I enjoy reading books about people who boldly pursue the lives they truly want. There is also something unique about these people and I’ve been trying to understand what that was.
They all come from different walks of life. They didn’t follow the conventional life path and they designed their lives how they wanted. I don’t know them personally, but from reading their stories, they were consistently true to themselves. Their voice was authentic and honest.
I read these books at the point in my life when I craved change. I was bored of the sameness and needed inspiration to make significant life decisions. I needed something new, something refreshing and reading these books was so energizing. They provided a break from the idealized world portrayed on social media. Their lives were far from perfect. They faced setbacks and rejections, but no matter what, they kept going.
I recently read Oliver Burkman’s newsletter about becoming who you are and this quote echoed my thoughts on the subjects of these books (his quote is more about the writing style but if you replace the word “writing” with “life,” that’s it):
‘‘I mean their writing itself conveys an intangible sense that they’ve accepted the kind of person they are, the subjects that interest them, the sort of help they can offer others – and they’re no longer wasting energy or dissipating focus by trying to do something else as well, or instead. What makes them inspiring isn’t that I want to write like them. It’s that I want to write like me in the way they write like themselves.’’
And finally, here are the books that had the biggest impact on how I think about life:
On the Move by Oliver Sacks
Oliver Sacks was a physician and professor of neurology. He came from a family of respectable doctors in England and he followed his parents’ career path. He had many interests and hobbies, but his greatest passion was people. Working in hospitals, he dedicated himself to patients dealing with Parkinson's, schizophrenia, and other neurological conditions. While he was searching for the cure for his patients, he strove to ensure his patients led eventful and meaningful lives.
He faced many setbacks because he didn’t comply with the authority and rules when he didn’t think they were right for the patients. He lived a truly adventurous life, dancing to the beat of his own drum.
I also recommend watching the movie “Awakenings” based on Sacks’ book of the same name. Robin Williams portrays Sacks and Robert DeNiro takes on the role of the main patient. The movie is fantastic.
Avid Reader by Robert Gottlieb
I first learned about Robert Gottlieb when I watched the documentary “Turn Every Page”, which is about his relationship with Robert Caro. Gottlieb served as Caro’s editor for nearly five decades, from the beginning of publishing The Power Broker until Gottlieb’s death. Gottlieb started his career at Simon & Schuster, discovered and published the notable novel, Catch-22, was an editor-in-chief of The New Yorker, and was fond of women’s purses and passionate about dancing (especially ballet). Most importantly, he was the most supportive and loyal friend anyone could ask for.
This book took me some time to read because Gottlieb references so many authors, books and places which I had to research. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed this book.
Twentieth-Century Boy: Notebooks of the Seventies by Duncan Hannah
Duncan Hannah was a visual artist and author and the “it boy” of the NYC party scene in the 70s. He hung out with people like Andy Warhol, David Bowie and Patti Smith. Twentieth-Century Boy is a compilation of Hannah’s notebooks from the 70s, recovering the wild and fascinating life he led. He was a talented artist but he had a hard time staying away from alcohol and drugs, which affected his career.
Despite these challenges, he still had a successful and full life, serving as an inspiration for people to follow their own path. This book is also a great window into the NYC arts scene in the 70s and, let me tell you, there was no place like NYC in the 70s.
Walking Through Clear Water in a Pool Painted Black by Cookie Mueller
Oh how I wish I had known this woman. I would have given her the biggest hug and thanked her for one of the best books I’ve ever read.
I’m sad she left us so early but, what a life she lived! Cookie Mueller was an underground actress and writer and she was a contributor to the East Village Eye. In this book, she candidly discusses her experience with LSD, giving birth to her son, spontaneously moving to Italy, doing odd jobs and living her best life. The latest version of the book features the introduction by the brilliant Olivia Laing.
Total Recall by Arnold Schwarzenegger
If you need a little push to kickstart that project, launch a business, move to a different country or do something you've been wanting to do, this book is for you. It will motivate you more than any self-help book or inspirational quote ever could. Arnold Schwarzenegger came from humble beginnings, had a vision, carved his own path, and turned that vision into reality. He broke the rules and created his own norms. He accomplished everything he put his mind to and worked hard for it. He shares his stories about moving to the US, becoming Mr. Olympia, pursuing a career in acting and becoming governor of California.
He also just published a new book Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life. I’m currently reading it and as soon as I finish it, I’ll report back. In addition to his books, I recommend signing up for his daily newsletter called “The Pump Club.” He and his team are on a mission to create a positive corner of the internet and they share research and advice on living a happier life. If there’s one email worth receiving in your inbox, it’s this one. You can subscribe here.
I’ll Drink to That by Betty Halbreich
Betty Halbreich is an icon and a fashion legend. She spent her early years in Chicago, married young, and eventually relocated to New York City. Her marriage ended in divorce, leading to a period of deep depression. She didn’t start her career until she was 40. At the time, she noticed there was a need for personal shopping at Bergdorf Goodman, so she took the initiative to start the first personal shopping department. Soon, all the other department stores followed. She still works at Bergdorf Goodman at the age of 95.
This book talks about her life, her experiences in the professional world and all the interesting people she encounters through her work. She also has an Instagram account where she shares tidbits of her life, career and her wealth of wisdom. She is such a joy to listen to!
If you have books that impacted your life, please share them with me. I’d love to read them!