The book that changed my life—albeit my very young one—was from the Nancy Drew series. Mind you, her world wasn't mine at all. Her father, Carson Drew, was a lawyer; mine was a bus driver. But I was impressed with her determination. It came in handy when, as a copywriter, I needed that one unique selling point out of many.
There’s something about books that often impress and stay with us. Sometimes the core of a book doesn’t resurface in our lives until years later. Other times it’s immediate, and you can’t get it off your mind, nor do you want to. These are the kinds of books we share with others, urging them to “check this out.” I was curious to know what those life-changing touchstones were for my Audible colleagues. From fiction to nonfiction, these books mattered to us, and they still do.
“Books are more than stories”
Clifford the Big Red Dog helped me relearn English when I returned to the US as a child, and in doing so showed me that books are more than stories, they are bridges to curiosity, adventure, and belonging. —Pat Shah, Global Head of Content Acquisition, Strategy & Partnerships
“Love far outweighs material success”
Tuesdays with Morrie reinforced for me that developing meaningful relationships, living with purpose in everyday moments, and love far outweighs material success in creating a fulfilling life. —Derek Murphy, Global Head of Business Development
“Just enough insight to inspire action”
I have an affinity for business books that reframe the obvious and deliver just enough insight to inspire action. This explains why my parents were equal parts confused and intrigued finding their 12-year-old absorbed in All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten—the book that changed my life. —James Finn, Global Head of Brand & Content Marketing
“From my father's bookshelf”
As a teenager, I had read a lot of the required high school reading, but Catch 22 was on my father's bookshelf and I picked it up as a curiosity. It was eye-opening to witness the origin of a phrase but also understand and appreciate the satirical perspective of a book for one of the first times. —Manny Miravete, Sr. Director, Content Acquisition, Originals
“Changed how I see the world”
A Short History of Nearly Everything was my companion on a plane ride from New York to London as I began working there, and the timing felt perfect—as I started a new life chapter, Bryson's exploration of cosmic and earthly history fundamentally changed how I see the world and my place in the universe. —Natalya Berger, Sr. Director, Strategic Advisor to the Chief People Officer
“Taught me how to create meaningful change”
Robert Cialdini's Influence informed my understanding of the psychology of persuasion, teaching me how to create meaningful change through influence. Understanding the principles of reciprocity, commitment, and social proof not only helped me grow professionally but also in how I navigate personal relationships with authenticity. —Sue Shlapakovsky, Head of Product Science, Discovery & Martech
“Opened my eyes to powerful social commentary”
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood opened my eyes to powerful social commentary that has stayed with me long since, and also to Margaret's celebrated body of work that has paved the way for greater diversity and feminist perspectives in speculative fiction. —Jess Kessler, Head of Brand & Content Marketing, North America
“Reminded me that life is about reinvention”
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles is teeming with quotes that stay with you. They particularly helped guide me when I left New York, reminding me that life is about reinvention, that ambition can live with integrity, and that there is grace in living with both style and substance. —Abby McInerney, Sr. Creative Director, Global Brand Design
“A practical framework for personal and professional growth”
7 Habits of Highly Effective People transformed my life by providing a practical framework for personal and professional growth, helping me prioritize effectively, build stronger relationships, and align my actions with my core values. —Ryan Eland, Sr. Director, Customer Engagement
For more transformational listens, check out the books that changed our editors' lives.
