The Books That Changed My Life
After more than twenty years working in the travel industry, I’ve learned that the best books do more than entertain—they reshape how we think, work, and live. They influence our daily habits and overall well-being in tangible ways.
Given my demanding schedule, I focus on books that offer practical, immediately applicable insights. I value recommendations that simplify daily life and bring clarity and purpose to my work.
What sets my reviews apart is that I write from real experience. I share what I’ve actually tried, what worked, and what didn’t. I prioritize books that fit into a busy professional life without demanding excessive time or mental energy—books designed for people with limited availability but high standards.
My reviews center on mindful living through personal growth, wellness, travel, and practical philosophy. I’m honest about every recommendation: I never suggest a book I wouldn’t reread myself.
I review books across several categories:
Personal Development and Self-Help guides focus on building better habits and achieving meaningful goals through practical strategies and positive thinking patterns.
Wellness and Mindfulness books provide accessible instruction in meditation, yoga philosophy, stress management, and holistic health practices—written clearly for all readers.
Travel Writing captures how journeys transform people and deepen cultural understanding, exploring the search for meaning through travel experiences.
Professional Growth books address communication, leadership, sales, and career development—perspectives shaped by my background in aviation and business.
Psychology and Behavior works examine what drives human happiness, success, and meaning, challenging conventional assumptions about how we should live.
As John Green said,
“A book review is not just a summary, it’s a doorway to new worlds and perspectives.”
Let’s Chat!
I’m eager to hear your thoughts, too! Feel free to comment and share your experiences with the books I review. You might even inspire my next read!
So grab a cozy blanket, make a cup of tea, and let’s embark on literary adventures together. Happy reading, friends!
Start Discovering Books
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: Book Review & Key Life Lessons
- Author: Paulo Coelho
- Pages: 182
- Best For: Dreamers, seekers, and anyone on a journey of self-discovery
- Key Lesson: True treasure lies in the journey, not just the destination
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Read Time: 3–4 hours
Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen
- Author: Joseph Nguyen
- Pages: 130
- Best For: Readers seeking clarity, inner peace, and mindset shifts
- Key Lesson: Your thoughts are not always truths — peace begins with awareness
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
- Read Time: 2–3 hours
Attitude Is Everything by Jeff Keller – Why This Review Matters
- Author: Jeff Keller
- Pages: 112
- Best For: Anyone seeking a practical mindset transformation
- Key Lesson: Your attitude shapes your reality
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Read Time: 2–3 hours
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins: Book Review & Mental Toughness Lessons
- Author: David Goggins
- Pages: 364
- Best For: Anyone ready to build mental toughness and break through personal limits
- Key Lesson: Master your mind to overcome any obstacle
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Read Time: 6–7 hours
The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
- Author: Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
- Pages: 288
- Best For: Readers seeking freedom from approval and deeper self-acceptance
- Key Lesson: True happiness comes from living authentically, not pleasing others
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
- Read Time: 4–5 hours
Atomic Habits Book Review: Key Lessons by James Clear
- Author: James Clear
- Pages: 320
- Best For: Readers who want practical strategies to build good habits and break bad ones
- Key Lesson: Small, consistent changes compound into remarkable results over time
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Read Time: 6–7 hours
The Let Them Theory
- Author: Mel Robbins
- Pages: 257
- Best For: Readers seeking emotional freedom, personal growth, and boundary-setting tools
- Key Lesson: Practical strategies: Step-by-step guidance to apply the theory in relationships, work, and everyday life.
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Amazon: 4.6/5 from 21,000+ reviews)
- Read Time: 5-6 hours
Man’s Search for Meaning
- Author: Viktor E. Frankl
- Pages: 200
- Best For: Readers seeking meaning, resilience, and purpose through adversity
- Key Lesson: Freedom of attitude — Even when everything is taken away, we retain the freedom to choose our response.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.37/5)
- Read Time: 3-4 hours
The Midnight Library
- Author: Matt Haig
- Pages: 304
- Best For: Readers reflecting on life choices, regrets, and the power of possibility
- Key Lesson: Every life has value — Regret doesn’t define you; choice and meaning are always within reach.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.07/5)
- Read Time: 5-6 hours
💡 New to The Zen Journal? Start with my About page to learn about my journey from aviation professional to mindful living advocate
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