10 Books That Changed My Life

10 Books That Changed My Life

People often ask me what books I would recommend. While I enjoy reading about investing, economics and the markets, the books that have shaped me the most haven’t necessarily been about money.

They’ve challenged me to think differently, become a better leader, strengthen my faith, improve my relationships and ultimately become a better husband, father, advisor, and friend.

If I could recommend just ten books that have had a lasting impact on my life, these would be at the top of the list.

1. The Bible

Without question, no book has influenced my life more profoundly than the Bible.

Its teachings continue to shape my values, guide my decisions and remind me daily that true success isn’t measured by what we accumulate but by how we love God, love others, and serve those around us. Regardless of your beliefs, whenever life becomes complicated, I find myself returning daily to its timeless wisdom, where I always seem to find the perspective, peace, and direction I need.

2. Man’s Search for Meaning

This is the most impactful book I have ever read outside of the Bible.

Frankl survived some of the darkest days in human history and discovered that while we cannot always choose our circumstances, we can always choose our response. That simple truth has influenced how I face adversity, both personally and professionally.

3. The Psychology of Money

This book completely changed how I think about investing.

It reminded me that successful investing is rarely about intelligence. It’s about behaviour. Patience, discipline, humility and consistency usually outperform brilliance over the long run.

As a financial advisor, I find myself applying these lessons almost daily.

4. Atomic Habits

One small improvement doesn’t seem like much today.

But repeated over months and years, those small improvements completely change our lives. Whether it’s our finances, health, relationships, or faith, consistency wins.

5. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

I’ve returned to this book several times throughout my career.

Covey reminds us to lead with integrity, think long-term, seek first to understand, and focus on what truly matters.

Those principles are just as valuable in marriage and parenting as they are in business.

6. The Boys in the Boat

This remarkable true story illustrates the incredible things ordinary people can accomplish when they trust one another and pursue a common goal.

It reminded me that success is rarely an individual achievement.

7. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

This book couldn’t be more relevant today.

Our culture celebrates being busy, but busyness often steals the very things we value most—our relationships, our health, our faith, and our peace of mind.

It challenged me to slow down and become more intentional with my time.

8. How to Win Friends and Influence People

Despite being written almost 90 years ago, its message remains timeless.

People want to be heard, appreciated, and understood. Those simple principles have helped me build stronger relationships with clients, colleagues, family, and friends throughout my career.

9. The Hiding Place

Few books have demonstrated forgiveness and faith as powerfully as this one.

Corrie ten Boom’s story reminds us that hope can exist even in life’s darkest moments and that forgiveness often frees the person offering it as much as the one receiving it.

10. Shoe Dog

Most people know Nike’s success.

Far fewer know how close it came to failing.

Phil Knight’s story is a reminder that perseverance, resilience, and believing in a vision often matter more than having a perfect plan.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I’ve realized that the books that changed me weren’t necessarily the ones that taught me the most facts—they were the ones that changed the way I think.

As advisors, we spend a great deal of time helping people build financial wealth. But real wealth extends beyond dollars and cents. It includes our character, our relationships, our health, our faith, and the legacy we leave behind.

Every book on this list has helped shape the person I am today and for that, I’m grateful.

If you choose even one of these books this summer, I hope it challenges you, encourages you, and perhaps even changes your life the way it changed mine.

Happy reading and enjoy your summer.

Written By: Duane Francis