Hey there, bookworms and literary enthusiasts! 📚✨ Our latest blog post, “One Book That Changed Your Life,” goes through the Good JuJu Agency team where they each share their most transformative reads! Prepare to be inspired as our diverse team reveals the one book that left an indelible mark on their hearts and minds. From thought-provoking non-fiction to captivating novels and soul-stirring memoirs, we’ve curated a collection of life-altering reads that will leave you yearning for more.
Mikey
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. Simply put I could not put it down. Into Thin Air is an autobiographical account of Krakauer’s own experience summiting Mt Everest in the midst of one of the deadliest seasons in the history of the tallest peak in the world. If you haven’t been exposed to Krakauer, he has talent for writing some of the most hauntingly descriptive accounts of endeavors gone horribly wrong and the choices that lead to unfortunate outcomes. Equal parts mountaineering history, personal exploration, and tragic reflection, Into Thin Air appeals to everyone’s inner adventurer while simultaneously illustrating the dangers of throwing caution to the wind in pursuit of something grandiose.
Adam
My life changed at 10 years old when I first read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Most people consider it a “children’s book” but it’s not – it’s a roadmap for how to live a life of kindness, generosity, eco-friendliness, selflessness and service to others, and really represents the relationships that all people have. It truly defined me and inspired me to always give to others, even when it’s hard, even when you don’t hear a “thank you”, and even when others may simply just take from you.
The Giving Tree changed my life again when I read it as a parent and when I read it with my kids. My perspective had changed, and my love for the book intensified, as it powerfully symbolizes how, as parents, we give everything we have to our children and are sometimes left with nothing left to give. But despite that, we’re still happy and fulfilled because we’re are able to provide for our children and give them ALL of us…to the very end.
Emily
Buy Yourself the F*cking Lillies. The title seems intense, “Buy Yourself the F*cking Lillies: And Other Rituals to Fix Your Life, from Someone Who’s Been There,” written by Tara Schuster, but this life changing book is funny, exciting, and an easily applicable to your life. I was given this book in college from my sister and it sat on my nightstand for weeks. But, one day I got bored enough to read it. Tara Schuster, a comedy icon, goes through and explains how she was at the worst time in her life, but how she made life better. Throughout the book, there are lots of tips on how to practice self love with a gratitude journal, writing more thoughtful thank you cards, or silencing your inner frenemy. But, for me, it taught me to do nice things for myself and not wait for someone else to do it for me. In essence, don’t wait for a man to buy you flowers, buy yourself the f*cking lillies. So now, I enjoy gifting myself presents, complimenting myself, and doing anything I can to make myself feel loved. Who can understand, forgive, and love yourself better than you? Read this book if you want new radical ways to love yourself while having a good laugh. Check it out on GoodReads here
Cameron
A book that has changed my life is “Health At Every Size” (HAES) by Dr. Lindo Bacon. I had just dipped my toe into the anti diet-culture waters when I read this book, and it completely blew my mind. In the same year, I was diagnosed with a health condition that caused me to feel really down on myself, thinking it was my fault that it happened and that I would need to go on a strict diet and exercise regimen in an attempt to reverse my condition. After reading HAES, I learned that we only have control over about 30% of our health – the other 70% is determined by factors that we can’t control, such as genetics, socio-economic status, etc. HAES taught me that we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves when it comes to our health. It also taught me how I can improve my diet without restricting food. I learned so much from that book that has forever changed my perspective on dieting and health in general. While this book is for anyone, it’s especially a must-read for those considering going on a diet (for any reason).
Kate
A book that I really enjoyed, and one that changed my perspectives on life, is Untamed by Glennon Doyle. Through experiences from her own life, this book discusses the idea that people, and more specifically women, have certain standards and expectations that they are expected to uphold in today’s society, even from a very young age. The author highlights feeling caged by societal norms, and throughout the book, presents her solutions and findings from her journey in being freed from that cage. Doyle inspires women to not care about the opinions of others, and to not feel conformed by what our world tells us we should be. Especially being so young, I am really grateful to have read this book, and I try to keep in mind, just as she recommended, that no matter what our world says, I can do and be exactly who I want to! I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially women, and I hope that you’ll get something out of it just as I did! Find it on GoodReads here
Myles
Man’s Search for Meaning had a great impact on my life. This book is a heavy read but it truly changed my life. I read this book twice, once while in college and another time after being a few years removed from school. Frankl shares vivid anecdotes and introspection while highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of finding purpose even in the face of unimaginable suffering. This book helped me understand the human condition and is an excellent reminder of the importance of meaning in our lives.
