Five books that changed me.
I was walking down the bike path with Rick about an hour ago, and we got to talking about the books that have shaped us as individuals. I will post five of mine, as near to a 'top five' as I can. And here's the deal, you list your five (or three, or one) that changed you, in the comment section. Here we go, in chronological order.
Matilda, by Roald Dahl. (seven.)When I read this, it not only opened my eyes to the joys of Roald Dahls books, it also revealed to me that there was something beyond what I was experiencing in my second grade classroom. Matilda is a young genius, who is stunted in an oppressive environment, both at home and at school. I loved Matilda for turning things upside down. I loved that she liked to learn.
I will always hope to be a Matilda.
The Little Prince, by Antoine de St. Exupery.
(ten)I have read and re-read this book since I was ten. I never move anywhere without a copy. The Little Prince taught me about taming people, and what is is to allow yourself to be tamed. I base
how I love people around some things I have learned from the Little Prince and his Fox.
No Logo, by Naomi Klein. (
fourteen)This book single handedly made me realize that I have a personal responsibility in the world. My eyes were opened to my role as a consumer, the world as a market, and my role as an activist. I can point to this book as the first step in a genuine interest in radical politics.
The Bible. (fifteen)Through reading this then and now, I learned and grew in a faith that I now live by. I learned Jesus within these pages, and I am changing still.
Blue Like Jazz, by Donald Miller. (seventeen)This is a collection of thoughts on christian spirituality, that has given words to my own thoughts. I fell in love with how Miller wrote... with beauty and vulnerability, humour and no trace of pretense. I seek to be so honest.
I changed in that I began to see my spirituality as a journey rather than something I had to get right on the first try.
That's it guys. By no means a complete list. There are more recent reads which I think are working on me as I write this, but it's too early to see the changes that are taking place in my head and heart. So, tell me what's changed yours.