapters specific to job applications and salary negotiations.

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie

Originally published in 1936, the lessons of Dale Carnegie’s classic self-help book still ring true to this day. No matter if you’re in high school, college or at any stage of your career, understanding how to connect with other people is one of the greatest lessons you can learn. This book will teach you how to navigate relationships, have meaningful conversations with anyone you talk to, and win over people who think differently to you. Especially in today’s world of online influencers and social media, it’s more important than ever to learn how to be influential in your career and social life.

"Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!" by Robert Kiyosaki

One of the most neglected areas in the traditional schooling system is financial education. According to a 2016 study, nearly two thirds of Americans are financially illiterate, meaning they can’t answer simple questions about money, debt and investing. In Rich Dad, Poor Dad Kiyosaki shares his experience growing up with two father figures who had virtually opposing views on finances and money. Although both dads earned well, one managed to invest well and leave an inheritance for his kids, while the other struggled with money his whole life. Kiyosaki narrows down what he learned from his “rich dad” to six fundamental lessons about money that everybody should know. This book will transform the way you think about and handle money for the rest of your life.

"Getting to Yes with Yourself and Other Worthy Opponents" by William Ury

As sooner we will be able to reach an agreement with ourselves, the sooner we will reach the agreement with others. This book can be attributed to the category of those, the content of which you want to argue, discuss in the heated debate, and as a result, they will help you to understand yourself. Getting to Yes with Yourself is a book on how to choose an approach to your main opponent in your life – yourself. It’s essential not only how you communicate with others, but also if you are in harmony with yourself. Any changes around you have to start with yourself – this is already a half of success. The book gives a lot of advice, and this helps you understand yourself, gives you many new ideas and helps you to ask many questions yourself and look for answers to them. You know, it’s a very refreshing look at life and helps you look at a lot of things in a new way.

"Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time" by Brian Tracy

Brian Tracy is a world expert in the field of psychology of success, one of the most famous consultants in the field of self-development and personal effectiveness. The book Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time is translated into 40 languages ​​and is extremely popular all over the world. The book presents the result of more than thirty years of study of the distribution of time. It talks about how to achieve the solution of complex problems, leaving the comfort zone. Practical advice given in the book will allow you to discover reserves that you did not even suspect, and correctly determine the priorities of your affairs, plan your schedule correctly, always work with maximum efficiency. The author is sure: you can achieve anything! The main aim is to get down to the task correctly.

"Thinking Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

Daniel Kahneman is a Nobel Prize winner who has written an incredible book that dives into the mysterious world of our conscious and unconscious thinking patterns. This book is filled with fascinating revelations that you discover, giving you a deeper understanding of how you make decisions and react to certain things in your life. It is a fun read.