Life changing literature

[undercovers]

Book ever changed your life? For the better or for the worst? What was it

[nicola_red]

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  That book had such an impact on my thinking, and taught me so much, that I changed my surname to the author's name.

[Dakota]

Wow reds!!  that's an impact and a half!

I'm still considering my answer, I guess there has been nothing so drastic that I need to think about it, but I will get back to you.  What's your life changing book undercovers?

[nicola_red]

I see I'm the only one!  Do enlighten us as to why you asked the Q, undercovers...

[Dakota]

I have thought about this and I can't say I have read anything so powerful that it actually changed my life as drastically as Reds (not a bad thing I hasten to add Reds), but there is one book that inspired me to change things about my life.  It's not even a "famous" book, it's Jemima J by Jane Green.

The book was bought to read on the beach while on my hols but heroine inspired me and I made the changes necessary in my own life, so that particular part of my life reflects somewhat to the book.

[undercovers]

I�m asking because the romantic in me feels that literature should move and inspire - yet I remain unmoved and uninspired, think I�m reading the wrong books - have a terrible tendency to choose "snack" books e.g. they fill you up but only for about 5 mins and are quickly forgotten... the fact that I only finished a book about 2 weeks ago but cannot remember anything about it now probably attests to this!
Nicola_red - I am amazed, I�m going to go and buy myself a copy at the weekend (so don't be mad if I reappear on AB as undercoversLee)
I think I�m going to try reading the classics, e.g. the ones I avoided as a child, feel I am prob missing out on some great literature due to a prejudice developed when little

[evil_edna]

I recently read 'We need to talk about Kevin' by Lionel Shriver and it certainly changed my perspective on having children. A harrowing, but equally compelling book that I, and others i've spoke to about it, can frighteningly identify with. Maybe you should'nt read it...

[mibn2cweus]

The King of the Golden River  This is the first book I remember reading. I believe it persuaded me to consider my values carefully.

[mycatis]

Well, don't know if it counts but.. The first "grown up" book I ever read, Duncton Wood kick started a life long love of books.  I always loved reading but after that it was books as well (if you know what I mean)
I saved up my pocket money for weeks to buy it lol

[nicola_red]

Yay undercovers, go for it and please let me know what you think.  Admittedly I was only 15 when I first read the book and so somewhat more impressionable, but if I re-read it now I still think it's an amazing book.

[Courtney Cox]

The Disapearance by Rosa Guy

This is a book for teenagers written by a black american who was part of The Harlem Writers Guild. I  found out some 20 years later that another inspiring writer Maya Angelou author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and other biographical books was also a member.

There are a few reasons this book had an impact on me. It inspired me to read books, which I still do avidly at the age of 34. It evoked very strong emotions that I never knew could be the case from reading. It also taught me a very important lesson on race and colour. Growing up in the 70's I now realise that there was a lot of negativity and distrust of people who were "different", i.e. not white, The story allowed me see the world and people around me as individuals and had a positive affect ever since It is as relevant today as of the time it was written.

It's a great read with twists and turns that will keep you guessing 'til the end.

[KAZ]

The Celestine Prophecy series by James Redfield.........Mind Blowing!!!!!