12 Books That Will Profoundly Move You

This international best-seller by Viktor Frankl is a powerful exploration of purpose amidst despair. Frankl recounts his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and discusses how the pursuit of meaning is essential to our existence. Addressed as “one of the great books of our time,” it has sold over sixteen million copies and has been translated into over fifty languages.

Roxane Gay's gripping memoir, "Hunger", shares her deeply personal struggles with food, body image, and self-acceptance. As a critical examination of society's expectations of women, Gay's candid narrative invites readers to reevaluate their own relationships with desire and denial, revealing how she learned to nurture herself physically and emotionally.

Neil Gaiman’s "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" is a striking blend of childhood memory and unrestrained fantasy. This poignant fairy tale follows a boy who, returning to his hometown, uncovers a series of mysterious events that confront his notions of friendship, memory, and the grim realities of adulthood.

In "When Breath Becomes Air," Paul Kalanithi chronicles his journey from a neurosurgeon to a patient after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. This lyrical and thought-provoking memoir leads readers to contemplate life, death, and the profound value of living meaningfully even in the face of mortality.

Tara Westover’s "Educated" is an inspiring memoir chronicling her path from a survivalist family in Idaho to attaining a PhD from Cambridge University. Despite her lack of formal schooling, her thirst for knowledge drives her to escape her upbringing and make sense of her identity and belonging in the world.

John Steinbeck’s "East of Eden" is a monumental tale embodying the struggle between good and evil. Centered around two families – the Trasks and the Hamiltons – this novel poignantly explores themes of identity, love, and the harsh realities of moral choices, drawing parallels to the Biblical story of Cain and Abel.

Khaled Hosseini’s "A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a heart-wrenching narrative of two women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives are intertwined through personal and socio-political turmoil in Afghanistan. This story sheds light on resilience, the impact of war, and the transformative power of friendship and love.

This Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir by Frank McCourt recounts his impoverished Irish childhood. With poignant humor and a touch of nostalgia, "Angela’s Ashes" is a compelling narrative about survival, perseverance, and the redemptive nature of storytelling amidst the struggles of life.

Lori Gottlieb’s "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" offers a humorous yet profound glimpse into therapy from both the therapist’s and the patient's viewpoints. By sharing the journeys of her patients and her own struggles, Gottlieb provides valuable insights into the human experience, encouraging readers to confront their fears and cultivate growth.

Markus Zusak’s "The Book Thief" is a masterpiece narrated by Death that unfolds in Nazi Germany. Through Liesel Meminger's love for books, set against the backdrop of war, the narrative reveals the power of words, storytelling, and humanity even in the darkest times.

Cheryl Strayed’s memoir "Wild" tells the story of her 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail following a personal crisis. This raw and illuminating account underscores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the healing power of nature through difficult circumstances.

Kazuo Ishiguro’s "Never Let Me Go" explores humanity, love, and moral dilemmas through the lens of a haunting boarding school experience. As the students confront their destinies, this poignant story reflects on ethical considerations of life and the complexities of what it means to be human.