(01 of18)
Open Image Modal1984 by George OrwellThis wonderfully written, but often troubling book is essential to squaring much of the news of the day in our world, from privacy scandals to global politics.
(02 of18)
Open Image ModalCat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut This book about a man who wants to write a book about the inventor of the atomic bomb will make you consider the power of weapons, and the lengths to which we should take our pursuit of knowledge.
(03 of18)
Open Image ModalAnne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery In this Canadian classic, Anne’s story holds the power of hope and friendship as one young girl — who doesn't quite fit in — just keeps going with life.
(04 of18)
Open Image ModalThe Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-ExpuryThe book centres on a young boy’s search for answers to life’s questions, but the philosophies of this book are just as relevant to adults.
(05 of18)
Open Image ModalFeminism is for Everybody by bell hooksThis is an eye-opening look at why feminism matters for all of us, and why it should be accessible to all women, regardless of class, orientation, race, age, or other factors.
(06 of18)
Open Image ModalBeloved by Toni Morrison This modern classic manages to somehow provide a window into the horrors of slavery, while also making you feel hopeful about humanity. It’s not an easy balance to reach, but Morrison does it beautifully.
(07 of18)
Open Image ModalThe Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger There’s a reason this book has endured as the quintessential coming-of-age novel. Holden’s search for inner peace and belonging resonates with all of us, in our teen years and beyond.
(08 of18)
Open Image ModalThe Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: Looking for artistic motivation? A way to unlock your creativity? Cameron’s guide is surprisingly enlightening, a combination of instruction and inspiration.
(09 of18)
Open Image ModalThe Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. LewisWhen you’re a child, the idea that a whole other world is just on the other side of an ordinary door is magical — and equally so when you’re an adult.
(10 of18)
Open Image ModalGirl, Interrupted by Susannah KaysenNearly the entirety of Kaysen’s memoir takes place in a psychiatric institution, but the characters never lose their humanity in this eye-opening look at mental illness.
(11 of18)
Open Image ModalOn Writing by Stephen King This is a favourite of writers, of course, but it’s about more than that. It’s about the power of loving your craft and really working at it, and of pushing through the dark stuff.
(12 of18)
Open Image ModalNo Logo by Naomi Klein This book served as an eye-opener for a generation of young adults, making clear the corporate connections that govern our lives to a much greater degree than most of us would like to admit.
(13 of18)
Open Image ModalI Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit SethiYou’re not going to be blown away by the beauty of Sethi’s writing or the book’s window into the mysteries of life, but if you follow his advice, your finances will be better for it.
(14 of18)
Open Image ModalTo Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Although this Lee classic may have been written years ago (1960 to be exact), so much about this story is still relevant today. We are still living in a world with racial inequality, and books like this one can act as an educational platform to help us understand what some communities still deal with.
(15 of18)
Open Image ModalOmnivore’s Dilemma by Michael PollanMany of us are completely disconnected from our food, from start to finish. This deeply researched book by Pollan will make you really think about how what you eat gets on your plate.
(16 of18)
Open Image ModalTiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl StrayedYou may know Strayed from her book Wild, but before that became a bestseller, she wrote anonymously for Dear Sugar giving advice. Much of it is contained here, which is a good thing because it’s filled with gems about love and life.
(17 of18)
Open Image ModalSteal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon Our culture is obsessed with authenticity, but Kleon makes the argument that there is nothing out there that is truly, entirely original. Accepting that opens you up to really embracing your creative side, one you may not know had existed.
(18 of18)
Open Image ModalGetting Things Done by David AllenIf you are a procrastinator, disorganized, or just really busy all the time, Allen’s simple system for organization and productivity will revolutionize the way you the work.