15 Most Inspirational Books That You Should Definitely Read

   

Books have the power to offer hope to the hopeless, faith to the faithless, love to the stone-hearted, and warmth to the coldest of souls. They are shining lights that guide us through foggy oceans and relentless storms. They are the most trustworthy source of information and most importantly inspiration! Let’s have a look at some of the most inspirational books that you should read to boost your spirits when times are tough.

   

Also read: 12 Great Books About Life That Will Keep Your Soul Alive

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

It’s difficult to create a list of some of the most inspirational books and not include this masterpiece by Paulo Coelho. This book tells you that it is okay to dream and it also gives you the strength to pursue your dreams through the humble story of a shepherd named Santiago. This story is so fantastical yet so simple that it makes a home in your heart.

2. Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

This biographical treatise of Viktor E. Frankl, a holocaust survivor, will inspire you to your very core. This book chronicles Viktor’s life as a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp, his struggles, subsequent liberation, and the efforts it took to get over the trauma. Take up any book on the Holocaust, the stories of the survivors will tear your hearts apart but they will also give you the courage to face almost everything in life. Tragic and transcendental.

3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This international bestseller is a story of a young book thief that is narrated by Death. This intense and engaging narrative follows Leslie a young girl who engages in the act of book thievery in a Nazi-occupied Germany. In this modern classic, Leslie finds solace in the word of books while the Nazis burn away libraries. A truly inspiring tale.

4. The Accusation: Forbidden Stories from Inside North Korea by Bandi

Bandi is the pseudonym of a poet who lives in North Korea. Yes, you read that right. The book contains a set of stories that vividly paint a picture of the totalitarian regime in the country and throws light on the lives of ordinary men and women. Even the fact that this book exists is so inspirational, it being the first book that was managed to be smuggled out of North Korea.

5. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

This book is a must-read for every woman. It fills you with hope and courage and asks women to be unafraid of their dreams and ambitions. It urges women to unapologetically pursue their dreams, desires, ambitions, and live life on their own terms. It is one of the most inspirational books of the decade.

6. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

This book celebrates two extremely brave women from Afghanistan. The novel is an experience of a lifetime, it grows into you and stays with you for a long, long time. It shatters your heart, rips your soul apart, and leaves you gasping for air. That’s the power of this novel. But it doesn’t just break you, it also makes you stronger.

7. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

This is one of the seven inspiring autobiographies written by Maya Angelou. This book follows her life through childhood to her early adulthood, covering a span of 17 years. It is a touching tale of hardship and struggle, growing up as a colored American in an extremely racist environment. The story is emotional and at the same time hopeful. A story of struggle had never been so inspiring.

8. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy

   

Ever since it was first published in 1963, this self-help book has been inspiring millions of people. It gives easy and real-world-based techniques to use your thoughts to bring a drastic positive change to your life. The book informs about the vast power of the subconscious mind and how it can be used to change one’s life. It is one of the most inspirational books ever written.

9. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma

More than just inspirational fiction, this book is a spiritual journey. A successful lawyer is met with a life-threatening situation that moves him to question the concept of material happiness. He renounces everything he has and moves to India to find answers to his questions. This bestseller is a deep insight into an ancient culture and its boundless wisdom.

10. Wings of Fire: An Autobiography by APJ Abdul Kalam

Wings of Fire is one of the most inspirational autobiographies ever written. It follows the life of the former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam, the struggles of his early life, and his journey towards becoming the leading figure in Indian space and nuclear research.

11. The Prophet by Khalil Gibran

The book contains a set of prose poetry sermons delivered by a wise character called Al Mustapha. These sermons include valuable insights into and lessons about almost every facet of life and even death. It offers universal spiritualism which is difficult to find in this dogma-filled world. This book is a must-read.

12. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This Pulitzer prize-winning debut novel by Harper Lee grows on you in a way that it binds you with its roots and embraces you with its leaves.  It follows the story of Atticus Finch, a lawyer, who is appointed to defend a black man charged with the rape of a white woman. Set in the deep Southern America of the 1930s, this novel deftly deals with the issues of race and class in a way that few dare to execute. This novel isn’t all serious though, it also has its fair share of mirth. Innocent humor and the heavy blows of societal truth go hand in hand in this novel.

13. The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler

Although composed mainly for a western audience, this book has teachings that go beyond boundaries. In this book, psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler poses questions about everyday problems to Dalai Lama, and the latter offers solutions based on Tibetan Buddhism. It is truly a handbook for living.

14. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

The story of Christopher McCandless, the hitchhiker who traversed into the Alaskan wilderness and whose remains were found 5 months later in his ‘Magic Bus‘. This book stands as a saga of hope for many adventurers, especially the last picture of Christopher with a smile on his face shows that he had found peace in the wilderness. As one reads the books, one sees McCandless grow as a person and several lessons are to be found. It is one of the most inspirational books ever written.

15. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World by William McRaven

“If you want to change the world. Start off by making your bed.” You must have all heard this brilliant speech by US Navy admiral William H. McRaven that went viral a few years ago. This book is an extension of that very speech and thought process. It is based on the principle of small accomplishments that build our confidence and give us the strength to change our lives. It is undoubtedly one of the most inspirational books ever.

Inspiration enough? We hope that you liked this list of the most inspirational books and you are looking forward to picking one of these books to read soon. Which of your favourite inspirational books did we miss out on in this list? Do let us know in the comments section.

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