Life-changing books that will stay with you forever

There are books that entertain, books that inform, books that enthrall - books that speak to the brain, the mind, the intellect and the emotions.

And then there are books that seem to speak directly to the soul - life-changing books that make you question your core beliefs, staying with you long after you’ve finished reading.

Here, we are listing the 10 masterpieces fall into the second category. Each is a pleasure to read, a treasure to ponder, and ultimately changes something deep inside of

Conversations with God

Author: Neil Donald Walsch

The full name of this trilogy of books is Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue - and it is indeed an uncommon dialogue. The entire series is a captivating back and forth conversation between the author and ‘God’ - on topics ranging from religion and spirituality to education, love and politics.

More: Regardless of your beliefs, these inspired and inspirational books will challenge you to think about the world around you and your own existence.

The Red Tent

Author: Anita Diamant

This novel imagines the compelling story of Dinah - daughter of Leah and Jacob and sister of Joseph. Building on hints in the Book of Genesis, the author writes about the lives of women in biblical times, touching on mothers and daughters, midwifery, love, and living in a foreign land.

More: Strongly feminist and deeply touching, this story will change the way you think of biblical times.

Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

Author: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Csikszentmihalyi’s studies over the past two decades have revealed that ‘flow’ is what makes life’s experiences genuinely satisfying - a feel of deep concentration, immersion and absorption. This classic work on happiness touches on contemporary psychology, delving into issues such as family, art and sport to ultimately answer the question - how do we make our lives meaningful?

More: This life-changing book will help you to identify when you’re really happy - and channel the ‘flow’ to maximize those good vibes.

Sophie’s World

Author: Jostein Gaarder

A novel and a philosophical work in one, this life-changing book tells the story of Sophie Amundsen, a teenage girl living in Norway, and Alberto Knox, the middle-aged philosopher who introduces her to philosophy.

More: ‘Who are you?’ and ‘Where does the world come from?’ are the two cardinal questions that Sophie has to answer. You’ll ponder them too.

The History of Love

Author: Nicole Kraus

This beautiful book-within-a-book tells the story of Leo Gursky and the love of his life, Alma. With an adventure across oceans and decades, the novel is fuelled by the thrill of mystery and joy of connection.

More: This book will leave you thinking about Leo and Alma nonstop for days after you finish it - and while the story will fade from the front of your mind, it’ll never really leave you.

Life of Pi

Author: Yann Martel

Pi Patel is the son of a zookeeper, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of animals and a taste for philosophy. While immigrating to North America from India with his family, their ship sinks - and Pi finds himself alone in a lifeboat with a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and Richard Parker, a 450-pound Bengal tiger - or does he? What follows is a fantastical tale of intrigue and adventure.

More: While this is not a book about religion, it does tell a tale about the importance of believing in something - be it God, Mother Nature, or your own strength.

The Giving Tree

Author: Shel Silverstein

The Giving Tree is the beautiful, poignant story of a tree who loved a little boy. The tree loves the boy and does anything she can for him as he grows older - without regard for what she’s getting in return.

More: Ostensibly a children’s book, this parable has a clear message for readers of all ages - about the gift of giving and accepting different the ways in with others return affection.

The Road Less Travelled

Author: Scott Peck

A cross of psychology and spirituality, this non-fiction book is packed with insight and wisdom about the attributes that make for a fulfilled person. With an eloquent examination of complex, human concepts such as discipline and love, Peck theorizes four distinct stages of human spiritual development along the path to self-realization.

More: This quote says it all ‘Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and wisdom’

The Artist’s Way

Author: Julia Cameron

Essentially a self-help workbook on creativity, this life-changing book coaxes readers along a spiritual, artistic path. With tasks to complete at the end of each chapter, reading this book is a dynamic affair.

More: Deep and yet simple, this book has the power to flip the creativity switch in anyone - from accountants to athletes and everywhere in between.

The Alchemist

Author: Paulo Coelho

Originally published in Portuguese, this inspiring tale of self-discovery follows Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. But his quest takes him in a different - and far more satisfying - direction, to learn how to listen to his heart and follow his dreams.

More: Easy to read and highly descriptive, this masterpiece will inspire you to brave the path to pursuing your dreams - just like Santiago.