Whether you’re a bookworm or not, to read these books is to be human- a better, stronger and a more successful one. 

The love for books usually starts at a very young age, it may even be one of those genetically coded traits for some absolute book nerds. While bookworms may read anything they could get their hands on just to get that feel, there are some books they swear by.

The books that mean the most to the nerds are the ones that the world too would fall in love with. Whether you love reading or not, the following books will change your life forever. Never miss out on reading any of these!

I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing by Maya Angelou

Call this controversial, inappropriate or whatever you like, but this by far is one of the most realistic, raw and inspirational books that the population of this Earth must have read. From racism to harassment to rising from the ashes, and finding self-love after it all, this book is just the perfect read for anyone looking for something huge and strikingly poetical. Indeed Maya Angelou was a gift of time.

The Road Less Traveled by M.Scott Peck

Life is difficult, and that is the greatest truth. This is the opening message and the one which runs throughout the book. Once you read this book, and delve deep into the extraordinary wisdom imparted by Peck, you’ll look at  your life in a different light. This is a must-read for every man who wants to understand life, love, spirituality and mind power in a better manner.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson

To many this book had been life-changing, to others it has been a book of assistance that they pick once in a while when the world teams up against them. Whether you would like to read it or hear it (by getting an audio clip of the book) while driving around, this book is quite unforgettable. If you sweat the small stuff and find it hard to chill, get straight into reading Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Mr. Carlson.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Anyone who has heard this man speak will find it hard to not fall in love with his charisma and courage. This book is considered to be a precious gift that many treasure as the voice of a remarkable human lingers with life. Moving, inspiring, clever, and an extraordinary read- yes, you guessed it, this is my personal love too.

Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart by Imam-Al-Mawlud, Hamza Yusuf (Translation and Commentary).

If you are looking for a greater purpose and a spiritual cure to bring tranquility to your heart, then pick this book and give it a smashing read. There is cure to everything in the Words of our Lord, and this extraordinary piece of literature makes it all comprehensive enough for the heart and gut to grasp immediately. This will be an unforgettable read, and also would be a book that you would keep coming back to, especially when your Imaan (faith) seems to dim due to the diseases of the heart.

Don’t be Sad by Aaidh-ibn-Abdullah Al-Qarni

When you feel the world taking a step back from you, and you feel loneliest to the core, this book can honestly be your friend. The void of not having Allah in our hearts cannot be filled by none, and keeping this in mind the author has put up an extraordinary book. This book isn’t fierce, forceful or impractical. ‘Don’t be Sad’ is a conversational book that reminds the reader of talking to a blessed friend. Regardless of how you feel- happy or sad, this is a must-read for all!

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

Indeed this book is a gift of time. I know not everyone is a fan of Physics- well even I am not, but this book isn’t just about the complicated theories. Stephen Hawking has a witty way of explaining things, and after reading baffling things about the universe, you would come off either way smarter or feeling dumber for not having known so much earlier. If you haven’t read this, you need to, even if you dozed off in all your Physics classes.

The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch

Whether you are into business or trying to make your social relationships work, following the 80/20 principle can be truly life-changing- and no, that was not hyperbolic or dramatic. The 80/20 principle is thrown around often- about how 20% of your good efforts on the right areas can bring 80% of the effective results. But too often, we just know the surface, and that’s where we go wrong. Koch follows an impressive style of writing and has truly constructed a masterpiece by following a constructive pattern and imparting timeless wisdom with a simple cliched law.