I think it’s pretty clear that books are some of my favorite things ever. And while I read a lot, I sometimes wonder if I read the “right” books. I mean, there are dozens of classics I’ve never read (even though every year I promise I’ll read some of them) and when I see books like My Ideal Bookshelf, I get so intimidated because a) I’ve never heard of half of the books people mention and b) they seem way above my intellect. And then I get sad.
And that lasts 5 minutes.
Because even though I might not read the right books, I read the right books for me. That’s pretty much all that matters.
So when my friend Sally (who blogs at Tiny Apartment Design) nominated (asked?) me to list 10 books that changed my life, I was first nervous and apprehensive but then excited and enthusiastic. Because I want you guys to know what books have made a difference to me. It’s hard for me to say that these books changed my life, per se, but they have all had a long lasting impact on me and have affected how I think about life, writing, storytelling, and made me feel all the feels (or some combination).
These are my books in no particular order except the way PicMonkey cooperated:
- The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
- Rest Rabbit Rest from the Sweet Pickles series
- The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
- Alex: The Life of a Child by Frank Deford
- The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
- Late, Late at Night by Rick Springfield
- The Pact by Jodi Picoult (I could also have picked The Storyteller)
- Our Town by Thornton Wilder (I know it’s a play but it counts to me)
- A Separate Peace by John Knowles
- Start by Jon Acuff
Honorable mentions include:
- Downtown Owl by Chuck Klosterman
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
- The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
I’m sure the list is longer but we have something important to get to.
Like free stuff.
Now that you know some of the books that impacted my life, I want to help you find the next one to impact yours. To do that, and to thank you guys for being THE BEST readers ever, I’m joining with a bunch of other bloggers in a giveaway. From me, you get a $25 gift card to Amazon (my favorite place to shop) and another gift of your choice, not to exceed $10 (nail polish, Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts gift card, more money to Amazon…whatever you want). Just complete the entry form below and when you’re done, keep reading to see what awesome stuff 8 other bloggers are giving away. You know you want it.
1. Ellie: Ellie Petrov / 2. Sarah: Beauty School Drop Out / 3. Shelly: DIY Mama / 4. Karen: Book Delight / 5. Lisa: Expandng / 6. Dean: Mrs. AOK / 7. That’s me! / 8. NJ: A Cookie Before Dinner / 9. Kathleen: Kapachino
Good luck!
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[…] Dropout / 3. Shelly: DIY Mama / 4. Karen: Book Delight / 5. Lisa: Expandng / 6. Dean: Mrs. AOK / 7. Jana: Jana Says / 8. NJ: A Cookie Before Dinner / 9. Kathleen: […]
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[…] School Dropout / 3. Shelly: DIY Mama 4. Karen: Book Delight / 5. Lisa: Expandng / 6. Dean: Mrs. AOK 7. Jana: Jana Says / 8. NJ: A Cookie Before Dinner / 9. Kathleen: […]
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[…] Dropout / 3. Shelly: DIY Mama / 4. Karen: Book Delight / 5. Lisa: Expandng / 6. Dean: Mrs. AOK / 7. Jana: Jana Says / 8. NJ: A Cookie Before Dinner / 9. Kathleen: […]
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[…] Drop Out / 3. Shelly: DIY Mama 4. Karen: Book Delight / 5. Lisa: Expandng / 6. Dean: Mrs. AOK 7. Jana: Jana Says / 8. NJ: A Cookie Before Dinner / 9. Kathleen: […]
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Gone With the Wind. I got into it at a time in my life when everything seemed to be going wrong/bad and for some reason, Scarlett was like a beacon of hope to me. 🙂
Amanda recently posted…That Time December Came At Us Like A Spider Monkey
I need to read that book. I tried once, years ago, I never made it past page 4. I should try again.
I could go on for days. A Separate Peace is on my list but maybe not Top 10.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Beach Music by Pat Conroy, Forever by Judy Blume, Ordinary People by Judith Guest, Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding…
SMD @ Life According to Steph recently posted…When I was in high school…
I have never read any of those books. I think I was in possession of Beach Music at one point, borrowed from my mom, and just never read it.
Really enjoyed Start the book, but the community around it really took the effect on my life to a new level. I could list so many books that changed my life. QBQ is definitely up there though. Applies to life and business.
Nick recently posted…3 Simple Steps That Will Immediately Improve Your Marriage
The community hasn’t impacted me like it has you, but it’s a good example of the far reaching effects of a book. I should read QBQ considering how much you mention it!
That Was Then, This is Now. S.E. Hinton
My Sisters Keeper- Jodi Piccoult.
My Sister’s Keeper was a great book! I could have also included Nineteen Minutes, too. Most of her books are fantastic!
Agreed, I love all her books. I just finished rereading House Rules
Such a hard question!! I think all books affect me in some way.
Kate recently posted…Post-Thanksgiving crash
True. I definitely take away something from every book I read, even if it’s “my God, I never want to read anything like that again”.
Besides the ones I included in my post, Dave Barry’s A History of the United States was one of my favorite “historical humor” books ever (is that a genre?) and The Outsiders is also amazing. I always think about how she was 16 when she wrote it!
Sally recently posted…10 Books that Changed My Life
The Outsiders is the book that made me want to be a writer! I don’t know if historical humor is a genre but it can be if you want it to be!
The Art of Racing in the Rain is a very good book. I think On The Road by Jack Kerouac is one that really change my outlook on life and hit me deep in my core. So hard to pick favorites though.
Kerry recently posted…Looking for Direction – Reader Survey
I haven’t read On the Road. Like Walden, it’s on my perpetual to-read list.
Sooo I don’t think I have read any on your list. Looks like I have some books to check out! I loved Tuesdays with Morrie. There are so many life lessons in that book!
Nadine recently posted…Confessions – I Am *Not* Fashion Blogger
I’m pretty sure I read it but I can’t remember. I love all of Mitch Albom’s books. Have you read The Timekeeper?
I really enjoyed the gift of imperfection by Brenee Brown.
San recently posted…Photo of the week: Rain!
So many books I’ve never heard of! I love all your comments and suggestions!
What a lovely post.
That first paragraph though, gosh.. that is is exactly how I feel. I feel uneducated sometimes, or uncultured.. I get offended when I see best of lists that don’t include my favourites. And then like you, I get over it. Aint nobody got time for that.
that being said – i never turn my nose down at someone elses favourites, because how else are you supposed to find your new favourites? i am going to look into all of these and add the ones to my list that i think i will like.
ps awesome giveaway!
kristen recently posted…Things that make me stupidly happy
I’m so glad you added some to your to-read list! As a warning, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is ridiculously sad and is a long read. But so worth it.
I loved The Art of Racing in the Rain, I’m thinking I’m going to include it with my mom’s Christmas gift because she hasn’t read it. Such a great book!
Kelli recently posted…Thank You Notes
Definitely include it in your mom’s gift!!! Everyone should read that book.
Oh, there’s no such thing as reading the right books. I think the important thing is to just read. I think people can sometimes get too snobbish about the books, movies, or things that they like. But, honestly, it’s diversity that makes the world go round. Diversity of interests, books, and even the things we like. So, you should be proud of your choices! 🙂 Also, so much yes to Outsiders!
Lynsey @ Eternally Wanderlyn recently posted…Around Town: San Antonio Christmas Markets
I agree! As long as you’re reading, that’s good. The only reason I want to read the classics is so I feel more well read. I am definitely proud of my choices!
I haven’t read any of these books too. I don’t like to read books that use a lot of extensive vocabulary because I read for leisure and it isn’t fun to have to look up words. If I am reading for education then I don’t mind larger vocabulary.
Tricia’s Mostly Healthy Life recently posted…Christmas Pinterest Fails
I don’t mind big words if they make sense. If they’re being used just so the author can show off his or her vocabulary then I find it annoying.
This is tough question!!! There are SO many books that have touched me. Henry David Thoreau was one of the first authors to somehow speak to me at 16… weird?
XOXO
Mrs. AOK recently posted…Comment on A Few of My Favorite Things {Blog Hop} #Giveaway by shelly
Not weird at all! Walden is one of the classics I was referring to. I always mean to read it and then…I don’t.
I remember reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in High School and it’s still on e of my favorites!
That’s another one I’ve never read. I’ll have to add it to my list.
There are many, but the one that always comes to mind is called Practicing His Presence by Brother Lawrence and Frank Laubach. It’s a Christian book about living in prayer and the presence of God.
Kathleen recently posted…favorite things giveaway blog hop!
I’ve never heard of that book. Based on topic and authors alone, I can imagine it has a profound impact.
The Art of Racing in the Rain was beautiful. I don’t often cry reading books, but that one got to me. 🙂
I definitely choked back tears on that one. It’s pretty much the standard that I hold all fiction books to now.
The book that changed my life (and made me a reader) was “Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry” (which has a sequel,) “Let the Circle be Unbroken”) which I read for the first time somewhere around the fourth grade. It was my first look at the tragedy that is social injustice, made me mourn for a character, and taught me how important reading would be in my life.
Kessi recently posted…Featured!
I’ve heard of that book but I’ve never read it. I should add it to my list.
Oooh thanks for the giveaway!
I haven’t read any of the books on that list except A Separate Peace and absolutely abhorred it! Haha I guess it’s geared towards different audiences.
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Jessica recently posted…Girl in Field
Everyone has different tastes and that’s just fine! Sorry to hear you didn’t like it.
Start was one of my top ten as well. Changed my life and because of it, I met you. Fantastic book!
Kristin recently posted…What is holding you back?
Awww…you’re so sweet! Our little group is the best part of that book 🙂
My biggest source of inspiration is the Bible and another book is The Secret.
I’ve never read The Secret but I’ve watched the movie. Very interesting.
I love anything by James Patterson and Jodi Piccoult but the books that stuck with me were Room, Catcher in the Rye and Lovely Bones.
I considered adding Room in the honorable mentions section. I don’t know why I didn’t. The Lovely Bones haunts me, too.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Moby Dick
I love classics and I love that I had written Moby Dick off as boring and then when I gave it a third chance, I thought Herman Melville was so hilarious and clever.
Emily recently posted…What I Wore- Same Song, Different Tune
One book that has stuck with me is the Book Thief. I read it over 3 years ago and the story still comes back to me. You can never quite shake off a good book. 🙂
Caroline recently posted…We May Now Celebrate the Holidays
I read it early this year or late last year. Such a great book! And I typically don’t enjoy books around that subject matter so you know it was really good!
OMG! You know Sweet Pickles?! That makes me absolutely giddy!!! I had them when I was a kid – my brothers (who are 11 and 13 years younger than i am) had mine when they were kids – and now my son has them too! I LOVE Sweet Pickles and can still name all of them. I don’t know very many people know of them. When my Dad and I would read them to my brothers a lot of the animals had specific voices too! Positive Pig has a southern drawl …. and Worried Walrus has this very mopey oh dear voice … Fearless Fish blubs along … and now I best stop before you think I’m crazy!
Two years ago, for Hanukkah or Christmas (I’m not sure which), my parents got me the entire set (minus one. Lion). I’ve been reading them with my daughter, who loves them, too. I love that the animals have voices!!!
I totally don’t think you’re crazy! Sweet Pickles is one of the best series ever!
the art of racing in the rain is awesome and influential and then id say the book theif
Yes to both of those!
I really enjoyed Nickled & Dime about the author’s experiences working minimum wage jobs. Opened my eyes to the way a lot of Americans live/struggle. Another book was Age Smart by my husband’s cousin. Though I’m far from retiring, it made me realize to keep the mind young.
lisacng @ expandng.com recently posted…Favorite things giveaway
If you liked Nickel and Dimed, read Scratch Beginnings by Adam Shepard. It was his response to that book.
a separate peace is also one of my all-time faves. another is the poisonwood bible!
I tried to read the Poisonwood Bible. I don’t think I was ready for it. I should try again!
I have hardly read any of your influential books — this makes me so happy because there are so many new books for me to read! A couple of my most influential books are Boundaries by Henry Cloud and The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
Sarah @ Beauty School Dropout recently posted…Favorite Things Giveaway (blog hop)
I liked The Happiness Project a lot. I’m actually considering rereading it. And since I own it, it shouldn’t be a problem!
The Bible has definitely impacted my life and I also loved Heaven Is For Real. Thanks and happy holidays!
like others have said, the Bible for sure has impacted my life! number one on the list! another book that comes to mind that i’ve read frequently is Love & Respect. It’s a book on marriage and how to balance the two and how needs of men and women differ. i actually read it 3 or 4 times before i even met the man i’m married to now and it just helped me understand men more in general haha
The Hunger Games Trilogy.. this trilogy took over my world while reading it AND that book by Jodi Piccoult about the girl with cancer whose sister had to donate her bone marrow
A Child Called “It” by Dave Pelzer.
Yes! Amazing book that you never, ever forget.
The Bible affected my life
The books that have affected me have been Little Women, Me Before You, End of Your Life Book Club, Every Day is a Holiday.
I would like to read Our Town! I love finding other readers 🙂
I have to admit that really, the most formative books I read were the ones I read as a child … I don’t read most of the popular stuff that adults apparently read 🙂
I loved the Five Little Peppers, the Little House on the Prairie books, the Great Brain and I, just off the top of my head.
Revanche recently posted…Preparing for post-delivery: Stocking up for the winter
Jane Eyre and My Sister’s Keeper are two that I really loved!
I adore reading.. one of my favorite books that definitely affected me is My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult. Though I read it at a very young age, I can almost see the words on the page come to life in my mind. It’s a beautifully haunting novel.
The Goldfinch!!
“The Prophet” by Khalil Gibran is an oldie, but a goodie and I keep going back to it and finding relevance in different stages in my life.
I really liked “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro. I couldn’t put it down, and even after I had finished reading, I still thought about it for weeks!
I would have to say “To Kill a Mockingbird”. It was a favorite of mine in middle school and still is.