Stories Of Favourite Books/Comics

Reading is good for the mind and soul. I say this not because I am a book lover myself but also because I have seen for myself how some of my book-loving friends, colleagues, and students have become very knowledgeable, mature, and successful in their respective undertakings.

Do you read a lot? Good job! Let me give you a virtual pat on the back. If you do not like reading books but somehow, you have found yourself reading this piece, then I would like to commend you for having a curious mind. Also, let me give you a good news: it is never too late to start developing your love for books and reading.

I will not talk about the benefits of reading in terms of science, like how it affects your brain and your well-being. Rather, I will take a philosophical approach to inspire you to read and make time for this worthwhile activity.

To inspire you to read more, let me share with you the top lessons you can gain from interacting with your book-loving friends. For sure, you have at least that one friend who cannot live without his or her books.

Books can effectively kill boredom

Stuck in traffic? Waiting for someone or something and it already feels like forever? Yes, your mobile devices can keep you company, but nothing beats the feeling of flipping through pages of a book, immersing yourself in a story that takes you to places and into the minds of its interesting characters and plot.

When you have a book in your bag, on the shelf, or anywhere within easy reach, you know you will never be bored.

You learn a new word every day

Updating your vocabulary is a breeze if you make reading a habit. Need I say more?

You can view things from another perspective

And when you broaden your perspective, you get to develop your ability to empathize even with people whose opinions and viewpoints differ from yours.

Dealing with the pain and grief that comes after a loss—such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a simple job loss—can be such a harrowing experience. But there is no escaping the roller-coaster of emotions. If you find yourself in a situation when you feel like there is no way to get back on your feet, know that you can have a friend and companion in a book, especially when you would rather not interact with another human being for the meantime to have quiet time all by yourself.

I am listing here my top recommended books for when you need time to heal and for helping you become grateful for the past while being hopeful for the future.

“Wishful Drinking” by Carrie Fisher

The actress who gave life to Princess Leia shares her personal life, including her struggles with substance addiction and manic depression, in this memoir published in 2008.

“When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi

This book documents the author’s journey from being a medical student to being a young neurosurgeon at Stanford, to facing the possibility of his own death after being diagnosed with terminal stage lung cancer.

“You Don’t Look Sick!” by Joy H. Selak and Steven S. Overman

Geared towards readers confronted with a chronic illness, Selak and Overman’s work is a self-help book that offers tips for patients on dealing with doctors, insurance companies, and other concerns from the moment they are diagnosed with a chronic disease.

Before the onset of the digital age, people had no Google to turn to when they need to find answers to important questions such as how to become better workers, leaders, spouses, or parents. Self-help books were the reading materials of choice among men and women who want to improve themselves in whatever aspect they choose, like love, career, and relationships.

While these self-help books are considered old-fashioned already, they still have stood the test of time. Here are the world’s most iconic self-help books that you might want to have in your physical library.

“Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson

Who would have thought that a simple story involving cheese, mice, and mazes could make such an impact to millions of readers worldwide? A motivational business fable, “Who Moved My Cheese?” is a great read for dealing with change that happens in your personal and work life.

“What Color is Your Parachute?” by Richard Nelson Bolles

First published in 1972, this book provides wise advice about job hunting and making career choices. Even if it has been revised multiple times, the premise of the book still holds true to this day.

“The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck

This self-help book focuses on love and relationships, and how to find fulfillment in your life. Peck believes that love should be all about making an effort to understand and nurture another person rather than expecting to receive something from a relationship.

“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie

Need expert advice on becoming a great leader, making friends, or being successful? Then you need Dale Carnegie’s influential book by your side.