What Book Affected you the Most in Your Life?

Question

and do tell, why?

Why I asked:

Jeffry C. Davis wrote: If you want to learn about yourself, learn about others--people both real and fictional. This way you can gain insight into their struggles, fears, longings, beliefs, habits, and relationships; then you can apply that insight as you make sound decisions for your own life.

Emily Dickinson says, "There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away."

http://www.wheaton.edu/english/faculty/davis/guidance_for_students/books.html

Wow, no wonder we have a very wise bunch here, it's in the books you read.

Answer 1

I came up with a few... just off the top of my head. To Kill a Mockingbird, The Diary of Anne Frank, The Grapes of Wrath, and Of Mice and Men. Perspectives.

Answer 2

If I end up with shoulder problems in the long run, it's because I've always got a book in my bag. My dad read to me and my sisters every night before we went to bed, so I suppose we were all destined to be bookworms. Except my little sister ... Don't know what happened there ... She hasn't read a book for at least a year. Books have made me a better person, actually. Because once upon a time, Billet was a stupid girl and did stupid things. And during this reign of stupidity, Billet didn't read much. Then one day, she picked up a book, and BAM! Decided to abandon that life, move on and now she's a better person for it. The book was Pride and Prejudice. Probably changed my life. Elizabeth Bennet was such a great literary heroine. She's so independent, lively, strong and intelligent - everything I'm not. It made me realise there was so much more to life than who wore the shortest skirt, who weighed the least and who could get drunk to fastest. And Harry Potter - love of my existence. When I read Harry Potter, it was like opening a new door. I'd never let my imagination run so wild and it was as though a world of possibilities suddenly existed. I liked this question. I got me thinking :)

Answer 3

Mandingo--the unbelievable lives and times of the slaves. Next would be the Life and Times of Hitler. Gave some insight into what can happen. I read both of these at 18 years old. The house I lived in in Calif had two huge bookcases full of books from the 1800's and also diaries, the diaries were from trecs across the US in wagon trains, the costs of food, gloves, wagon wheel repairs, a bath, a hair cut. Wonderful hand written things. When I left they were all still there as well as barrels full in a shed in the back. I have often wondered what became of them. I could not with a clear conscience take any of those things -- even tho there was not anyone that would have missed them. Now I wish I would have taken some, just to be able to pass them on.
There was also a complete set of encyclopedias from the 1850's. The book cases were from a lawyers office in England and you could turn them around and there was a single bed that folded down, springs, thin mattress and all, on casters.

Answer 4

Honestly, I would pick the Bible. Every question on earth can be answered if you seek from this source. All the writings of Paul are a true inspiration because he was so against Jesus. While walking on a road, the spirit of Jesus asked him "Saul, why do you persecute me?" Paul fell down, knew who was speaking to him, and became blinded. He became a changed man and and his name was changed from Saul to Paul.

If we could all be touched by something this powerful, imagine what accomplishment we could make.

The second book that has inspired me would have to be "To Kill a Mockingbird." The beauty and tragedy of a past generation in the south and how things have actually changed. One man standing in defense of a then known as "colored man" was an inspiration to me.

Thanks.

Answer 5

Left Behind. It is the first book in a series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.I was so wrapped up in the plot of people who were left behind after the Rapture.I read the whole series and I started going to church to find out more. I got baptised and have since joined a church. Those books were truely a blessing to me at a time when I needed it.

Answer 6

I'd have to pick two authors, rather than a specific book...Isaac Azimov and Robert Heinlein...both of whom, though sci-fi writers focused more on the human condition within that genre...Learned so much philosophically from reading their books and about the condition we call life and the species we call humans.

Note: I would add two books- Gulliver's Travels! and The Natural Mind by Andrew Weil

Answer 7

I love to read, I think I am a life long learner and also love novels that take me away to somewhere else and also help me understand my self better...good question! I can't name just one but I would have to say the Bible, Torah, Quran, The Agony and the Ecstasy, Eusibius, Renae Marie Rilke, Secret Society of the American Elite, C.S. Lewis, Thoreau,...so many I can't name them all. That is the hard part of getting older...as life goes on the list gets longer. I do like a variety! Smile! I shall have to check out the author you mention!

Answer 8

"Many Lives, Many Masters, " by Brian Livine this book was a very brave publication on the author's part, did more than confirm my feelings and beliefs in life and eternity. I have read many books in my life, not as many as I should, but I can read. OF all the classics I have read, of all the non-fiction I have read, this fast read has left such a lasting impression on me that has changed my outlook on my fellow humans. Through it I found real peace of heart and mind, learn to forgive and truly forget. To use the word, Affected, is a very real understatement. Love and peace to you and yours, Phil

Answer 9

Too many to list but most recently one of my daughters brought me Tuesdays with Morrie after she finished her class. I was reminded of all the wisdom we absorb from our friends.
In about 1970 or so The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey. I've seen everal on here that i'd like to read because you my friend are the best recommendation.

Answer 10

well it wasn't just one book it was the whole series. But it all started when I read Alanna: The first Adventure. From there I was hooked! It made me feel(as a female) more empowered. Not restricted or put down, things which I felt constantly because of teenage boys. Funny thing is, is that the alanna series is connected to alot of other series that Tamora Peirce wrote. (I think I spelled her last name wrong. whoops!) Anyhoo, thats just one female's opinion. Why do you ask?