It is now 2026, and with a new year comes the list of New Year’s resolutions that aim to better yourself through life changes. Usually, this list includes activities pertaining to more physicality, pursuing forms of education or even changing philosophies.

While people often make jokes about how these resolutions are never actually accomplished, there is one activity that is almost always guaranteed to change a person no matter what, and that is reading. If you wish to make a change, whether picking up a hobby or searching for ways to deepen your understanding and yourself, reading these books will do just that.

Here is a list of books that will capture your attention from the very first page–and also kill your screentime if that is one of your resolutions amidst this digital age of doomscrolling.

“All About Love: New Visions” by Bell Hooks

You may have seen this book cover in memes about performative male final bosses, but “All About Love: New Visions” is truly the ideal read when looking to understand the love in your life, expressing that love and returning to that love.

Bell Hooks begins her book with a preface where she talks about how America has turned away from love, and she relates it to personal experiences she felt in girlhood. In this comparison of love being both lost and abandoned, she presents a thesis in how finding a way back to love leads to a more fulfilled life.

Also, at the beginning of each chapter, she begins with an epigraph, a sort of hook to the specific section. It is a warm-up to what Hooks brings to the table, and it will keep you reading for what she has to say. It is quintessential to read her book if you are seeking a life filled with appreciation and love rather than staying in a place of grief and despair.

“The Art of Being” by Erich Fromm

There are philosophical ideas written all over this little list article, but this book is quite clear of that sentiment judging by the title alone. Erich Fromm’s work focuses on stepping back from an existence as consumerists and instead adopting a lifestyle where we find fulfillment within ourselves and what we do for ourselves and each other.

Consumerism has been a driving force in society for a countless number of years, and this can be measured with the continuous rise of influencer culture pushing us to buy whatever is on our screens. Fromm’s book opposes this way of living in spite of its spread on the world, and he advocates for a life that does not center oneself around material objects. It is a perfect read for those who wish to be encouraged to do rather than to buy.

“The Essential Rumi” by Jalal Al-Din Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks

Poetry is an art form that has existed for centuries in the face of triumphs and tragedies, allowing for expressions of emotions through the dancing of words. In “The Essential Rumi,” Coleman Barks translates the iconic works of Rumi, a Persian poet from the 13th century that holds a strong influence in the Islamic practice of Sufism.

While one may think the specificity of Rumi’s religion must mean that it could only resonate with those who practice Sufism, his poetry will speak to anyone willing to pick up this book and begin reading. His poems speak to the atmosphere that typical stories uphold as well as the metaphorical manifestations of poems.

The art of trying to understand poetry is tricky and scary; however, these mystic collections will push you to want to try anyway.

“101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think” by Brianna Wiest

If you are a college student, essays are crucial to your entire existence. Whether it is reading, dissecting or even writing them, essays will eventually become a part of who you are. You don’t have to limit yourself to assigned readings for your classes; you could try reading essays in your free time to expand your skills while also working to change as a person.

Brianna Wiest’s plethora of essays touches on subjects such as daily routines, subconsciously holding yourself back from goals, and life expectations. They will open up your mind to think of what hinders you in life and what pushes you to accomplish more than you could ever imagine. If not for essays like these, how would we ever analyze ourselves?

A Planner

Yes, this is not technically a completed book edited and distributed by a publishing company, but it is something perhaps better; it is a book entirely written for the events of your life. The best part? There are many options that could suit your taste and agenda.

Completing your list of resolutions does require a plan, and writing down that plan is most likely the best way to both remember it and to motivate yourself. Think about a year from now, sitting with all that you did for the year; don’t you want to track your accomplishments all the way back to the beginning, when they were merely ideas?