Written by Ana Elefterescu
There are immense amounts of story books, most of which have been turned into movies you’ve probably already seen. So for this blog on literary recommendations, I’m going to rely on the fact that as a university student, you, like me, have a thirst for knowledge.
I searched far and wide for books that would add value to my life and help me discover new perspectives and insights. Amidst this sea of information, there are a few treasures that stood out to me not just for their practical wisdom but for their beauty and mastery of language. I’d go as far as to say that their words and lessons now echo in the back of my mind, helping to steer my thoughts and actions.
1. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
The Artist’s Way is written with an insightful understanding of the creative process and so it helped me realise even I as a future dentist have artistic potential, despite my profession being rooted in science. Cameron offers practical exercises, like morning pages and artist dates, designed to guide readers through creative blocks.
What makes it special is its deep compassion and encouragement, reminding us that creativity is an essential part of living a full life, not just a means to an end. I love this book because it blends self-reflection and actionable steps, making the often abstract concept of creativity relatable to everyone.
2. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell redefines what it means to be successful. Instead of focusing on talent and hard work alone, he highlights the role of timing, culture, and circumstance. Reading about fascinating real-life examples that show how external factors shape success stories, from Bill Gates to professional hockey players, I was able to reassess how my environment can allow me to be more.
The book offers a fresh perspective, urging us to consider not just individual effort but the broader context of our lives. This book changed the way I look at achievement, convincing me that success is a mix of opportunity, timing, and relentless effort.
3. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
The Power of Now is a modern spiritual classic, teaching us how to live in the present moment. I read it a number of years ago but Tolle’s message was so simple yet so transformative it stuck with me: we often get caught up in the past or future, missing out on the power of being fully present. While this is still something I struggle with, the way he writes about mindfulness and presence is deeply resonant, and I pick up the book whenever I need a gentle reminder to let go of my mental noise.
I recommend this book to anyone who feels overwhelmed or disconnected from life—it has a calming, grounding effect that stays with you long after you finish reading.
4. Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
Ikigai explores the Japanese concept of a life worth living, which combines passion, mission, vocation, and profession. The authors draw from interviews with the world’s longest-living people in Okinawa, Japan, to uncover the secrets to a happy and long life.
This book is both a reflection on longevity and a practical guide to finding purpose. It used a simple method to help me realise that dentistry is my “ikigai”.
5. See What You’re Missing: New Ways of Looking at the World Through Art by Will Gompertz
See What You’re Missing is a celebration of seeing the world through fresh eyes. Will Gompertz uses art as a lens to help us appreciate and participate in the richness of everyday life. By explaining how artists think and see, he encouraged me to adopt new perspectives on my surroundings.
What makes this book so enjoyable is its combination of art history, psychology, and philosophy, packaged in a way that is relatable to anyone. I found this book to be a much needed reminder to slow down, observe, and find beauty in the ordinary.
These books, each in their own way, offer more than just fleeting insights; they provide meaningful, actionable advice wrapped in eloquent prose. They help you not only understand the world better but live more intentionally within it.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
