Four books I think everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. Not me, though. I go back to them now and then when I need a reminder about the things I struggle with.
There are books you read once and move on from. And then there are books that stay with you. The ones that continue to make sense, depending on where you are in your life.
These are mine.
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
The Prophet is a small book, yet it holds a lot.
Gibran reflects on life in a way that feels both simple and layered. He writes about giving, friendship, freedom, time, self-knowledge, pain, and even death. The book gently challenges how we think about good and evil.
What stayed with me most is what he says about children:
“Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself…”
It shifts how you think about parenting. Not ownership, but guidance.
If one chooses to have children, it has to come from love, without expecting anything in return. Parenting, at its core, is one of the most selfless acts.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
I come back to this book often.
It reminds me how to use my free will in everyday life. Especially the idea of not taking things personally. I tend to do that more than I would like to admit. When something happens, my first instinct is to ask, “What did I do?”
But it is not always about you. People have their own reasons for what they do.
The agreements are simple:
- Be impeccable with your word
- Do not make assumptions
- Do not take things personally
- Always do your best
Simple to understand. Hard to live.
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
This one feels practical.
I struggle with saving and investing, so I return to this book as a reminder. One idea that stays with me is to pay yourself first. At least ten per cent of what you earn is yours to keep.
It also changed how I think about budgeting. When you know where your money is going, you become more intentional with how you spend it.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This is a book about belief.
In yourself, and in your dreams. It reminds you that wanting something is not enough. You also have to do the work that comes with it.
But beyond that, it asks you to pay attention to your life as it is happening. Not only where you are going, but how you are living.
I keep coming back to these books at different points in my life. And somehow, they never say the same thing twice.
If you enjoy reflective reading, you can explore more of my book reviews here: the Citizen Newspaper reviews, and how about travel?
Have you read any of these? Do you have any book recommendations for me? Please share in the comments below.
Always,
Jane 🙂
