A lot of people make lists full of self help books around this time of year. And those books can be great, but at lot of times they aren't really all that life changing. So instead of filling the little free library with books that might slightly changing someone's point of view I decided to think of any book (fiction or non-fiction) that drastically changed how I go about things about life and affect the world around me. No need to count down from ten, because this short and sweet list won't keep you long!
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera You know how titles are meant to encapsulate the whole book's theme - boil everything down to a moment or message? Nothing does that as well as More Happy Than Not. It's a beautiful and sad book about identity and reminds me of a YA version of The Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind. But unlike the story, I actually repeat this title back to myself on rough days. I remind myself if I'm more happy than not, then my troubles become just troubles. There isn't anything that needs fixing.
The Dictator's Handbook
Did I give you whiplash with that sharp turn? This non-fiction book subtitled Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good Politics is something I think back on a lot these days. Every time something weird and "un-presidented" happens I think about the stats laid out in this book and what it can mean for (us). If you can't afford a copy right now, check out these two video summaries (of sorts): Rules for Rules and Death & Dynasties. No matter what party you identify with, no matter what country you are from, this book will change how you view political power and how those with it seize control it and often maintain it.
This chart stuck with me the most after reading the book. Maybe it was timing, maybe it was wishful thinking. Either way I find it such a simple and interesting stat collection. Other gems in the book is discussing how the Art of War shouldn't be your reference for non-war things.
