The written word has always been a source of comfort and inspiration for me.  Here are 13 books that have had an impact on my life.

13 Books That You Should Read.  Again.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull

“Most gulls don’t bother to learn more than the simplest facts of flight–how to get from shore to food and back again”. “For most gulls it is not flying that matters, but eating. For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight.”

This is a short book that reads like a children’s book, complete with beautiful illustrations.  It is about a seagull who is no different than any other seagull, except for the fact that he wants more.

Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life

This book was written as a guide to managers, but was given to me by a friend to help me cope with change in my life.  It’s a must read for anyone who finds themselves stuck when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Running with the Giants: What the Old Testament Heroes Want You to Know About Life and Leadership

The Bible talks about a “cloud of witnesses”.  This book takes that imagery to a new level ast it illustrates characters from the bible cheering you on through the race of life.  It’s a must read whether you’re religious or not.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

This Dr. Suess book is my favorite graduation gift to give.  And it makes me weepy every time I read it.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

There are some people who will tell you that Dickens is crap and that he uses 10 words where one will do.  That’s mostly true.  I struggled through this book, but in the end this book had a profound impact on me.

“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done” – this is one of my favorite quotes from any piece of literature and marks the ultimate act of selflessness that one person could do for another.  If you have never read it, you should.

The One Minute Millionaire: The Enlightened Way to Wealth

It’s a book for entrepreneurs with a sensationalist title.  But the story it tells is as much about persistence and integrity as it is about money.

The Greatest Salesman in the World: Part II The End of the Story (Og Mandino)

As the name suggests, this is the second half of a story started in The Greatest Salesman in the World.  But this one is my favorite.

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein

It’s a sci-fi story of a man raised by Martians, and his attempts to understand earth, humans and love.  It’s written as a manifesto for free love and againts The Establishment.  It’s both profound and ridiculous and a must read.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

It’s cliche to say that this book was profound – but some cliches exist for a reason.  This book is frightening and necessary for anyone who wants to live more conciously.

On Writing by Stephen King

This book is a must read for anyone wanting to improve their writing.  It’s also an interesting look inside the mind of a master communicator.

The Stranger by Albert Camus

It’s a bizarre book – what someone who knows what they’re talking about would call “existentialism”, I think.  It’s a really interesting read about embracing your own free will and happiness, regardless of what’s going on around you.

I Love You the Purplest by Barbara Joosse

This is a children’s book about which of her two sons a mother loves most.  One she loves the “bluest” and the “reddest”, and ultimately it’s about different being neither better or worse.  If you ever hear me say “I love you the purplest”, that’s what I’m trying to convey.

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

I’m almost certain that loving this book makes me weird.  Or mysognist.  Something.  But I love it just the same.  I credit this book for my obsession with architecture.

What books are on your list?

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