The best books are able to do far more than just entertain us. They are able to inspire us and even change our lives.

If you’ve ever had the experience of being profoundly moved by a book, you’ll know just how true this is. People have had books change their dreams and aspirations. Move them to fall in love. To confront injustice. To make a difference in the world.

Almost any type of book is able to have this effect on the right reader. It’s not just memoirs or inspiring works of nonfiction. Novels can cause profound change, and shed light on social issues readers might never have otherwise become aware of.

However, there are certain types of book which seem to have a profound effect more often than others. You can’t force yourself to stumble across your next inspirational read. But, by exploring the following genres, you stand a great chance of finding the next life changing book on your journey as a reader.

Are you ready to be profoundly inspired? Then take the time to explore the following genres.

Memoir

Of all the types of book out there, memoir is the one which seems to deeply move people the most. 

There is nothing more personal than reading a skillfully written memoir. It’s perhaps the best way to walk in someone’s shoes we know of.

Memoirs create an incredibly deep level of empathy between the reader and their subjects. To be exposed to someone’s inner world, as well as witnessing their life’s trials and tribulations, leaves a lasting impression which doesn’t fade fast.

Some of the best and most inspirational memoirs out there are those which explore the life of a figure at a time of great social upheaval. The life stories of Malcolm X, and Nelson Mandella, to give just two examples, are some of the books which stay with readers for the rest of their lives.

Other types of memoir which consistently prove to be powerful are those for people within an area of life we admire. Reading the stories of business leaders, sporting heroes, or politicians, can cause us to feel a great deal of motivation in our own lives.

At their very best, memoirs are able to make us reflect upon our own lives, realize the difference we are able to play in the lives of others, and cause us to aim to live in a way worthy of our own memoir eventually.

What could be more powerful than that?

Inspirational Non-Fiction

While memoirs are a very powerful example of inspirational non-fiction, they are by no means the only one.

Self-help books have proved to be consistently popular over the decades, and have helped people to take charge of their own destinies. Often, the finest self-help books can act as the supportive coach, parent, or friend we weren’t lucky enough to have in real life.

Sometimes, books sharing the latest insights from the world of psychology and motivation can be incredibly inspirational. When we are shook out of our usual way of seeing the world, and come to see it in a new light, we can feel refreshed and reinvigorated.

Interestingly, travel books are some of the most inspiring for many people. There is a famous saying that travel broadens the mind. Perhaps reading about travel is the next best thing. Travel books can provide an instant escape from the familiar world around us, and transport us to exotic and exciting new places. People are often inspired to save up and take a real life journey after a particularly powerful travel book.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that fiction moves, well non-fiction informs. The very best non-fiction has a profound and positive impact on readers. Why not seek some out for yourself?

Emotionally Moving Literary Fiction

Have you ever related so deeply to a fiction book that you feel you’ve truly lived it?

Countless readers throughout the ages have had the powerful experience of forming a deep connection with a work of fiction. These books do far more than just entertain and provide a story to escape into. Instead, they leave a lasting effect on the minds of those who enjoyed them.

Some examples of this principle at its most powerful include wrongly incarcerated people given the strength to keep going by their favorite books, people with depression drawing inspiration from their literary heroes, and fictional works which awaken people to injustice and social wrongs in their community and nation.

So how do you know if a work of fiction is going to have a profound effect on your life? Often, there’s no way to be sure, and that’s part of the delight. It’s often a bolt from the blue which grabs you by the soul and just won’t let go.

However, if you’re reading a fiction book, and you find yourself thinking about the characters when you’re not reading, perhaps even dreaming about them, it’s a sign that you need to be prepared.

Prepared for what? Prepared for a book which is about to change your life for the better.

Change Your Life By Opening A Book

Sometimes, in a world full of stress, fear, and uncertainty, it’s holding onto the small things which gives us the strength to keep going with a hopeful heart.

What could be more inspiring that your life could change by doing something as simple as reading a book? People who take the time to write a book really are making a difference. 

A visit to your local library, or favorite online book store, has thousands of chances of changing your life for the better.

How wonderful is that? Why not choose your next book right away, and give yourself the joy of life changing inspiration. Or at least a darn good read!