What books have you read that have impacted you the most in a positive way - fiction or non fiction?

Question

I am doing some research for book reviews for my website. I would like to review some of the books that you guys tell me about. Please can you put the title and the author if possible. Thanks.
If you would be interested in personally reviewing the book you have recommended, please email me.

Answer 1

"The Great Gatsby" taught me that we should keep striving for that "green light," the possibility that something better lies just beyond the corner, if we only have the courage and conviction to reach for it, no matter what the odds. Gatsby went from being a simple country boy to a legend, even if his legend was built on phony bonds, all because he wanted to win the love of a girl who became his ideal, though she didn't really deserve that adulation. I also learned a lot from, oddly enough, Michael Moorcock's "Elric" series (now finally finished at eleven volumes). Elric is someone people keep insisting has no choice but to follow his "destiny," yet he continues to fight against it, doing what he knows is right and just instead, even though doing so alienates him from his own culture and turns him into a mercenary outlaw. Elric really just wants to be himself, not someone else's vision of what he should be. That's a good lesson to learn. Be yourself, no matter what others think of you. Don't "give in" to societal pressure to conform to rigid standards.

Answer 2

The Lost Men by Kelly Tyler-Lewis tells the (nonfiction) story of the antarctic explorers who laid the supply depots for Ernest Shackleton's famous attempt (and failure) to cross Antarctica. It's a fascinating tale indeed. The men were leaving England just as World War I was beginning, and what they went through amazes me.

Most of us live very long, safe lives. We don't risk anything or break new ground. Reading about real people who lived life fully is both inspiring and sad to me. I tend to reflect on the adventurous person I want to be and scoff at the coward that I am. While some people may find well researched nonfiction accounts dry, I find them more fascinating than any New York Times Bestsellers crap of the week.

Answer 3

It may sound silly but I'm really into youth fiction and any of the harry potter books will do it for me. Anything by Cornelia Funke is wonderful. I've read all of her books. Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Trilogy is good too. I also like Rick Riordan's The lightening thief. And the Penderwickes is a good one but I forget who writes it. Children's books are so refreshing and are so meaningful in special ways. They let me recapture my childhood in a way nothing else can

Answer 4

Hmm. There's so many that have touched me, it would be impossible to list them all. But I'll give you a few of them. The first one would have to be Hearts in Atlantis by Stephen King. Especially the first story in it. And then there's another one by Amy Tan called the Hundred Secret Senses. It's a wonderful book about a Chinese American who rediscovers her culture, and herself. If you want more, just send me a message.

Answer 5

Angela's Ashes- Frank McCourt
- This book was amazing, it really touched me how he struggled to survive and go to America

Joy Luck Club- Amy Tan
- Stories about the strength of women

Freak the Mighty- Rodman Philbrick
- I loved this book, it showed the true spirit of friendship

Answer 6

No question about it.

"Alcoholics Anonymous" This book is a true treasure. To learn how to deal with life's problems, just read this book and for the word 'alcohol' substitute whatever problem you're dealing with. You'll find that you relate very well. It will give you a clear path to follow to deal with all life's problems.

Answer 7

" Mao's Last Dancer"
Li Cunxin (pronounced “Lee Schwin Sing”) is a remarkable man borne of a remarkable story. He has published a remarkable book about his extraordinary life. In his runaway best selling autobiography, Mao' s Last Dancer, Li recounts his determination, perseverance, vision, courage and hard work, and in particular, the sacred family values and integrity that he learned in poverty-stricken China, which has driven him to become one of the best dancers in the world. He tells of how the sixth of seven sons born to peasants grew up worshipping Mao Zedong before defecting to the United States.

Answer 8

1. Animal Farm by George Orwell - I was quite young when I read this but it opened up my eyes to how systems get distorted and people (animals!) get corrupted by power.

2. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

3. Anne of the Green Gables series by LM Montgomery

4. Wuthering Heights by Charlotte Bronte

Answer 9

Well the Bible for one. Another one that has greatly impacted me was Cirque du Freak. The author is a young kid who already has published 8 of the Cirque du Freak saga.

Answer 10

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Mainly because it taught me to open my eyes and attempt to be aware of peoples, notabaly government officials, most hidden intentions. Especially those intentions that are an attempt to harm myself or the populace, physically or mentally.