For centuries, books have been the way to learn more about others and ourselves. Some books we read purely for entertainment, some for education, and finding one that combines both is a jackpot. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of those dry self-help books.
I simply can’t relate to them, and it makes it hard for me to actually implement what they are saying into my life. However, fictional books that convey an important message in a subtle, self-reflective way are my favorite.
Here are 3 books that unconsciously made me appreciate life more.
Why These Books Stand Out
These books are not trying to teach you how to be more productive or become more successful. They are written in a way that makes you slowly reflect on your life. With each page, they encourage readers to take it slow, appreciate little things in life, and question what truly matters. These three books share similar themes but present them differently.
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The 3 Books That Helped Me Slow Down and Appreciate Life
1. Kilomètre zéro by Maud Ankaoua
This book follows Maëlle. She is a financial director for a start-up. Her days are filled with obligations and stress. One day, she gets a message from her friend that changes the direction of her life. Before she could overthink her decision, she was already on her way to Nepal.
Kilpmetre Zero takes us on the journey of stepping out of your comfort zone and discovering yourself along the way. You can easily relate to Maëlle and cheer for her. This is one of those books you read in one sitting.
After reading it, I realized that success doesn’t immediately mean you are living a fulfilled life. Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is to stop for a second, take a few deep breaths, and reflect.
2. The Café on the Edge of the World by John P. Strelecky
The Cafe on the Edge of the World is the first book in The Why Cafe series. The main story is about a traveler who stumbles upon a mysterious cafe. It’s not your regular cafe with a drinks menu; this cafe’s menu asks you 3 existential questions. “Why are you here?, Do you fear death? Are you fulfilled?
This is another book that once you start reading, you just can’t put down. John P. Strelecky has such an authentic way. It is one of those books I always recommend to anyone who asks for book recommendations. The interesting thing is that this book only has around 130 pages, but it is so impactful. This only shows what an amazing author John P. Strelecky is.
This book makes you want to reevaluate your life decisions and what you believe your purpose is. It makes you think about whether you are living your life for others or yourself. We all think of purpose as something grand and extraordinary when, in fact, purpose can be simple and make sense only to yourself.
3. Return to the Why Café by Return to the Why Café by John P. Strelecky
The Cafe on the Edge of the World had such a big impact on me that I knew I needed to read the second book in the series. Return to the Why Café revisits the ideas from the first book, but through new characters and conversations. The main character, John, finds himself back at the Why Cafe.
As in the last book, this time as well, he has tough conversations with new people. This book teaches us that life isn’t about reaching a final destination; it’s about all the experiences we encounter along the way. Nothing is set in stone. We constantly have opportunities to change the direction of our lives.
What These Three Books Have in Common
- They prioritize meaning over achievement.
- They encourage slowing down instead of constantly chasing more.
- They remind us that appreciating life is a daily practice.
Final Thoughts
These are the books I return to when I feel overwhelmed and lost. If you are feeling stuck, burned out, or just need a fresh perspective, pick one of these books. I’m sure that they will not only be a good entertainment but also make you think more about your life, but not in a self-help book kind of way.
What’s one book that changed the way you see life?
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