5 Books That Changed My Mindset For The Better (and Might Just Change Yours Too)

A mix of truths, healing, and a coming home to yourself.

Hi friends. I wanted to share a few books that genuinely changed how I see the world—and myself. These aren’t just great reads. These are the ones that made me pause, re-read a line twice, and say, “Wow... that’s exactly what I needed.”

Here are the five that left imprints on my heart—and might just do the same for you.

1. Untamed by Glennon Doyle

What can I say about this one other than it healed me. I mean, it truly healed the roughest parts of myself when I needed it the most. Reading Untamed felt like getting a pep talk from both my best friend and the fiercest version of myself. It’s like Glennon was inside my head and knew what I needed. (And yes, it only feels right to call he by her first name at this point).

Glennon dismantles the idea of being “good” in favour of being true. She writes with this raw, relatable energy that makes you rethink everything you thought you had to shrink or silence in yourself. I dog-eared half the pages and took pictures of paragraphs for my phone background, it’s that good.

If you need to feel seen or understood, read this book. It’s like letting out a big sigh you didn’t know you were holding.

2. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book gave me permission to create without fear. It’s like a loving (but firm) nudge from someone who’s walked the path before you.

Gilbert reminds us that fear doesn’t need to disappear for us to start—it just doesn’t get to be in charge. Every time I feel stuck or blocked creatively, I come back to her words. It's grounding and electrifying all at once.

3. The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A Fuck by Mark Manson

Yes, it’s blunt. Yes, it swears a lot. And yes, it’s exactly what I needed.

This one helped me release the pressure to care about every little thing—and focus on what actually matters. It’s not about being careless. It’s about being conscious with your energy. Super freeing, super honest.

It felt like jumping in the ocean, naked, and not giving a flying fuck about who’s watching.

See? Freeing.

4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

I read this book last year and wished I had found it sooner. It feels like a quiet prayer wrapped in a story. This is another one that hits you with the right words at just the right time.

The Alchemist reminds me that our desires aren’t random—they’re part of a bigger path. Isn’t that so uplifting? That the journey, the waiting, the detours... they’re all part of it. I suspect it’s one of those books that lands differently every time, depending on where you’re at.

Actually yeah, you know what….Brb, going to re-read it.

5. The Secret Life Of Bees by Sue Monk Kid

I read this one in high school and it has stuck with me ever since. I may not remember every plot detail but I remember how it made me feel. That’s the sign of a phenomenal book.

Sue Monk Kid’s story is gentle, powerful, and deeply human.

It showed me the strength in softness, the beauty of chosen family, and the way healing can show up in the smallest of gestures. It’s full of warmth and womanhood and connection. I didn’t expect it to move me the way it did—but it stayed with me long after I turned the last page. And many others must’ve thought so too as it was later turned into a film with Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and Dakota Fanning.

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So, why am I sharing these?

Because books like these don’t just live on shelves—they live inside us. They remind us who we are. Or who we could be, if we listened more closely. Books like these are magic.

If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to know what they meant to you. And if you haven’t yet—maybe one of them is calling your name right now.

Feel free to leave your own mindset-shifting book recs in the comments. I’m always looking for my next soul shake-up. 💬💫

With love & a library card,
Shauna