I love reading, not just because I enter worlds of my own in fiction, but because I also learn so much from fiction and nonfiction alike. That said, here are five books spanning the entire spectrum that we think can be life mentors-in-your-pocket.

(Read more: Lectione gaudium)

1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A beloved world classic since it was first originally published in French as Le Petit Prince, this book makes up for length through powerful insights. We’re reminded through the eponymous character to focus on and seek the truly good and fine things in life, and not to muddle our heads with worldly matters that derail us from our goal.

2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This book just screams TDY for us. It is a fable about a young shepherd boy who travels to discover his Personal Legend, and in the process learns much wisdom on how to live a truly legendary life.

3. The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything by James J. Martin, S.J.

Not just for Catholics, or even Christians! The spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order, has a unique and distinct identity to it that appeals to all walks of life. Here, Father James writes on how to apply these philosophies to everyday living, and how joyful it can be.

4. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

This is the book that kickstarted The Daily You. A forty-day meditation on Christian purpose and living, pastor Rick Warren teaches through this journey-in-a-package what true purpose is all about: it is following the will of your God for you. That’s from where all the magic of living follows – you just have to listen and say yes!

5. God Never Blinks by Regina Brett

Forty days not enough? Try fifty. God Never Blinks is a collection of short essays that reflect on life in general, how you should never take yourself so seriously or how every day is a gift. Conceptualized by the author when she turned fifty, this book reads like a practical guidebook to living with purpose.

Aloy Chua is the Co-Founder and CEO of TDY. His column, Today, discusses everyday living in relation to TDY’s philosophy of Higher Purpose Through Love. He’s also the co-founder of the Roots Collective, a community hub for entrepreneurs, and a freelance systems consultant and writer/editor, and loves reading about fashion, technology, travel, entrepreneurship, and healthy living. Find out more about living The Daily You on our About Page.

Follow Aloy on Instagram at @royaltruchua and Twitter at @TheDailyAloy.