7 Books I Almost Didn't Read And Deeply Regret That

We’ve all been there. A book sits untouched on our shelf, gathering dust. Maybe its cover didn’t grab us. Maybe the title felt vague or pretentious. Or maybe, just maybe, it was too hyped — and we assumed it couldn’t possibly live up to its reputation. Then, one day, we cracked it open… and everything changed.

Below is a list of 7 books I almost didn't read and deeply regret that. These aren’t just good books. They’re life-shifting, perspective-expanding, emotionally resonant works that have stayed with us long after the final page.

Whether you're looking for personal growth, creative inspiration, historical insight, or simply a masterfully told story, this list is a powerful reminder: never judge a book by its cover… or your initial hesitation.

1. Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens is a sweeping, provocative look at the entire arc of human history — from our hunter-gatherer ancestors to modern-day capitalism and biotechnology. Harari challenges many accepted beliefs: about religion, money, nationalism, and happiness. Through his accessible and often witty storytelling, he shows how shared myths and collective fictions have shaped societies. What makes Sapiens brilliant is its ability to connect massive historical shifts to everyday life and future implications. It’s part history, part anthropology, part philosophy — and it fundamentally changes how you see yourself as a human being in a rapidly evolving world.

2. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art is a no-fluff guide to overcoming the invisible enemies of creative progress. He personifies Resistance — the self-sabotaging force that leads to procrastination, fear, and distraction — and shows how it blocks artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from doing their best work. Through sharp, often uncomfortable truths, Pressfield challenges readers to stop waiting for permission and start acting like professionals. What makes this book essential is its universal application: whether you're writing a novel or launching a start-up, the battle with Resistance is the same. Pressfield equips you with the mindset to win it.

3. Educated by Tara Westover

Educated is the astonishing memoir of Tara Westover, who was raised in a fundamentalist, survivalist family in the mountains of Idaho. Deprived of formal education and medical care, she endured emotional and physical abuse while being taught that the government, doctors, and schools were evil. At 17, she took her first steps into a classroom — eventually earning a PhD from Cambridge. Westover’s story is one of intellectual awakening, self-invention, and painful separation from one’s origins. It’s a haunting exploration of family loyalty, identity, and the cost of reclaiming your voice in a world that tried to silence it.

4. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly is a transformative look at how vulnerability is the key to courage, connection, and wholehearted living. Based on over a decade of research, Brown debunks the myth that vulnerability is weakness — instead, she shows it's the birthplace of creativity, leadership, and love. With stories from boardrooms, classrooms, and her own life, Brown makes a compelling case for showing up authentically in every part of life. If you want to lead more effectively, parent more compassionately, or simply stop hiding behind perfectionism, this book gives you the tools — and the permission — to show up fully.

5. Quiet by Susan Cain

In a culture that equates success with extroversion, Susan Cain’s Quiet is a powerful counter-narrative that champions the strengths of introverts. Drawing on research in psychology, neuroscience, and real-life stories, Cain reveals how introverts thrive in environments that honor solitude, depth, and meaningful communication. She challenges schools, workplaces, and relationships to stop undervaluing quiet reflection and start leveraging its unique gifts. From Rosa Parks to Steve Wozniak, Cain illustrates how introverts have changed the world — not by shouting, but by thinking deeply and acting purposefully. This book is a validation and a toolkit for anyone who’s ever felt “too quiet.”

6. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig takes readers on an imaginative journey between life and death, regret and possibility. Nora Seed, the protagonist, finds herself in a mystical library where each book represents a different version of her life — had she made different choices. Through her emotional exploration, we’re invited to consider how perceived failures or lost dreams can still lead to meaning. Blending philosophy, fiction, and mental health themes, Haig creates a tender story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt stuck or full of regret. It’s a beautiful reminder that life’s worth is not in perfection, but in participation.

7. Atomic Habits by James Clear

James Clear’s Atomic Habits offers a revolutionary yet simple approach to personal change. Instead of setting massive goals, Clear teaches readers to focus on tiny, consistent actions that compound over time. He introduces powerful frameworks — like the Four Laws of Behavior Change and habit stacking — grounded in psychology and behavioral science. What sets this book apart is its clarity, practicality, and actionable insights that can be applied immediately. Whether you're trying to build better health habits, improve focus, or break bad routines, Clear shows how identity-based habits create lasting transformation. It’s not hype — it’s habit science that works.

Conclusion

Each of these books taught us a powerful lesson — not just in their content, but in the act of reading them. We almost passed them by. And yet, they became landmarks in our intellectual and emotional lives.

If there’s a book you’ve been avoiding — too heavy, too hyped, too hard — we invite you to reconsider. Sometimes the book you least expect is the one you most need. Let curiosity win over cynicism. Let trust in the author outweigh the fear of disappointment.

Your next life-changing book might already be waiting — unopened, unread, and underestimated.