12 books that changed my life

Some books have the power to dramatically change the way we're thinking. Until now, I've read a lot of different writings that have left a huge impact on my life. I'd like to share some of them, the best ones.

(I tried to take pictures of my own copies so you can see the translator in most cases. There are some that I've read in an electronic form or rented from a library so I just took an online photo of those!)

1.  Animal Farm from George Orwell

     

An all-time classic. Needless to mention 1984 which is the other well-known masterpiece from Orwell. Animal Farm presents a really short yet very meaningful story where we can find some shocking parallels. Orwell's style is both raw and instructive.

      2. The Bhagavad Gita

If it was up to me, I'd definitely make this book obligatory in middle school! Hindus in India actually learn all the verses (18 chapters, 700 slokas!!!) in sanskrit from a very young age (some of them even recite verses during religious rituals or prayers). It's actually just a small part of the lengthy Hindu epic called Mahabharata, but I recommend this to anyone, honestly! It's a very authentic and trustworthy source for individuals who seek knowledge about the Hindu faith, but also the best "self help" book I've ever read. I think it can really give an insight about a more conscious lifestyle and help anyone who's in an existential crisis. In no way would I like to demean this masterpiece, I'm just trying to express this book's versatile use! :)

      3. Hinduism: A Beginner's Guide from Klaus K. Klostermaier

Since we're talking about hinduism, this book is pure gold!!! Easily understandable, clear fragmentation and very straightforward. It really is a beginner's guide, I couldn't say better myself!

      4. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

We're deep into India... Well actually this was my very first book related to this country or to buddhism ever. Aaaaand I'v already read it about 3 times, I guess...? It's not a typical Hesse kind of novel, but it's really worth to read it.

      5. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

... I really don't think that this literary classic needs explanation. :)

      6. Sophie's world by Jostein Gaarder

If I had to pick up only one book, it would definitely be this one. This is the novel that changed my life with a 180 degree rotation.

Just in a nutshell, it's about a girl named Sophie who gets letters from an unknown philosopher who introduces her the art of thinking while presenting ALL the intellectuals from Ancient Greece to modern day theoreticians. The explanations are crediting, the writer's style is unexceptional. It's full of surprises but I think that the biggest one is that you don't even realise how many new concepts you've learnt while reading because this book really combines work with pleasure.

This novel has actually made me start thinking, enjoy reading and studying. I was overwhelmed with joy along every new chapter. I'm still very grateful for my friend who gave me her copy, as "I might be interested". Well, great choice! 

Thank you B ♡

      7. Apology by Plato

Right after reading Sophie's world... short, classic, instructive and appealing. Very good for someone who's just started to dive deep into Philosophy!

     8. Édes Anna by Kosztolányi Dezső

From my all-time favourite Hungarian poet and prose-writer. Skylark might also sound familiar but I still like to think that this book is his life work.

It's the first Hungarian novel that relies on Freud's psychology (mostly related to psychoanalysis and the repression of memories). 

I recommend this to anyone who wants to explore the aforementioned topics in a fun way, yet finds it a great challenge to read Freud's work.

     9. Álom és Valóság (Dream and Reality) by Andrew Feldmar

Okay so I honestly recommend to check this guy out- he's beyond hilarious yet highly educated and intelligent.

He's a Hungarian born psychotherapist who now lives in Canada. I've first found him in a youtube video where he was discussing something about the psilocybe mushrooms...

He has a very unique and amusing style. He's very active present days, there are always new videos on his website and a weekly session called "Heti Agymosó" (Weekly Brainwashing) where he covers a wild range of topics.

This book has opened my eyes about how less I know just when I thought that I knew something. I'm not saying that it's distressing or anything, the opposite: it's a very eye-opening writing which gives you new perspectives.

     10. Collected Works (from a young age) from Baruch Spinoza

Still reading. Spinoza is not easily digestible. Yet gives a really good insight into well-developed theories about pantheism. Definitely worth a try!

      11.  The Enneads by Plotinus

If you've read my other post about Existence you've probably noticed that there are some overlaps with this book.

I'm currently reading this book too, it' a very lengthy one, all of Plotinus' life work! He helps me a lot to understand many things around the world and to have a deeper insight into our existence and lives.

His main interests are platonism, metaphysics and mysticism yet he also studied the ancient Indian Philosophies!

      12. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

It would be beyond mean to say that I've never really read or liked any of Coelho's books. So here I am, and I say that I liked his novels, and they even helped me a lot.

This one, more precisely. I was lost, stressed and puzzled when I decided that I'm going to sit down, and read this book without any breaks. It was the best decision at that moment. And I swear when I finished the sun started shining!!! Whether it's cliché or cheesy, it has dragged me out from that toxic state of mind, cleared my head, and I was also very motivated. I could also relate to the parallels between my life and the story, which was even more pleasing.

So these were my 12 top favourite books! I hope you liked them and the brief introductions! 

Let me know about your favourite ones or if have read any from the list!

Thank you for reading.

♡