What is the 1 book you would suggest everyone reads in their lifetime?
I'm making it a personal goal to read for 30 minutes daily again, and am looking for some quality material. Anything related to science, technology, or woman's history are very interesting to me. #college #engineering #science #technology #tech #women-in-tech #reading #women-in-engineering #books
159 answers

Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Maria,
You can read:
Emotional Intelligence, by Daniel Goleman
"Everyone knows that high IQ is no guarantee of success, happiness, or virtue, but until Emotional Intelligence, we could only guess why. Daniel Goleman's brilliant report from the frontiers of psychology and neuroscience offers startling new insight into our "two minds"—the rational and the emotional—and how they together shape our destiny.
Through vivid examples, Goleman delineates the five crucial skills of emotional intelligence, and shows how they determine our success in relationships, work, and even our physical well-being. What emerges is an entirely new way to talk about being smart.
The best news is that "emotional literacy" is not fixed early in life. Every parent, every teacher, every business leader, and everyone interested in a more civil society, has a stake in this compelling vision of human possibility".
https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Intelligence-Matter-More-Than/dp/055338371X
Best!
Lisa’s Answer
1. Who Moved my Cheese - Deals with change
2. Fish! - How to bring energy, passion, and a positive attitude to the job every day
Sevana’s Answer
It's categorized as a self help book, but it's a lot more than that. Jordan Peterson is a clinical psychologist, who speaks from a lot of real life experience of dealing with people, he also has a profound understanding of the nature of reality it its most true sense. This book provides valuable insight into how move forward in life and have meaning and motivation, despite all the hardship and tragedy that is the default of our existance.
Another great book (read for pleasure) is The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, a historical novel taking place in 12th century that you will be hooked on so quickly. It has suspense, action, and romance, but it also is a lot of history.
Lee’s Answer
As a young person, you'll need to develop an inner dialogue that inspires your creative confidence. The War of Art refers to this as "Resistance".
Creativity and collaborative problem solving is a future skill.
Additionally, it's very hard to know the best way to seek success and how it should be defined for you.
Thankfully we can externally source wisdom and cheat the learning curve by taking time to invest in reflection.
This book will give you the energy and belief of a Tony Robbins event in the comfort of your home.
I wish you more than luck!
Lee recommends the following next steps:

Amy (Scheffer) Glowatz CPA, MBA
Amy (Scheffer)’s Answer
Lean In - Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
This book is a must-read for any female profession in the corporate world. Enjoy!
Amy
Mohammad’s Answer
I would suggest that everybody should read "When Breath Becomes Air." It is a book about a thriving Stanford Neurosurgeon who get's diagnosed with cancer. It teaches you a lot about how best to deal with hardships and how to overcome adversity head on.
Rajesh’s Answer
If I do have to suggest one book, it will be Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". You may have heard that winning is a habit, not just luck (if you want to win again and again). The basic habits referred to in this book, if inculcated properly, will help you in all walks of life, including your career. Think of this book as a foundation to whatever you may do later. Remember, it is just my advice so take it what you paid for it! Good luck!!
Ryan’s Answer
"Autobiography of a Yogi" is a spiritual classic written by Paramahansa Yogananda that tells the story of his life and spiritual journey. While the book is primarily a spiritual autobiography, it can also be viewed as a beautiful love story.
It's a beautiful love story because it is a testament to the power of love and devotion in our lives. It shows us that when we have love in our hearts, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our greatest potential.

Jasan Kaur
Jasan’s Answer
Rachel’s Answer
This is a very moving memoir detailing Michelle's upbringing and her life with Barack Obama. While it was very interesting to read about her life, it also broken down various processes about campaigning that I didn't know before. One chapter brought me to tears, just saying, good read!
Harshita’s Answer
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
2. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Shirley’s Answer
Mai’s Answer
Ramendrajit’s Answer
Glenda’s Answer
Chirayu’s Answer
Nadine’s Answer
Rebecca’s Answer
The book's main theme is about finding one's destiny. "When you really want something to happen, the whole universe will conspire so that your wish comes true."
Aaron’s Answer
Crystal’s Answer
The book gives you an understanding of how to live a life based with basic principles. Every new habit will will help you grow from the inside out. The teachings that are within the book allow you to apply to everyday life. The make sense in the real world and easy to incorporate in your life. The book breaks things down easily to understand.
steve’s Answer
LaTonya M’s Answer
Shubham’s Answer
I would like to add one which has made a large impact on how I invest (not just money, be it time or anything else) : The Intelligent Investor. The book is written by Benjamin Graham who was Warren Buffett’s mentor. The idea of the book is to focus on long-term wealth building and not short-term gains.
Gonzalo’s Answer
The novel is about the importance of the rule of law, and the complexity of human beings

Akshama’s Answer
I would suggest reading 'How to win friends and influence people' by Dale Carnegie.
If you're from a Computer Science background, do read Cormen's book on Algorithms, it's marvelous.
TV’s Answer
Dear Maria,
Looking at all the answers above, I can say that the folks above are much well read and some of the books ranging from self-help to fantasy are definitely the best ones out there.
I would slightly digress from the answers above and suggest a book titled "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis. This book talks about English words, their origin, etymology, pronunciation and will definitely add many more words to your vocabulary. I found this book to be extremely useful and it helped me learn several new words which I use on a day-to -day basis.
So, if you ever want to have "your way with words", then I would recommend that you give this book a try.
Regards.

Anthony’s Answer
A much easier and very relevant read in today's society is Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown. It's a shorter one (I finished it about 2 weeks) and very powerful. It touches on topics as it relates to understanding ourselves, how to be vulnerable in our society, and how to approach conversations with people who have different opinions on topics.
I hope this helps! I also recommend checking out anything by Malcolm Gladwell.
Francisco’s Answer
Denise’s Answer
I don't have a book title for you, but I do have a suggestion that goes all the way back to when I first started reading.
Even if I was just reading for enjoyment, I always had a dictionary by my side so that if I encountered a word I didn't know I looked it up. This not only helped me to better understand what I was reading but also helped build my vocabulary. Now it is even easier with digital assistants. Just ask Alexa or Siri.
Happy reading!
Tobias’s Answer
Almost everyone I've encountered in my life is happy to support others and is ready to forgive or see the positives in their actions, but when it comes to their own actions or circumstances they can be harsh on themselves. Be kind to yourself.
Stephen’s Answer
It's kind of a "fake it 'til you make it" story, but there are a lot of important lessons for people who transition into management and how they struggle to do the right thing because they become too autocratic. It works in a lot of other situations in life too.
For example - when asked by a team player, "what should I do next"? The idiot manager asks "what do you recommend" instead of taking over with their own ideas - which would stifle the individual. The idiot manager accidentally empowered the team player, who was expecting the boss to have the answer and take the problem away from them.
Sorry I don't remember details about the publisher and author.
Kaitlyn’s Answer
1) The Alchemist
2) The five people you meet in heaven
Both have lessons attached and are really great reads. Enjoy!
Dennis’s Answer
1. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
jacqueline’s Answer
It is a motivational business fable, pointing out ways to deal with change in your life at every level. It is a quick and simple read, I bet you will find it powerful and walk away very satisfied.
Karin’s Answer
I don't think there is any single book that everyone should read. It depends on you, what you like to read, your age, your personal and professional circumstances etc. I see that a lot of the recommendations here are along the lines of "How to improve yourself and be more successful". I would like to recommend a book that is not about you or about success and money. I would recommend The Diary of Anne Frank - especially since we see fascism rising again.
I hope you are doing well. All the best to you!
KP
Brittany’s Answer
I read this within the first few months of working full time and a lot of the information in the book is super helpful in navigating your career as well as enhancing your personal life.
Pradip’s Answer
I learned from Gandhi that no matter what you never sacrifice the basic principles of your life. Gandhi was once on his deathbed and the doctor advised him that he will die if he doesn’t drink food. He refused. He was ready to die along with his principles.
Long Walk to Freedom
This book is about the story of a shy man who fought with the British. Fought from Apartheid at all costs at all times. He ignored his family for the nation. Ignored his son’s growing years. Ignored everything to free his country. He went to jail for a term of 27 years and was ready to fight until he dies. From a boy of a very small village who was shy and only dreamt of eating corn and plowing his field to the First President of South Africa.
The power of your Subconscious Mind.
Things I have learned by reading this book and here are they:-
● Faith is the only universal healing principal operating through everybody.
● You receive answers to prayer because of mental acceptance about what you pray.
● Your Subconscious Mind has the answer to all your problems.
● Don’t compel your Subconscious Mind to accept your idea by will-power.
● The world you live in is Determined by what goes in your mind.
● If prayer is answered, it is answered scientifically.
The 7 habits of highly effective people.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen R. Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, service, and human dignity -- principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.
Rich dad Poor dad.
I have learned many things and wanna share them with you. So here are some points:-
● In today’s fast-changing world, it’s not much what you know anymore that counts, because often what you know is old. It is how fast you learn.
● One dad had a habit of saying, “I can’t afford it”. The other dad forbade those words to be used.
● Today, I often meet people who are too busy to take care of their Wealth. And there are people too busy to take care of their Health. The cause is the same. They’re busy, and they stay busy as a way of avoiding something they do not want to face.
● Failure inspires winners. And failure defeats loser. It is the bigger secret of winners. It's the secret that losers do not know. The greatest secret of a winner is that failure inspires winning, thus they’re not afraid of losing.
● I have learned that the more I teach those who want to learn, the more I learn.
● Once a person stops searching for information and self-knowledge, ignorance sets in.
● I have learned that without a strong reason or purpose anything in life is hard.
● Education is more valuable than money in the long run.
● Often in the real world, it's not the smart who get ahead, but the bold.
● Unfortunately for many people school is the end, not the beginning.
Melisa’s Answer
Great question and I love all the answers and recommendations here (which I will use for my own reading list as well)!
You mentioned “Science, Technology or Womens’ History.” I’m currently reading “Rosalind Franklin: The dark lady of DNA” by Brenda Maddox. It’s pretty interesting and amazing what she accomplished in her life, but how at the time she overcame challenges to gain recognition and credit for her discovery.
I also enjoy books by Jon Gordon, www.jongordon.com. Books like “The Positive Dog,” “The Carpenter,” and “The Shark and the Goldfish” can be quick, easy and inspiring reads.
Best wishes for success in your educational and career goals!
Melisa recommends the following next steps:
Nicholas’s Answer
Johanna’s Answer
Jamie’s Answer
I had the opportunity to attend a live session with Rose Fass and it was amazing. It really opens your eyes not just in business, but in your everyday life.
Jake’s Answer
Quick and easy read.
Helps you understand why change and adaptability are so important in both your personal and professional life.
Joseph’s Answer
1 - Be proactive.
2 - Begin with the end in mind.
3 - First things first.
4 - Think win-win.
5 - Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
6 - Synergize!
7 - Sharpen the Saw; Growth.

Alex’s Answer
Corrine’s Answer
Roohan’s Answer
Although I would recommend The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma, which is simple yet powerful.
Sungmin’s Answer
My recommendation is not a book but an article by Michael Sandel: The Case Against Perfection.
The work presents a view on the technological trends (particularly genetics) and argues about the possible harms that might occur with these changes.
Sungmin recommends the following next steps:
Carol’s Answer
Vipul’s Answer
Biographies and autobiographies attract me most when I am in search of inspiration.
I would suggest biographies of Steve Jobs (Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography) and Elon Musk for technological inspiration.
I liked "Its not about the bike", a biography of Lance Armstrong who fought cancer and returned back to his career as a cyclist.
Finally for some spiritual inspiration, I would recommend short stories of Swami Vivekananda.
Ryan’s Answer
Carla’s Answer
If I can offer a second book it would be"The Things They Carried " by Tim O'Brien. It's a war story that contains a lot of humorous pop culture and historical references.
Julian’s Answer
I would recommend “Becoming” by Michelle Obama it a very solid memoir by one of the strongest and powerful women in the world. This book is a 10/10 for me.
Priscilla’s Answer
Priscilla recommends the following next steps:
Melissa’s Answer
Amrutha’s Answer
Aba’s Answer
Absar Ul’s Answer
One of the books that I can suggest you is " Thinking Fast and slow " by Daniel Kahneman.
It talks about the cognitive study of human brain. -- that being from science.
Coming up to some Women empowerment book : I would suggest to go for "Becoming " by Michael Obama.
Hope this helps:)
Happy Reading <3
Deeshani’s Answer
I would recommend "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly. It highlights the untold story of African-American women mathematicians at NASA, who played crucial roles in the early years of the space program. It beautifully combines elements of science, technology, and women's history, showcasing how these women overcame barriers to make monumental contributions. It’s inspiring and thought-provoking, and fits well with your interests in science, technology, and history.
Jordan’s Answer
Sam’s Answer
Catherine’s Answer
Rick’s Answer
Book by George J. Thompson and Jerry B. Jenkins
Laur’s Answer
Daniel’s Answer
Matthew’s Answer
I would highly suggest reading the Harry Potter books. It is very complex and will make you feel as though you are immersed in the actual story.
Shiri’s Answer
Gerardo’s Answer
Chris’s Answer
I would recommend a couple
Great by Choice by Jim Collins (good career business skills)
Bold by Peter Diamandis (good view of the future businesses)
Lorrena’s Answer
Elizabeth’s Answer
Speed of Trust, rank Covey
Alas, Babylon; by Pat Frank,
Katherine’s Answer
Enjoy!
Prerna’s Answer
Hi,
I must suggest 'The Monk who sold his Ferrari' by Robin Sharma. He wrote two other books on the same series which are good too but this is one just a such a great insight to how we get consumed by our material wants and loose focus on important things in life. Things which get us most joy yet don't cost any money , like self satisfaction , love, contentment.
Another one If i may suggest would be 'The Alchemist'
Hope you like these books and they could guide you in your life and decisions.
Kimberly’s Answer
John’s Answer
Hi Maria, to me there is no "one" book. The fact that you are dedicating time to read is a great first step. Then follow your curiosity and interests. What interests me may not interest you, so you just need to formulate a process to seek books in the areas you are interested in and then make the time to read them. Also don't be afraid to read in areas you may not think you have an interest. Learning is a lifetime activity, "sharpen the saw" as Stephen Covey recommends in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". In time you may find the one book that was a great read for you. You can find recommended reads on Amazon or the New York Times best sellers lists. Just keep reading and learning!
Hope this helps.
Sri Athithya Kruth’s Answer
I would suggest the book 'The Happiness Hypothesis' by Jonathan Haidt.
This book talks about various approaches to happiness from different religions and cultures throughout the world's history and relates them to modern positive psychology to produce a great read, which will help you find out what makes up what we perceive to be happiness.
Here's a link:
https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Hypothesis-Finding-Modern-Ancient/dp/0465028020/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RYFHXHZUXCWS&keywords=the+happiness+hypothesis+by+jonathan+haidt&qid=1568122839&s=gateway&sprefix=the+happiness+h%2Caps%2C344&sr=8-1
Another great would be 'Grit' by Angela Duckworth. Duckworth talks about some of the most important qualities for success, Grit, which is a secret seen in experts and successful professionals in all spheres of life, and explains how you can cultivate and nurture your Grit.
Here's a link:
https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111116/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RHE0EQFOIMRT&keywords=grit+by+angela+duckworth&qid=1568122977&s=gateway&sprefix=Grit+by+An%2Caps%2C347&sr=8-1
Happy reading! Hope this helps!
Kimberly’s Answer
Garima’s Answer
Few of my favorite of all times is Outliers by Malcom Gladwell and Start with Why by Simon Sinek.
Sunil’s Answer
This has had a practical impact on my thoughts about money. I realised the value of investing, compounding. Even if you dont know much about money, all finance jargon, investment; you should still read this book to start. I would like to give this advice to all the young grads passing out of college. Mantra is to start early.
Hope the advice was useful... Happy investing..
Regards
Sunil
Sam’s Answer
When I graduated from high school, I was an awkward kid and I wasn't yet fully comfortable in my own skin. I didn't have much experience in how to interact with others. I finally saw this book at a book store and bought it. I found its advice to be really really useful in that respect. It gives a lot of simple and easy to execute tips on - of course - how to win friends and influence people.
Some examples:
- practice at remembering peoples' names, and use their names when talking to them
- look people in the eyes when you speak with them, and don't be afraid to smile
- don't just pretend to be interested in someone; be genuinely interested
- talk or ask about the other person or things they are interested in (because people generally like to talk about themselves)
It contains just a lot of good advice, and I gained confidence in myself just by reading it.
Melina’s Answer
- "sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you're not really losing it. You're just passing it on to someone else."
- "all parents damage their children. It cannot be helped. Youth, like pristine glass, absorbs the prints of its handlers. Some parents smudge, others crack, a few shatter childhoods completely into jagged little pieces, beyond repair."
- "the human spirit knows, deep down, that all lives intersect. That death doesn't just take someone, it misses someone else, and in the small distance between being taken and being missed, lives are changed."
Enjoy reading :)
Kaitlyn’s Answer
Elizabeth (Lizzie)’s Answer
I'd recommend Pride and Prejudice as well as the Great Gatsby--both are classics that are often taught or required reading in high school. There are some books that influence and are referenced by other forms of media, and these are two of them.
Sethu’s Answer
Impulse.. Dr David Lewis
Luke’s Answer
Brian’s Answer
- How to win friends and influence people
- Talking to Strangers
- Thinking Fast and Slow
Simeon’s Answer
Kirk’s Answer
A couple I do not see on here:
1. Right Risk by Bill Treasurer - I read this book when I am concerned fear is keeping me from making a necessary change in my life.
2. How To Fail At Everything And Still Win Big by Scott Adams - Adams provides examples from his life that illustrate how to change your thinking from a "goals based" approach to a "systems approach". Focusing on goals works for some problems, but others are stubborn and need a different approach.
Kelsey B.’s Answer
I highly recommend "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly. I have not yet read the book but the movie was amazing. I can only imagine the amount of detail and information that will be in the book.
Imran’s Answer
One of my favourite is Atomic Habits and here is why -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdZ_q7vAJMk&t=2s
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/atomic-habits-small-changes-transformation-imran-ar/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_post_details%3Bez7UGtY1Rp6jEpr3jdrIrg%3D%3D
Allen’s Answer
Peter’s Answer
Maria:
I would without hesitation, suggest you read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy by Tolken. It is a wonderful, remarkable book, full of wonder and some very believable fantasy. It is a classic tale of an unassuming hero [itched against a powerful, unrelenting enemy of Man. Over the years I have re-read the three books three times over and never cease to be fascinated and inspired.
Pete Sturtevant, PE
Debbie’s Answer
The first is called "On Writing Well" by William Zinnser. Specifically the chapter on Clutter. The higher you progress in your career, the more efficient you need to be at communicating. This chapter helped me understand what it takes to develop that skill.
The second is called the "Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg, specifically the story he relates about the Alcoa company and the concept of finding a keystone habit and leveraging it to drive change.
Heena’s Answer
- power of now
- power of subconsciuos mind
- mein kamf
- art of war
the latest i read - Girl, stop apologizing.
Vernon’s Answer
I can't offer one single title for reading because there are so many genres. Here are some choices.
Politics: "Shock Doctrine", by Naomi Klein; "Dark Money", by Jane Mayer; "Collapse", by Jared Diamond; "Drift", by Rachel Maddow; "Racing to the Brink: The End Game for Race and Capitalism", by Vernon Turner
Science: "Ever Since Darwin", by Stephen J. Gould; "The Sixth Extinction", by .......; "A Brief History of Time", by Stephen Hawking, "On the Origin of Species", by Charles Darwin.
Novel: "Sophie's Choice", by William Stryon
Enjoy.
Michael’s Answer
Excellent book if you are interested in Entrepreneurship and starting a business.
Lots of great examples of how people achieved success in their field, overcame adversity and never lost faith in their vision.
In any business there will be setbacks but if you maintain your focus and do not lose sight of your goal you can achieve amazing things!
Cheryl’s Answer
Linda’s Answer
I cannot recommend just one choice there are so much choices. Just make sure you read you will learn new things everyday that you read
Scott’s Answer
Chandra’s Answer
Uday Rao’s Answer
by Savi Sharma
"This is not your story"
by Savi Sharma
Must read these books in life time.....
Pritesh’s Answer
A’s Answer
Cookie’s Answer
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
It was published in 1923 and has never been out of print!
Alisha’s Answer
nitin’s Answer
Personal Finance is basic financial education/knowledge which is a must for everyone must have before investing. A thorough knowledge on personal finance is a must for everyone, by the time they get their first salary or atleast before starting to invest.
"Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki
Robert Kiyosaki, has authored a series of books on Personal Finance. Refer the internet search for a complete list of all books.
Preeti’s Answer
Fikret’s Answer
Also, The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams. It is a wonderful that puts many things in perspective and provides strategies for finding joy and happiness in life. I just finished reading it, and it has already changed my outlook on many things.
Ryan’s Answer
It was the book that really taught me to put other people first and consider them. Without putting effort and habit into putting other people first, it's too easy to forget them. By remembering their names and their families and their concerns, one can help other people move forward at the same time one is pursuing their own goals.
One can't accomplish much alone, and other people are always going to be there. Learning to rally them to your cause and throw in your hat with theirs will pay dividends every day of your life.
Shantanu’s Answer
By
Bill Bryson
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