The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Randy Pausch died on July 25, 2008, of pancreatic cancer at the age of forty-eight. A Carnegie Mellon University professor, he taught computer science and human-computer interaction. This book is the written form of the last lecture that he gave to his students. It contains powerful insights on what is really important in life. The chapters include insights about achieving your dreams and living in the moment because really time is all we have. Oftentimes in the sometimes-chaotic nature of life we forget about the time factor until we are suddenly faced with mortality. This book will make you laugh, cry, and most of all will make you reflect. In the end he reveals that this lecture was not written for his students, but as lessons that he wanted to tell his two young children as they grow. This book will live forever in my heart, and I hope that you will feel the same.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Suffering from a bit of a “God” complex young Dr. Frankenstein attempting to create a perfect human, instead crafts a hideous monster. The reign of terror begins when the love and acceptance the creature craves eludes him. Not a horror story, this tale illuminates the basic need of human interaction, love, and what happens when these things are withheld. It examines the relationship between a parent and child and relationships between lovers and friends. Every one of us desires to be cared for and to have people around who respect and cherish us. What ensues in this tragic tale is heartbreaking. It is a timeless classic that should be on everyone’s bucket list to read.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
A memoir of Jeannette’s life, this is a modern tale similar to “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” The book is centered around Jeanette and her three siblings as they endure their parents wildly strange personalities, neglect, and poverty. The family dynamic shifts and changes throughout the novel as Jeanette struggles to care for her siblings. As a small child she catches herself on fire as she is cooking hotdogs one afternoon and as a teenager fashions her own braces to straighten her teeth. These are just two of the many memories that are recounted in this often amusing but troubled tale.
The Phantom Toll Booth by Norton Juster
Although written for children, this short book should be required reading for every adult on their 30th birthday. This story is profound in many ways. It is the story of a bored young boy named Milo. Upon arriving home from school one day, he discovers a toll booth in his bedroom. Grabbing his faithful dog, he enters the booth and is whisked away on an unforgettable journey. Along their path they encounter an insightful mayor and many more odd individuals. Through his interaction with these varied folks, Milo gains perspective and logic in a myriad of amusing ways. This is my favorite book of all time and should be on every reading list.
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The Giver by Lois Lowry
An interesting take on the perfect life, this is the story of a twelve-year-old boy who lives in a structured kind of paradise. The perfect family of four with a dad, a mom, one son, and one daughter. There is no injury, sickness or accidents, and everything is strategically orchestrated for an idyllic existence. There is only one problem though, without sorrow there can be no joy. In the same vein, how can you know good feelings if you have never experienced the opposite. The tale follows Jonas as he discovers the fallacy of this seemingly utopian life. Although written for children, youngsters often miss the profound message of this book. A must-read for every individual, young as well as old.
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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A yarn about perception and choice. It is a powerful tale that reminds us that the grass isn’t always greenest on the other side. Starting out on a dark note it redeems itself quickly. Written with such insightful prose this book will make you think and reflect about how you view your life and the assumed idyllic lives of others.
The Kindness of Strangers: Penniless Across America by Mike McIntyre
This book reminds me that there is still so much good in the world. The true story of Mike McIntyre’s journey across America with nothing but the clothes on his back and a select few items in his backpack. He chronicles his journey through various American cities and the individuals that he encounters. If you have lost faith in humanity, please restore it by reading this book.
The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t and Get Stuff Done by Kendra Adachi
Written in an amazingly easy to read conversational style, Kendra shares how to weed through the fluff and get to the important stuff of our lives. This book is informative as well as entertaining. She lays out her plan in easy to implement steps. If you follow these steps, undoubtedly you will get more done, ditch what is not important, and finally be able to embrace what truly matters in your life.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
If you like thrillers, this one is a doozy. My favorite of this genre, this is the story of a young married couple, Nick and Amy. When Nick arrives home after work one night ready to celebrate their anniversary, he discovers copious amounts of blood in the kitchen and his beloved Amy missing. Was Amy taken? Was she murdered? The twists and turns are mind-blowing. Flynn crafts a well-written page turner that will have you reading late into the night. If you have seen the movie, you need to read the book.
A Complaint Free World: How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted by Will Bowen
What would the world be without complaint? How would your life change if you never complained? These are powerful and thought-provoking questions that all of humanity should explore. This book is an easy-to-read inspiration for your life. Read the book and try to follow its tenets. It is not as easy as it sounds.
You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
The title says it all. This is a feel-good read with enough inspiration for the whole planet.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess
A classic children’s tale of the Grinch who hates Christmas. The only problem is he lives just north of the holiday loving Whos. He devises a plan to steal Christmas and what he discovers will warm your heart. In the words of Dr. Suess, “Christmas day will always be, just as long as we have we.” Even as an adult I watch the original cartoon every Christmas Eve.
