Books That Can Change Your Life

As an avid reader, I’ve consumed a lot of information over the years. Many of those books stand out in my memory, often because of a good story. Few, however, have actually held information that I used, and put to work in my life. Those few that have were able to change my life; some in minor ways, some quite profoundly.

Books:

  • The 4-Hour Workweek – (Kindle/Paper) Even if you aren’t interested in a lot of what Tim Ferriss has to say, there are a lot of tidbits in here that can be used to change your life.
  • Leo Babauta’s The Power of Less – (Kindle/Paper – There’s so much information in this book about how to streamline your life, including both theory and actionable items. Use it like a workbook, mark pages, scribble in the margins, and make it yours.

eBooks:

  • Leo’s Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life – This is a great starting point for anyone who is interested in trying out minimalism.
  • Leo’s Zen-to-Done – I’m a productivity system nerd; I love trying out new systems, testing what works in my life and what doesn’t. Of all the systems that I’ve tried, this one works the best for me. It’s not so involved that it gets in the way of the work that I have to do, or too complicated that I don’t want to keep up with it. Now I’m finally getting somewhere!
  • Everett Bogue’s Minimalist Business – This is exactly the information that I needed as I set about creating a business that will allow me to escape from my job. Packed full of useful advice, it will help you get where you want to be (if that place includes you having your own business).

I have read thousands of other books, and they have shared a lot of information with me, entertained me, and even taught me, but I can’t think of any others that have changed my life. Check them out, who knows where your life might end up!

(The links above are affiliate links, which means that for any purchase you make, a percentage of the price will come to Adventure-Some and help to support the site.)

8 thoughts on “Books That Can Change Your Life

  1. Rebecca Burgener says:

    Books are a huge source of information and inspiration! I am always reading several books at once. (I know, not very minimalist of me.) I’m surprised I’m not familiar with any on your list, though I have heard of the four-hour workweek, in a negative review! I’m glad you’ve found something there that helps you.

    Wish I could click through your links and give you some affiliate credit, but at this point in my life I must check out books through the library before thinking of buying them.

    • Matthew says:

      It’s taken me a long time to focus on just one book at a time, so I certainly understand that. ๐Ÿ˜€ (And, technically, between personal reading and assignments for classes, I still have at least 3 at once.)

      I’ve heard both good and bad things about the 4 Hour Work Week, but the good seemed to outweigh the positive. I was able to find it at a used book store, so it was worth trying. I’m certainly glad that I did. Like Marlon said, the information/lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but there are tidbits in there that can help anyone. So I feel that it’s definitely worth checking out.

    • Matthew says:

      I just finished that book, actually. When I wrote this post, I was still reading it, and wanted to wait. It’s worth a post of its own. ๐Ÿ˜€

      Actually, I got to meet Chris G. on his unconventional book tour. It made for an awesome evening, that’s for sure!

  2. marlon @ productivity bits says:

    @Rebecca

    Regarding “negative” reviews on Tim Ferris’ 4 Hour Week, you cannot depend on other people’s view. You have to read for yourself to decide. I am not really into vagabonding and lifestyle design but I found some things in that book the I benefited from: productivity hacks, entrepreneur tips, etc.

    There is one thing I suggest that you can do aside from checking the books in the library. All the books’ authors mentioned above have their blogs. I am actually surprised that you’re not familiar with the list. The authors are on top 1% of all bloggers (maybe not, but they are uber popular bloggers!)

  3. Rob O. says:

    Though perhaps not quite in the same vein as the productivity books you’ve mentioned, I urge you to read Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser. It’ll change what you put on the table for yourself & your family.

    Similarly, I highly recommend Michael Pollan’s The Omnivoreโ€™s Dilemma. It’ll rattle your notions about where our food comes from and you may be stunned to learn just how integral corn is in our diets.

    • Matthew says:

      I haven’t read Fast Food Nation, though I think I recognize the title. I will have to check it out, as I’m already not a huge fan of fast food.

      I have read The Omnivore’s Dilemma, however. Very interesting read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who cares about what they eat.

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