5 Books I’ve read that genuinely changed my life

All of these books helped unlock a special part of my brain that didn’t exist before.

my grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry: What I strive to be as a mother

The Fountainhead and East of Eden: my sense of self and confidence

100 years of Solitude: appreciation for how whimsical life is

Kite Runner: compassion and comfort

#reading #bookrecommendations #booktok #embracevulnerability #books

2025/5/18 Edited to

... Read moreBooks have an incredible power to influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Each of these five selections—'My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry' by Fredrik Backman, 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand, 'East of Eden' by John Steinbeck, '100 Years of Solitude' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini—offers unique lessons about life and humanity. Reading Backman's novel emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and connection while fostering a deep understanding of personal struggles. Ayn Rand's 'The Fountainhead' challenges the norms of society, advocating for individualism and creativity, which can spark inspiration for personal courage. Steinbeck’s 'East of Eden' uncovers moral dilemmas and the quest for identity, essential themes that resonate universally. Marquez’s '100 Years of Solitude' presents the beauty and chaos of life, inspiring readers to embrace their own journeys. Finally, 'The Kite Runner' presents a poignant narrative about redemption and compassion in the backdrop of Afghanistan's troubled history, reminding us of the enduring power of friendship. Engaging with literature not only opens our eyes to different experiences but also fosters empathy and understanding, making these books invaluable for anyone seeking personal growth and inspiration.

16 comments

Mattie Hubbard-Donald's images
Mattie Hubbard-Donald

Mattie Hubbard-Donald's images
Mattie Hubbard-Donald

See more comments

Related posts

My top 3 books that changed my life 🌸
Reading has become my newest obsession! It has given me so much knowledge that I’ve applied to my everyday life. The results are there! I honestly wish I would’ve started reading sooner! I’ll do a part two soon but these three are my favorite so far! If anybody has any reading suggestions please dr
Lo

Lo

5780 likes

10 Self Help Books to read
These are all books on my to-read list for this year that I have come across. This year is my year to manifest, grow, and evolve into the person and life that I truly want - and I think all of these books touch on different aspects of life that are important to success and personal well being/growt
Bri 🌹

Bri 🌹

2726 likes

Books that changed me 💛
I could go on and on about these books! Have you read any of these? Let’s talk about them in the comments! What books have helped you along the way? Help me update my library!! #bookrecommendations #christianlifestyle #lemon8bookclub #christianselfhelpbook #christianbookclub
ModistyAmethyst

ModistyAmethyst

3745 likes

A title card on a background of open book pages reads "BOOKS TO READ IN 2025 THAT WILL REWIRE YOUR BRAIN" in black text on a pink and yellow gradient, framed by two sparkling star icons.
The book cover for "The Mountain Is You" by Brianna Wiest, a self-help book about transforming self-sabotage into self-mastery. A text overlay explains its focus on preventing oneself from achieving goals.
The book cover for "Why Men Love Bitches" by Sherry Argov, with a red lipstick icon. A text overlay describes it as teaching women self-respect, self-love, and prioritizing themselves before partners.
Books to read in 2025 that will rewire your brain✨
Reading these books has completely changed me as a person! I definitely recommend everyone check these books out.What are some books that you recommend? #2025books #read📚 #mindset #booksoflemon8 #booktok
Kaylayers 🫶🏾

Kaylayers 🫶🏾

1473 likes

A title card with white text "6 Horror books so f*cking ruthless they changed me permanently" against a dark, foggy landscape with a silhouetted tree. The bottom left corner shows "Lemon8 @thrillerbooksrecs."
The book cover for "We Need To Do Something" by Max Booth III, showing a house with a red roof. Text below describes it as "Claustrophobic and unhinged," about a family trapped in a bathroom.
The book cover for "Gone to See the River Man" by Kristopher Triana, featuring a dark, rocky landscape with a red river. Text below describes it as "Feral, filthy, unforgettable," about a woman's obsession with a serial killer.
Ruthless f*cking horror books that changed me
These horror books forever changed me. If you like scary stories, dark horror reads, and horror short stories in anthology form, add these book recommendations to your TBR! #horrorbookrecommendations #horrorbooks #horrorbookrec #scarybook #booktok
Thriller Books Recs

Thriller Books Recs

981 likes

6 books that changed my life.
Lately I’ve been trying to replace doomscrolling with things that actually expand my mind. These are some of the books that genuinely changed how I think about life, people, and myself😌 Curious what books changed your perspective? 📚 #BooksThatChangedMyLife #PsychologyBooks #Philosophy
Colorsofkarmaa

Colorsofkarmaa

227 likes

FAITH BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
Christian books are a wonderful supplementation in addition to the Bible. These are some of my more recent favorites. I hope they will change your life as they did with mine! 🫶🏼 #christianlifestyle #christianbooks #faith #faithjourney #reading https://amzn.to/4gh0D2c
Beth Crumpler

Beth Crumpler

3779 likes

Books that genuinely had me sobbing
Sorry I haven’t been posting!! As sad as these books are, I REALLY recommend them. Especially: -The Silent Patient -If He Had Been With Me #bookrecommendations #sadbookrecs
BellaBooks

BellaBooks

3030 likes

A tablet displaying text and a white mug, with the overlaid text "books that changed how I think," introducing a series of self-help book recommendations.
The book cover for "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins, a green book with white text, accompanied by the text "Let them... and protect my peace. A reminder to mind my own energy."
The book cover for "The Mountain Is You" by Brianna Wiest, featuring a black cover with gold text and a mountain graphic, with the text "Realizing I'm not stuck. I'm resisting."
Books that genuinely added value to my life 🤍
I’ve been drawn to self-help and psychology books that help me understand my patterns, reactions, and nervous system instead of pushing me to “do more.” Nothing overwhelming. Nothing performative. Just books that made things click over time. Sharing in case you’re in a similar season. #book
Brittany Kiser

Brittany Kiser

486 likes

Christian books that changed EVERYTHING for me!
Absolute must-read books. Each one taught me something different! The Living Water: a young missionary is trapped overseas and must depend on God to get back home. The Girl Behind the Red Rope: a young girl doesn’t realize she is living in a cult until she encounters the true love of Christ
Valicity Elaine

Valicity Elaine

1561 likes

3 DARK ROMANCE BOOKSTHAT CHANGED THE WAY I READ
These 3 dark romance books completely rewired my brain and now nothing hits the same Once you read this level of obsession, tension, and morally grey love… there’s no going back ⚠️ check trigger warnings 📚 save for later #darkromancerecommendations #darkbookrecs #triggerwarningbooks
Author Kelssi R. Gouldson

Author Kelssi R. Gouldson

126 likes

Witchy Books to Read this Winter 📚
Have you read any of these?! Post your recommendations below 😍 #witchybooks #witchybookhaul #witchybookclub #witchybookrecs #winterreading
hexualhealing

hexualhealing

546 likes

sAD booKs i nEEd uR OPiNiON oN! 😭🙏🏽
Context: Every Last Word: I’m am currently reading Every Last Word and i have no opinion yet, unfortunately I’m not far in. Maybe like 10 pages and im too scared to read it because i heard it’s so so sad, and I don’t really want a book that’s going to make me cry. A Thousand Broken Pieces: I h
BookishBae🤍✨🧸

BookishBae🤍✨🧸

3095 likes

A light beige book cover with the title "3 Books that Changed My Life" in brown text. The book is placed on a light textured fabric background. A Lemon8 logo and username are visible in the bottom left corner.
The book "The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck, M.D., with a red and white cover, is displayed on a light textured fabric. A sprig of rosemary lies beside it, and a light-colored bowl is partially visible. A Lemon8 logo is in the bottom left.
The book "Women Who Run With the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D., with a black and gold cover, rests on a light textured fabric. A sprig of eucalyptus is next to it, and a light-colored object is partially visible. A Lemon8 logo is in the bottom left.
Books That Changed My Life
These 3 books met me in different seasons of my life—and changed me from the inside out. They helped me come back to myself, ask better questions, and hold my healing with more grace. Sometimes, it’s not just what we read, but when we read it that makes all the difference. What's a book that
Summer & Selah

Summer & Selah

428 likes

Books I’d be forced to read in H3LL
For one reason or another, these books are synonymous with my own personal h3ll lmaoo…. That’s not to say they’re bad books, some of them are included because of HOW effective they are in their storytelling. What books would be torture to read again for you? - #lemon8bookclub #lemon8challen
carmen 📚

carmen 📚

7969 likes

More books that changed my life 💛
Yall went crazy on the last one 😭💛 I love sharing all the books that have helped me throughout the years. Since I was 12 I’ve accumulated SO many amazing books and I’d want nothing more than to get them off my shelf to share and allow you to get it’s wisdom 🫶🏾 What are you trying to do better
ModistyAmethyst

ModistyAmethyst

534 likes

A bookstore display features various horror books, including 'It's All In Your Head' and Riley Sager titles. Overlay text reads 'POPULAR HORROR BOOKS And what I rated them,' with ghost illustrations.
A close-up of 'The Twisted Ones' by T. Kingfisher, rated 5 stars. The description highlights it as rural Appalachian folk horror that builds tension.
A hand holds 'My Darling Dreadful Thing' by Johanna Van Veen, rated 5 stars. The book is described as hauntingly atmospheric and gothic sapphic horror.
Should You Read These Popular Horror Books? 😟
As a newer reader to the horror genre (really mainly started reading more horror this year), I have actually read a decent number of horror books and when I saw the horror book section at Barnes & Noble, I thought it would be fun to share my thoughts and ratings on some of the more popular ones
Lauren 📚📖

Lauren 📚📖

2805 likes

An open book with German text and dried flowers and leaves, overlaid with the title 'Books that changed my way of thinking' in white text.
The book cover for 'Women Who Run With The Wolves' by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, featuring a woman's portrait, is displayed over an open book and dried foliage. Text states it taught focus on heart's desires and mastering femininity.
The book cover for 'Woman Evolve' by Sarah Jakes Roberts, featuring a woman in a red suit, is displayed over an open book and dried foliage. Text states it referenced important roles of women in the Bible.
Books that changed my mindset for life
Book Review Book name: Women who run with the wolves Author: Clarissa Pinkola Estés My rating⭐️: 3/5 Book name: Woman Evolve Author: Sarah Jakes Robert My rating⭐️: 5/5 *I got baptized after reading this Book name: Bamboozled by Jesus Author: Yvonne Orgi My rating⭐️: 4/5 Book name
AntCamp

AntCamp

500 likes

I would pay you to read these books
Books I'd Pay YOU to Read (Yes, Really!) 💸📚 I'm THAT obsessed with these books. They're not just good, they're life-changers. Dive into my mini reviews, and see if you agree these stories are worth their weight in gold! Ever finished a book and just thought, "Wow, I wish e
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

1087 likes

A person stands in a bookstore aisle, browsing a shelf filled with books. The title 'BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE' is overlaid on the image, with a large copy of 'THE ILIAD HOMER' visible above the shelf.
A close-up of the book 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck' by Mark Manson, featuring an orange cover with bold black text and a black ink splat design.
A close-up of the book 'The Book of Healing' by Najwa Zebian, displaying a cream-colored cover with gold lettering and a lotus flower illustration.
BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
That’s for good anyways! 1) The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F**k ⬇️ LITERALLY! A 100/10 one of the most amazing self improvement books. Really teaches you value and importance, how to find and apply it. 2) The Book of Healing Therapy in a book. Taught me how to deal with traumas and ha
everythingtrin 🫦

everythingtrin 🫦

5446 likes

Freida Mcfadden Books I’ve Read
How many have you read?? #booktok #freidamcfadden #reading
noelle nugnes

noelle nugnes

166 likes

Books that have CHANGED my life: NO BS
I know your experience is always going to be different than my experience. But these books will get you to look at the world differently either way. #bookclub #bookrecommendations #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #readwithlemon8 #readwithme Florida
wellnessaudrey

wellnessaudrey

274 likes

BOOKS TO READ !!
#lemon8bookclub #booksthatchangedmylife #boundariesmatter #2024glowup #peacefulmind
Shae The Bomb

Shae The Bomb

9219 likes

These books changed the way I view healthcare
1. The statistics in this book had me floored. As you can see form the tab overload, there was a ton of valuable information. Also a TON about big pharma and how medications actually impact the body / disease process. 2. READ. THIS. BOOK. Im in awe. From the moment I read page one, I was hook
SimplySarah

SimplySarah

5312 likes

70 Books You Need to Read in 2025 🍋🌸
⭐After I shared my last book list, so many of you said the same thing: “I want to read more, but life is just too busy.” And honestly—same. There are so many brilliant, perspective-shifting, career-elevating books coming out (and classics we still haven’t touched), but who has the hours? 📱T
EllaReadsThings

EllaReadsThings

552 likes

A person holds two books, "I Surrender All" and "Captivating," with the text "2 Books helping me become a better Woman" overlaid. The back cover of "Captivating" describes discovering the design of women and healing trauma. The person wears a cozy sweater and dark green nail polish.
A person holds the book "Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul" by John & Stasi Eldredge. The light blue cover features abstract line art. The text "Understanding my heart and needs as a woman" is overlaid.
A person holds the book "I SURRENDER ALL" by Priscilla Shirer, featuring a dark cover with gold and purple swirling designs. The book "Captivating" is visible in the background. The text "my heart Toward Jesus" is overlaid.
Books that changed me 🌸
I wish I could be basic and read one book at a time until it’s done. Not me I want to get as much wisdom as quickly as I can 😂🤍🤓 #womenmotivation #womenoflemon8 #readersoflemon8 #jesusgirly #bookreccomendation
Libby Rodriguez

Libby Rodriguez

530 likes

5 of the best business books that ive ever read
5 of the best business books that ive ever read! One of my favorite non-fiction genres is business Here are 5 books worth reading if you're interested in entrepreneurship and startups, or want to live that digital-nomad life! 1. Good to Great > outlines how companies can transition f
BATE by Rana

BATE by Rana

156 likes

Books to read✨
Books that genuinely added value to my life🫶🏽✨ Just books that made things click over time. #bookrecommendations #personal growth #selfhelpbooks #finance #mindsetshift #momlife
Shan

Shan

231 likes

An open book rests on a white textured surface, with the title overlay "BOOKS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD READ" and subtitle "FEMININE EMBODIMENT & HEALTH," introducing a selection of recommended readings.
The book "Women Who Run With the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés is displayed, highlighted as a guide for women to unleash their inner wild woman through amazing storytelling.
The book "Pussy: A Reclamation" by Regina Thomashauer is shown, described as providing feminine embodiment tools to celebrate sensuality and reclaim personal power.
BOOKS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD READ
Feminine embodiment & women’s health books that I truly believe every woman NEED to read. These books changed my life and I promise they will change yours too, if you allow them to open your mind and shake everything you’ve ever been told by society. WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES by Clarissa
August Rhianna

August Rhianna

4580 likes

Three books, 'Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?', 'What Happened to You?', and 'Supercommunicators,' are displayed on a textured surface, with 'Weekly Book Recommendations' overlaid.
The back cover of 'What Happened to You?' by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey, featuring a quote from Oprah about trauma, brain adaptation, and healing.
The back cover of 'Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?' by Dr. Julie Smith, showing a quote about life skills and endorsements from Lori Gottlieb and Dr. Nicole LePera.
3 Books That Changed the Way I Think About Life✨
3 Books That Changed the Way I Think About Life, Trauma, and Connection If you’re looking for books that will challenge your perspective, help you heal, and teach you how to communicate better, these three need to be at the top of your list. I went into each one expecting a good read but came ou
Jess, EHP

Jess, EHP

110 likes

A bookshelf filled with various books, featuring an overlay title: '5 Must Read Books for Mindset Growth and Personal & Professional Success Achievement'. The Lemon8 logo and username are visible at the bottom.
The book 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear is displayed, with overlay text highlighting its title and a summary of its focus on building good habits for personal and professional success. It mentions 'Over 10 Million Copies Sold'.
The book 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success' by Carol S. Dweck is shown, with overlay text detailing its exploration of mindset's power in shaping success and introducing the growth mindset concept.
Must-Read Books 4 Personal & Professional Success📈
5 Must Read Books for Mindset Growth and Personal & Professional Success Achievement 1- Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear 💡Clear explores the science behind habit formation and provides actionable strategies for buildi
The Alpha Queens Empire

The Alpha Queens Empire

643 likes

Books That Changed Me
1. Braiding Sweetgrass 2. Once There Were Wolves 3. Rooted #lemon8bookclub #booktok #bookrecommendations
Crystal Clear

Crystal Clear

58 likes

The book cover for 'Dead Inside' by Chandler Morrison features a skeleton in a police uniform holding red flowers, surrounded by insects. A review snippet rates it 8/10, stating it's 'not for the faint of heart'.
The book cover for 'Cows' by Matthew Stokoe shows a close-up of a cow's face in a blueish tone. A handwritten note on the image rates it 4/10, saying 'was good until it wasn't'.
The book cover for 'Crank' by Ellen Hopkins features the title in large, stylized letters with the tagline 'Is the high worth the crash?'. A handwritten note rates it 9/10, expressing surprise it took so long to read.
Books I’ve read this year plus my next read
Just recently got into splatterpunk I know crank isn’t in the genre but I’m a big horror fan so I’m all about them🖤🩸 #gorebooks #horrorbookcommunity #horrorbooks #splatterpunk #spookybookhaul
Avalon Wauer

Avalon Wauer

521 likes

easy nonfiction books to read in a day
Whenever I want to read a book but don't want to commit to anything too serious, I love reading short nonfiction books (usually 150 pages or less) These are some books that I've read, spanning different genres (hopefully, there's something for everyone!). What short books do you l
BATE by Rana

BATE by Rana

606 likes

Books Every Socially Anxious Girl Should Read 🦋🤍
🌟 TL;DR (20 words) “How to Be Interesting” is a quirky, heartfelt guide to leveling up your social skills. 9.5/10 for shy-but-smart girlies. 📓 Book Notes for Socially Anxious Girls 1️⃣ Charm = Curiosity → Ask thoughtful questions and actually listen—people love feeling seen more than being i
Quinn McDaniel

Quinn McDaniel

221 likes

Books to read during uncertain times
1️⃣ Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness Written by Jamil Zaki who is a professor of psychology at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab. This book is a blend of scientific insights with heartfelt stories about how we can cultivate hope and
mtnhunny 📖 🏔️ 🧠

mtnhunny 📖 🏔️ 🧠

158 likes

Lesser known books that I genuinely enjoyed
#lemon8dairy
Hailey Gambrell

Hailey Gambrell

138 likes

Actually Sad Books
Genuinely I love all of these books in different ways, would definitely recommend every single one #sadbook #BookReview #bookrecommendation #booklemon8 #booktoker
𝑱𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔🧸

𝑱𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔🧸

124 likes

Books that changed my perspective
These are the books I've read or am currently reading that have opened my mind and given me new perspectives about spirituality, energy, and the feminine. When it comes to non-fiction books, I start reading them and end up putting them down for days... months... sometimes even years. But I a
ThirstiiKirsty

ThirstiiKirsty

655 likes

5 fiction books that changed my life
Here are five fictional books that have changed my life for the better. 📖Birthday Girl- you may be surprised to see this one on here because it’s definitely not a philosophical book by any means, but it is special to me. When I read it a few years ago, it was out of my comfort zone because I ha
Amanda Courtney

Amanda Courtney

501 likes

Three Books That Have Changed My Life
My top 3 favorite books of all time. Each of these have helped me glow up mentally, make the most of my time, handle emotions differently, foster good relationships & be the best version of myself 📖💌 #books #bookrecommendations #bookaesthetic #selfhelpbooks #themountainisyou #thedefin
Grace Mooney

Grace Mooney

34 likes

See more