11 Books that Impacted Me + Halloween Giveaway!!!

Banned Books Week began on September 27th and will end on October 3rd. In honor of literature, books, and authors I am sharing the 11 books that impacted me. (Although they may not be banned books.) 

1. Souls Perfection by Sylvia Browne

I read this book last year during a difficult time and it really opened my eyes to see that I am capable of getting through any hardships. Sylvia Browne answers the questions: What’s the meaning of life? And reveals how you can make your life meaningful. I know many people don’t like her beliefs and disagree with her on many topics, but this book was very enlightening for me.

Quotes:

“Without any negative rub in this life or phobias or worries, you wouldn’t gain any knowledge or insight.”

“So when you’re going through your trial and tribulations, you must say to yourself, “Chalk another one up for me. I have not succumbed to grief, futility, or despair.”

2. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

This book haunted me when I read it at seventeen. I actually wrote an essay about what it would be like if our world was like the one Aldous Huxley created, if people had no emotions. I don’t have that essay anymore (wish I did because it was good!) but I remember saying that I hope the world never becomes A Brave New World.

3. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

This book is controversial because of the discussions about religion, creation, God, and science. I personally found it intelligent, reasonable, and to make perfect sense. Again, I wrote an essay inspired by what I read and my thoughts on creation and evolution. I probably won’t ever share it here though because I don’t like to broach these topics on social media platforms. Anyway, if you’re open-minded, check this book out as well as the one I listed as #1.

4. Are You My Mother? By P.D. Eastman

This children’s book has inspired me work more than any other children’s book. I reference it a few times in my unpublished series featuring Avrianna Heavenborn from Ghost of Death.

5. A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

I know that he got blasted for lying, but that doesn’t make this book any less good in my eyes. The thing that I liked the most was his style. There’s no quotation marks (which normal bugs me but worked well with this story) and every page has lines with just a few words. This is a raw and deep story about drug addiction complete with friendship, love, and emotion.

Quote:

Mom.

She stares at me.

I’m sorry.

She had been broken.

Truly, truly sorry.

Broken by me.

6. Tao Te Ching (Translation by Stephen Mitchell)

If you’re open to other religions and concepts, this work is the most wise and insightful writings you’ll ever find.

Quotes:

“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”

“If you over esteem great men

People become powerless.

If you overvalue possessions,

People begin to steal.”

7. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

I first read this book in elementary school. When we finished it in class, I bought my own copy to read it again. I love it so much that I’ve read it several times. I’ve always been fascinated by World War II and stories about Jews (such as A Diary of A Young Girl by Anne Frank). This is a powerful book about the impact of war and Nazis for kids and adults.

8. The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

This book is a heartfelt and honest story about the mother-daughter relationship. Reading this book felt like a journey. I really felt as though I was being told deep, dark secrets. I laughed until I couldn’t breathe and cried until I fell asleep. It made me look at life, love, and my mom in a new light.

9. Dragonfly Secret by Carolyn J. Gold

I read this book at a young age and it is 100% the reason why I love dragonflies today (I have a dragonfly tattoo) and believe in fairies. It’s a story about family, magic, imagination and belief.

10. Book of God: The Bible as a Novel by Walter Wangerin Jr.

The author took the Bible and created stories that read like fiction. This would be a great option for those who struggle to read the Bible and really want to get to the meat of the stories and enjoy them.

11. Footprints (Scripture with reflections inspire by the best-loved poem by Margaret Fishback Powers)

Footprints has always been one of my favorite poems and when paired with scripture, it becomes even more powerful.

Quotes:

“But I’m aware that during the most troublesome times of my life, there is only one set of footprints.”

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the river, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” [says the Lord.] Isaiah 43:2

QUESTION: What books have changed you or your life?