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“The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” -Mark Twain

Growing up, I was a huge bookworm. My family instilled the love and power of reading in me since I was a child. Going to the library was equivalent to getting an ice cream cone for me! I would speed through the library’s summer reading list for my age or grade and enjoy every moment. That love grew every year and as an adult I still love to read. Nowadays, I do a lot of audiobooks just so I can get things done around the house or get through a book when I’m driving. There are countless books out there but I want to recommend five books everyone should read. Not only will these inspire you, but help you grow, become a better person and lead you down a path toward success. Some are more practical and full of knowledge you can apply. Some will take you to another world and get your creative juices flowing.

I hope sharing these five books everyone should read will inspire you to read, whether it’s the old school way or with an audiobook.

1. THE ALCHEMIST BY PAULO COELHO

Hands down my favorite book in the world. This story will inspire you and encourage you to chase your passions. There’s passion, wisdom a little bit of young-boy wonder and an important life lesson. The Alchemist is the story of a shepherd boy who seeks a worldly treasure. He discovers other riches making him wealthier than he ever imagined. What I love about this book is how Santiago comes to discover what’s most important in life. The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.

Johnny and I love to give copies of this book as gifts, too. It’s truly a magical story in more ways than one. Plus, we love to go back and read it again every year to rekindle that spark. I think we each take away something new with each read.

2. OPTION B BY SHERYL SANDBERG

Experiencing disappointment, heartbreak and even loss are inevitable in life. Whether we are personally going through it or a friend, we are sure to be touched by it someway somehow. I am beyond grateful my Dad is still with us today after suffering a traumatic brain injury and multiple seizures ultimately taking away his independence and leaving him needing around the clock care. Years after Sheryl Sandberg’s husband unexpectedly died, this deeply personal book encourages the reader to think of resilience like a muscle. There are things and ways we can develop it so we can get through those obstacles we feel are drowning us. Sandberg not only challenges us to be honest when we get asked “How are you doing?” and shows ways loved ones can really help others when they are going through a painful event. I couldn’t recommend this book more. An easy number two on my list of five books everyone should read.

3. MONEY MASTER THE GAME: 7 SIMPLE STEPS TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM
BY TONY ROBBINS

Talking about money can get awkward and there’s a lot I feel like many don’t know about financial responsibility. While on what can be an incredibly confusing and hard-to-understand subject, Tony Robbins really makes the information absorbable and gives you actionable advice. Yes, this is a long book but I promise you Robbins delivers in spades. Some of the chapters are pure gold and truly give you the advice to set yourself up for financial freedom. Another great thing I love about this book is how Robbins encourages the reader to really assess how much money they need for financial freedom. I really appreciate this because not everyone needs to be a millionaire or a billionaire. We all need a different amount for freedom.

4. ZERO TO ONE BY PETER THIEL

This is so much more than just a business book. Peter Thiel, one of the founders of Paypal, really delivers when it comes to this book. What I love about it is there are ways and ideas on how to create value in your community and ultimately the world. This book not only will inspire you and refresh how you approach your business but life in general. Even if you don’t have a business or a startup, you’ll feel almost superhuman as you read this book.

5. THE WOMAN I WANTED TO BE BY DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

Diane von Furstenberg is so much more than a designer. She’s an embodiment of a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Famous for her wrap dresses and beautiful fabrics, she started with a suitcase full of jersey dresses and an idea of who she wanted to be—in her words, “the kind of woman who is independent and who doesn’t rely on a man to pay her bills.” It’s a book that’s sure to change your mindset, inspire you to be independent and realize your full potential.