7 Books That Will Make You Appreciate Life Again

Life has a way of sweeping us into routines, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. Before we realize it, the days begin to blur, our joy dwindles, and gratitude feels out of reach. When we long to reconnect with what truly matters, few remedies work as powerfully as books—especially the ones that remind us of the beauty, fragility, and meaning of being alive.

Below is a list of 7 books that will make you appreciate life again. These aren’t just “feel-good” reads—they’re works that challenge us, expand our worldview, and help us rediscover the awe in everyday existence. Each offers profound lessons, emotional depth, and ideas worth revisiting for years to come.

1. Big Magic — Elizabeth Gilbert

Gilbert’s vibrant exploration of creativity encourages readers to pursue curiosity with courage and playfulness. She dismantles the fears and perfectionism that often silence creative impulses, arguing that creativity belongs to everyone—not just artists. With a warm, conversational tone, she shares stories of her own journey and the insights she’s gathered along the way. The book inspires readers to embrace experimentation, accept failure as part of growth, and follow the ideas that spark excitement. It’s an empowering reminder that creative living is a pathway to joy, authenticity, and deeper appreciation for the world around us.

2. The Alchemist — Paulo Coelho

Coelho’s modern classic tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who sets out in search of treasure, only to discover that the real journey is inward. His encounters along the way reveal lessons about intuition, courage, and trusting the unknown. With its poetic tone and universal themes, the narrative encourages readers to pursue the dreams that call to them, rather than the ones others expect. The book feels like a spiritual compass, guiding us back to our deepest desires and reminding us that meaning is often found in the very act of seeking. It reignites curiosity and wonder.

3. Tuesdays with Morrie — Mitch Albom

This heartfelt memoir follows Mitch Albom’s weekly visits with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying of ALS. Their conversations explore love, forgiveness, aging, and what truly matters at the end of life. Morrie’s honesty and warmth illuminate truths we often rush past in everyday routines. Albom captures these final lessons with tenderness, transforming personal grief into universal guidance. The book encourages readers to slow down, choose compassion, and reconnect with their values. It’s a deeply moving reminder that life’s richest experiences come from presence and connection, making it a comforting companion during reflective or difficult times.

4. The Happiness Advantage — Shawn Achor

Achor’s engaging and research-driven book reframes happiness as the foundation—not the outcome—of success. Drawing from positive psychology and his work at Harvard, he explains how gratitude, optimism, and social connection boost performance, resilience, and well-being. Through stories, studies, and practical “happiness habits,” Achor shows how small daily changes can rewire our mindset toward positivity. The book is especially valuable for readers who feel stuck in stress or burnout, offering actionable strategies backed by science. It’s a motivating guide that helps readers recognize the power of perspective and use happiness as a catalyst for a more fulfilling life.

5. The Power of Now — Eckhart Tolle

Tolle’s influential guide invites readers to step out of mental chatter and into the present moment, where inner peace becomes possible. He explains how dwelling on the past or worrying about the future fuels unnecessary suffering. Through simple but profound teachings, he shows how mindfulness dissolves emotional heaviness and reconnects us with a sense of calm awareness. The book encourages readers to observe their thoughts without becoming ruled by them, making space for clarity and gratitude. It’s a transformative resource for anyone feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, offering a path toward living with greater presence, acceptance, and joy.

6. When Breath Becomes Air — Paul Kalanithi

Kalanithi’s moving memoir, written as he faced terminal lung cancer at 36, explores what it means to live a meaningful life when time suddenly feels fragile. Blending his background as a neurosurgeon with his experience as a patient, he reflects on identity, purpose, and mortality with rare honesty. His writing is elegant and introspective, capturing both the complexity of medicine and the simplicity of human connection. The book challenges readers to consider how they spend their days and what they want their lives to stand for. It’s a poignant reminder to cherish every ordinary moment.

7. The Little Prince — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

This timeless novella uses simple storytelling to explore profound themes of love, imagination, and the importance of seeing with the heart rather than the eyes. Through the travels of the Little Prince, readers encounter characters who mirror adult flaws—obsession, vanity, and distraction—revealing how easily we lose our sense of wonder. The book encourages us to value relationships, curiosity, and vulnerability. Its poetic language and childlike innocence invite readers of all ages to reflect on what truly matters. The story lingers long after reading, gently reminding us that meaning often hides in the small, overlooked corners of life.

Conclusion

Life rarely pauses on its own. We move from responsibility to responsibility, often forgetting to look up, breathe deeply, and appreciate the simple fact that we are here. Each one offers a doorway back to gratitude, whether through the wisdom of great thinkers, the vulnerability of real lives, or the imaginative spark of timeless stories.

By exploring these perspectives, we rediscover pieces of ourselves that stress, routine, or hardship may have buried. If you’re seeking renewal, inspiration, or a deeper sense of meaning, let one of these works be your next step. They don’t just shift how we think—they gently reshape how we live.