What 10 Books Have Improved Your Life?

Books are one of life’s luxuries. Throughout history, literacy has always been associated with the aristocracy- the class of wealth, power and luxury. This is still true of our modern affluent society, though perhaps less obvious and even taken for granted. Nevertheless, reading is arguably the most readily available asset to bettering life. Reading is a luxury.

A　while ago I was challenged by a friend on Facebook to list 10 books which have affected my life. This process took　much thought, debate and narrowing down. It was not only an introspective exercise then, but it the idea has lingered with me each time I have picked up a book since. As an avid reader this has provided a plethora of opportunities to be aware of the information I’m consuming, not only in books but elsewhere.

Here is the list I posted on Facebook:

1. The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Christ, because I know it’s true. This book is the word of god, just like the Bible.
   1. 5. The Holy Bible, KJV, because how can　I claim to be Christian and not have the life of the Savior affect my own. And Tyndale’s translation is simply masterful, which　I have come to appreciate more through my study of Latin and ancient Greek.
2. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, by John Gray Ph.D. because this book taught me about myself as much as about others. Just a note that　I could add a whole slew of similar books, but　I chose this one to represent them all.　I would also include in this category the book: You Don’t Need to Slay My Dragons, Just Take Out the Trash, by Beverly Campbell, because this book added the spiritual element　I felt was missing, to the Mars and Venus idea.
3. Believing Christ, by Stephen E. Robinson, because this book brought to my attention the destructive side of my perfectionist tendencies and taught me to rely more fully on the grace of the Savior.
4. How to Get Ideas, by Jack Foster, because this book opened my eyes to a new world of creativity. And　I would add that this is another category where　I have read other valuable books and essays with similar and compatible ideas. This one represents the lot.
5. How to Make a Living As a Painter, by Kenneth Harris, because this book was so different from all the others　I have read on the subject and it communicated to me what success ultimately means and that there’s not any one right (or wrong for that matter) way to do it.
6. The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare. This book was among my favorites as a child and remains so today. It is a gem.　I have read it so many times.　I own three copies- all in different states of wear.
7. A Quiet Heart, by Patricia T. Holland. This book was a gift most timely given. An inspiration. It has become a precious reminder that daily communion with the Spirit of Christ is a vital part of a healthy soul.
8. Sunset’s Western Garden Book, because let’s face it, my garden would be dead without it.
9. Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Book 12 the Centauromachy, because this was the story which inspired me to tell a story of my own.
10. The Twilight Series, by Stephanie Meyer. (Before you laugh, hear me out. This is not a team Edward or team Jacob thing.)　I enjoyed the series and was entertained for the time it took to read it, but the true inspiration was the feeling that the story　I want to tell is at least that good and if this could be successful, then　I could too. So, a toast to the pursuit of dreams.

Ok, ok　I sort of cheated with the 1.5, but the scriptures really do go hand in hand and　I needed room for another book without having a number 11. This was difficult, believe me. (Well, difficult in terms of narrowing it down to 10, not in terms of knowing which books have impacted me.)

Are you a reader? What books have had the greatest impact on your life? Share in the comments.