In my opinion, books have more power than people in this modern age give its credit. Books can still change your life in a way, I think movies and other forms of entertainment can't quiet accomplish. As with you, I have read tons of books. Some I hated, most I liked and a few I loved. And it's those few that changed my life.
The first book to do that was Little Women. Much like every other girl. I know most girls swear they are Jo. Me, I'm Beth. I wanted to be Jo. Strong and sure and fearless even if I burn the back of my dress. I have an older brother and no sisters and as an Air Force Brat, I never stayed in one place for very long. All I had was my family and a father who did and could go off to war at a moments notice. That wasn't the only lesson, Alcott taught me. I learned about the difference of women, of the differences in one female. Me at different parts of my life, I think I've been an Amy, Meg or Jo. As I've grow older, I realized that in different parts I'm all those girls but still mostly, Beth.
The second book that changed my life was The End of the Affair. Growing up, church was attended on Sunday then Sunday school and when we moved to New York City, it was Catholic school. For me being religious was just a part of me. I believed in God even when I didn't bother with Him much. When I picked up that book, I discovered that my faith has never faltered though I'm not the greatest of followers. I guess that's why my faith hasn't faltered, it never had to be tested.
Another book to change my life too was See Jane Score (SJS) by Rachel Gibson. When I was younger, I always wrote but in college, I choose a major I could find employment after graduation and writing wasn't going to be it. Well, since I'm a PRO member of RWA you know how that turned out. Well, anyway, I was reading SJS and having so much fun that I never wanted the book to end. When I closed it, I knew I had to write. I wanted to give that fun, magical whirling sensation I had to others and to experience every sensation of writing such an exciting jaunt. Now here I am. Plugging away even when I'm ready to stab myself in the eye with my pen. (would never do that but I'm sure you understand the feeling)
That's the power of books, to influence your life's path, make you discover who you are, or a trait about yourself you might have lost or never even questioned. Don't think for a minute that only these books changed me. No each word I've ever read whether an Edith Wharton, a Sandra Brown, or Christina Dodd or Terry Spear and everyone in between have each changed my life. So, thank you.
Now tell me which book changed your life?
5 comments:
Shanna, written by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I was 23, my fiance was in Vietnam, I worked in a Certified Public Accountants' office and ate lunch in a law office with the secretary. She asked me what I was reading. I looked at her completely stunned. I'd not even thought about reading. What a novel idea. I read when I was younger, but lost my way.
I read this marvelous book and it changed my life. I read all of Kathleen Woodiwiss's stories, then Jude Deveraux and Julie Garwood. I love historical romance. It is the reason why I am writing now. And, writing now has made my life complete, given me the greatest friends on earth and purpose to my life that I didn't have before.
Glad you enjoyed reading, too. I was gifted I think all of Alcott's books that belonged to my great grandmother. They are falling apart, but are a treasure to me.
My first reading love was L. Frank Baum's Oz series. Fantasy! Then Issac Asimov, whose short stories were powerhouses. Robert Heinlein was next. Consumate skill as a storyteller.
The novel that changed me most was a romance that disappointed. I was certain I could do better. That set me on this wonderful journey.
What a lovely dedication to the impact of writers on your life, Mageela! I'm an Army brat, so I know of what you speak...in many ways, stories kept me grounded while I moved from place to place. I could bury myself in the plots of novels while my family plot 'changed.'
Herman Wouk's MARORIE MORNINGSTAR got my game going, but SO many writers from Howard/Brown/Roberts/Plain...the list goes on and on...helped me with the articulation thing, while women like Gloria handled the politics. Like you, I thank them all for their artistry and their lessons.
I've always been a readers, and can't imagine a life without reading. One of the books that changed my life was "Gone With The Wind." Such a powerful read, and even though it was quite long, (I was 12 years old at the time) I loved it.
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