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Books that Actually Changed My Life.
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items These are the books that literally shaped me as I grew up. They all have a distinct place in my history, and usually changed the way I saw the world in some profound way. They are my most beloved books. They healed me, sometimes changed my direction, and mark specific moments in my past. If you are an avid reader, might I suggest joining your local library so you don't have to spend your money on them. I like downloading audiobooks for free from the library, and eventually buying the few that really stand out. I've linked these books back to Bookshop.org if you are interested in buying a copy. This is an online storefront where a portion of the sale (30% of the cover price) is directed to the participating brick & mortar bookshop chosen by the buyer, or split among all participating stores if no specific store is chosen. They sell physical copies of books, as well as ebooks. I love this website, because I am supporting a local bookshop without leaving my sofa :) *note; The year (in the title) is the first year it was published.
This book scared the crap out of me. In a dystopian future, the government has complete control over the minds and bodies of the people. It really scared me!! This book made me consider at the importance of politics and political action. Also, there are so many pop culture references to this book, it made me feel smart when I understood them :) #affiliate
1984 (by George Orwell) 1949
I had no idea what to expect with this book. It was a random choice, and it turned out to be a gem. This story follows three timelines, the beginning, middle, and end of one of the symptoms of climate change; the declining bee population. The topic can be dry and unsexy, but the storytelling is... (not THAT hopeful) This is one of those books I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to read. #affiliate
The History of Bees (by Maja Lunde) 2015
I received this book as a gift in my late 20s. And I would say… I ‘worked through’ it rather than passively reading it. It felt like a big artistic workshop, and it helped me break past some of my limiting beliefs to find a bold new and authentic direction in my art. This book doesn't really signify a specific time in my life, but it definitely gives me an inspired fe... If you have an artist in your life, I would highly recommend giving a physical copy of this book to them as gift. It's a very special book. #affiliate
The Artist's Way (by Julia Cameron) 1992
This was my first 'grown up' read when I was a pre-teen. I haven't re-read this book, because I don't want to ruin the memory. It gave me my first glimpse into romantic love, and probably started me on my reading journey. #affiliate
The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough) 1977
Hey, we're over 18 right?? I read this in my 20's, and this was my first introduction to non-vanilla sex. At the time, this was quite shocking for me!! This is the first book of a series (of 4) written by Anne Rice under the name of A.N. Roquelaure. In a fantasy world where Sleeping Beauty was ‘awoken’ by a handsome prince, then taken to his kingdom to be ‘broken,’ there are sometimes unsettling elements of sexual enslavement and BDSM. If you are looking for an enlightening and intelligent read, this is not the series for you. This is total fantasy and has no plot to speak of, but it's cool that one of my favorite authors(*Interview with a Vampire*) wrote such a strange and quirky series! #affiliate
The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty (by A.N. Roquelaure) 1983
Ok, so I've been listening to the Mel Robbins Podcast over the last year. Her simple little theories like ‘count to 5’ and ‘let them’ really resonate with me. These two little phrases have actually changed my life for the better. And changed how I talk to myself… and talk myself off the ledge. I have not read her book. But I plan to. I pretty much know everything she is going to say in the book, but I'm happy to hear it all again! #affiliate
The Let Them Theory (by Mel Robbins) 2024
This book is the #1 most stand out read from my life of reading. I found this giant on a long solo trip through SE Asia. It was in a ‘foreigner’ bar in Vietnam, on one of those ‘take one & leave one’ shelves. And boy!! It frustrated me because I was supposed to be hiking, sightseeing, walking etc. But all I wanted to do was read this book. It has violence, sex, revenge, compassion, love, and an insight into a culture in history that I had no previous knowledge of. I felt smarter and ‘fuller’ after reading this book. I very highly recommend it!! #affiliate
Aztec (by Gary Jennings) 1980
I devoured these books. There are 7 in the sisters series; one for each sister. After the author's death, her son finished and published the last one about the sister's father. I fell in love with all the sisters, and the writing style of the author. I read these books at a funny time in my life, where the distraction of this light and engaging (and slightly mysterious) story was so welcome. Also, each book had me trekking around the world to various countries following each sister's journey into... I really loved these books. #affiliate
The Seven Sisters (by Lucinda Riley) 2014
This is the author of ‘The English Patient,’ I read this book in my teens or 20s, and I remember the character Carravaggio. This character literally blended in with the background and could change his actions/personality/appearance to suit the enviro... He worked in plain sight to manipulate the world to get what he needed. I related with this character so deeply, as I grew up in a house where I struggled to survive while not drawing attention to myself. It was a moment when I realized that I wasn't... #affiliate
In the Skin of a Lion (by Michael Ondaatje) 1987
I picked this up sometime during my university years (~2000's) not knowing anything about it. This is an absolutely riveting story about a romantic lesbian love affair that made me really realize that there was not only one kind of loving relationship. This story made me face my own sexual identity for the first time, but that is a story for ... It just opened my eyes. Quite a bit! The author is actually Patricia Highsmith who wrote this one under a pseudonym, and the book was more recently ‘rediscovered’ and re-released under the title ‘Carol.’ #affiliate
The Price of Salt (by Claire Morgan) 1952
I read this in my teens, and it completely changed my opinion on abortion. Books usually open my eyes to other possibilities… but no other book has caused me to totally ‘change sides’ on an important topic. 100% No wonder is has been banned so much over the years. Amazing story, amazing writing! #affiliate
The Cider House Rules (by John Irving) 1985
This isn't a book, I know. But I've spent more time reading (and re-reading) this to consider it one. I keep this short parenting ‘mission statement’ open on the first tab on my phone, and I often refer to it when I'm struggling with parenting. It reads like a heartfelt promise a parent would make to their child. It usually makes me quite sad, because I had a difficult childhood, and desperately wish that my own parents had this mindset while I was growing up. If you are a parent, I strongly recommend you read this. I dare you not to cry. seriously.
The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto (by Brené Brown) 2012
A book about an old-timey architect who wants to build cathedrals? It totally sounded like a yawn-fest, so I didn't bother with it for a long time. And when I did, I quickly discovered just how silly I was to pre-judge this book. This one book has been the reason that I've devoured 25+ Ken Follet books over time. One of my new favorite authors, and Pillars of the Earth is now in my top 5 all time reads. Overall, I would say it is about the ‘little’ guy with big dreams, and his struggle against big bad powers that will do anything to retain their power. Talent and Drive VS. Money and Status Quo. Give this one a read! You won't regret it. I learned to not judge a book by it's cover!! #affiliate
The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett) 1989
I remember reading this book the first time when I was a teenager. Oh my gosh, I had no idea people had the ability to be this cruel to other people. Turns out the world is full of cruelty, and this was the first time I really ‘saw’ it. This was a shocking read for me, and it really stands out in my mind as a ‘learning moment’ in my youth. Also, it's a great book by a great author. #affiliate
Flowers in the Attic (by V.C. Andrews) 1979
This book is very short, and I've read it many times over the years. When I go to pick it up, I think in my head ‘I’m going to visit Jonathon.' This darned seagull is like my fantasy pet or something. Anyways, his story speaks to taking risks, not just doing what everyone else is doing, and failing your way to success. It's a lovely, sweet, and simple story and holds a special place in my heart. #affiliate
Jonathan Livingston Seagull (by Richard Bach) 1970