7 Books That Taught Us the Most Important Life Lessons

Yes, it’s on every must-read list ever made, but for good reason: It’s a timeless, honest look at depression. If you didn’t read this semi-autobiographical masterpiece in high school, read it now.

Where to begin? This classic is so rife with insight that we’ve asked ourselves on more than one occasion, “What would Scout do?” But if we have to boil it down: Always make an effort to understand others, and always stand up for what you believe in.

We’re going way back here, but this book about a two friends, an imaginary world and a sudden tragedy still haunts us as adults. (Maybe because the author was inspired to write it after a similar event in her own life.) Either way, it taught us to value every single day with the people we love.