3 Books That Changed My Life

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin

I grew up as a kid who was always picked on. This not only made my life harder, but also discouraged me from making friends. I used to shut myself from the world, from my own people because I was afraid that I'd be bullied even if I made a simple gesture. This loneliness and boredom led me to making new friends, and they were books.

They taught me lessons that humans couldn't. They shaped me into the human that I'm today. They made me have perspectives. They voice my opinions.

In this transformational journey, there are three books that totally changed my outlook about life and way of living. What's better than sharing it here? These are the three books that totally changed my life, and to date, I vouch by this statement.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho is no strange name. Alchemist is no strange book.

I'd say that the Alchemist is the modern day bible. As you flip through the pages, all your unanswered questions are answered.

While most of you reading are familiar with the story, let me not get in detail there. But there are two points that I'd like to emphasise on and they are, "follow your dreams"- like literally, if not Santiago wouldn't have found the treasure that he always dreamt of. And the second point being that, "when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it" - and this is one of my all time favourite quotes.

A dream, a desire and a journey - a journey towards your personal legend, a journey that you embark to achieve the desired.

If you haven't read this book before, I highly recommend it.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

I'm big into self-help books, or as I'd like to call them self-awareness books. And in search of a good read at the book store, I stumbled upon Big Magic and I don't know why, but I was drawn towards this book.

What does it take to be in a creative field? What does it take to become independent by doing a job that you absolutely love? What does it take to create a piece of art? And, what happens when you don't work on the idea that the universe offers you?

This book has all the answers to these questions, and much more.

While most self-help books are rosy, this books talks about the harsh truth about what it takes to become creatively independent and lead a life of your choice.

If you are a creative person, or would like to venture into a life of independence, this book is a must read.

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

While most people think life is a complicated affair, this book talks about how to embrace life and live to its fullest, in every minute of the life.

A dying professor and his student. 12 Tuesdays, 12 lessons. This book made me fall in love with the greatest gift universe could ever give me.

I believe that change is the only constant. You are no more the same person as you were a year ago and there are certain factors that contribute to that change - for some, it might be an incident, for some it might me a solo trip to the wilderness, and for some it might be a movie. But for me, it was this book - this book changed my perspective towards life and taught me how to live life to the fullest.