Have you ever read a book that has made you a stronger person? If so what and how did it change you?

Question

Please not the bible I've already read that.

Answer 1

For spiritual understanding - "Illusions" by Bach.
For political/social understanding - "The Fever" by Wallace Shawn (You know, the Sicillian guy from the Princess Bride who says "inconceivable" a lot)

Answer 2

I am just reading a wonderful book called "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau. It is about his own experiences when he went went to live alone in the woods for several years. He built a cabin and lived of the land.

Thoreau really cuts through all the nonsense of recieved opinion. He questions everything and points out that most things we consider necessities are actually just luxuries.

This book is helping me to see that most of the problems we think we have are unimportant and in that way is making me a stronger person.

Answer 3

Angela's Ashes, by Frank McCort, Despite impoverishing his family because of his alcoholism, McCourt's father passed on to his son a gift for superb storytelling. He told him about the great Irish heroes, the old days in Ireland, the people in their Limerick neighborhood, and the world beyond their shores. McCourt writes in the voice of the child?with no self-pity or review of events?and just retells the tales. He recounts his desperately poor early years, living on public assistance and losing three siblings, but manages to make the book funny and uplifting. Stories of trying on his parents' false teeth and his adventures as a post-office delivery boy will have readers laughing out loud. the emotions expressed; the descriptions of teachers, relatives, neighbors; and the casual cruelty adults show toward children. A vivid, wonderfully readable memoir.

Answer 4

The Bhagvad Gita. I know, since you put 'not the bible', you might not be looking for any kind of religious text, but it's very good. It inspired me more to take action and be aware of those around me. The first time I read it I was floored, and I was not a religious person at the time.

Answer 5

Yup... It's called the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. It taught me a lot about human beings and what they are capable of and for the first time, I had a clean concise example filled explanation of why.

It also taught me a lot about myself and what I cam capable of and why.

and as for the Bible. It is true. There truly is "nothing new under the sun."

Answer 6

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyasaki.

Answer 7

"The Miracle of Mindfulness" by Thich Nhat Hahn. It helped me to realize that I am one with, and need to be completely aware of, everything around me, and that I must make a habit of praticing this every day of my life. I treat people and everything with the same regard that I would like others to show to me. Also the Book of Mormon, which taught me that my Heavenly Father does love me and that He has a space reserved for me and my family in another kingdom.

Answer 8

There was a time when I read some of the "Vampire Chronicles" from Anne Rice. I was kind of gloomy for a while, given some health situation.

Answer 9

'Feel the Fear & Do It Anyway' and 'Feel the Fear & Beyond' by Susan Jeffers. They helped me get my self esteem & confidence back.
Derek Acorah's book about the afterlife. I have always been interested in spiritualism but this book really moved me & gave me a stronger faith.

Answer 10

Siddhartha