Seven Books That Will Change Your Life

Books shape who we become. A book is like a friend. The right book can re-educate us and inform our lives for the better. A book can be a mentor when we have none or entertain us when we have no one.

There are a few books that have stood the test of time and are so good I reread them once a year when I’m feeling off track.

I find new revelations of meaning. I skim through their pages and read highlighted paragraphs and sentences that resonated with me during the first pass.

Sometimes, a book crosses our paths when we are not ready to meet it; its message goes right over our heads. This is what happened when I picked up number two on this list the first time I tried to read it, the second, and the third. Not until the fourth time, after my life took a turn, did I understand its wisdom.

The following seven books I revisit at least once a year to keep my noblest impulses alive and remind me of what is essential for living well while amid a world that is chaotic.

I couldn’t put this book down as soon as I read the first sentence, “He’d probably been watching her for a while.” I’m fascinated with human behavior.

Even though this book explores the dark side of human dysfunction, it teaches you how to listen to your intuition after culture, trauma, family, and training teach us (especially women) to override it constantly.

It is a page-turner.

The information de Becker imparts in The Gift of Fear from years of experience tracking murderers, stalkers, rapists, and serial killers could save your life.

The book teaches you to relearn trusting your “gut,” intuition, a mechanism we’re all born with. In case after case, de Becker describes signals that intuition naturally registers, and when listened to, can save your life from danger.

The Gift is a “brilliant internal guardian that stands at the ready to warn you of hazards and guides you through risky situations.”

Every woman should read this book.