10 Books That Have Influenced Me

So since this challenge has been going around social media I figured it would be a good place to put here as apart of my media series of posts. Here are 10 books that have influenced me in good ways. So this would all be books I feel are good/positive sources of media because they have influenced me for the better in some way. Here they are, in no particular order:

• The Book of Mormon: Filled with spiritual guidance and other nuggets of wisdom. I have only read it straight through 3 times but I find that every read provides me with something new to learn and grow from.

• Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling: These were some of my childhood friends and I love that the series grew with me. Definitely an example of my best para-social friends.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: This was a favorite of my mothers and so when she shared it with me and I finally read it in high school it was a family favorite. It taught me about friendship and adventure and that heroes came from all sorts of places and experiences. It taught me to be brave.

• Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce: This book series created my love for Tamora Pierce and I have read many of her books since. I actually just re-read it for maybe the 10th time this weekend. It is about accepting others for who they are, not judging by appearances, and second chances. I love it!

• Slathbog's Gold by M.L. Forman: I picked up this book when I moved to a new place. The series characters became my friends when I had no friends in my new home. I loved the main character as he learned to be a friend. He is so selfless and caring. I aspired to be more like him, and still do.

• A Modern Witch by Debora Geary: One of the first adult book series I read when I became and adult. I love the relationships, the magic, but mostly the words of wisdom. Every book makes you cry and every book teaches more about yourself and who you want to become. And it teaches you how to get through trials with family and a sense of humor.

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: My first introduction to Jane Austen, and Mr. Darcy, made me a romantic. It is a lovely example of learning not to judge others and to be humble. This is a classic for a reason.

• Hamlet by Shakespeare: The first Shakespeare play I read and created my love of his work. I think that each of his plays teach a ton, but this one creates an inner dialogue about revenge and the cost of revenge. I also think it makes you really think about mental disorders.

• The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale: A princess who is different and forced to go through an ordeal because of her station. And then how she overcomes the many trials and pain that come from betrayal. I loved the example of a strong female character and wanted to be a princess like Ani.

• Fairest by Gail Carson Levine: A story of a girl learning to accept herself for who she is. I really loved the lessons in the book as well as how they are mixed with magic and fairy tales. If you love snow white you will love fairest.

So these are ten books that I still continue to re-read and have helped shape me into a better, more accepting person. They helped shape me as a child and teenager and I love what they make me remember in my adult life.

Enjoy,

Lisa Jean