Sarah Bakewell’s How to Live is one of those rare books that feels like it was written just for me—and now I’m sharing it with you. In 20 beautifully written essays, Bakewell answers the question, “How should we live?” by exploring the life and philosophy of Michel de Montaigne. It’s the perfect introduction to Montaigne if you’re not quite ready to tackle his 600-page Essays.

What I love most is how relatable Montaigne feels through Bakewell’s storytelling. His authenticity shines through, and I walked away with a notebook full of ideas to bring into my own life. One of my favorite quotes is, “When I dance, I dance; when I sleep, I sleep.” It’s simple but profound—just like this book. If you’re looking for wisdom you can actually use, this one’s for you.