Have you read any books which left a deep impression on you? Are they fiction or non-fiction or perhaps a mix of both? I have often wondered what makes us choose one book over another and deliberately allow the book seep into our souls. What are some of the books that shaped you?

When I first asked myself that question, I immediately thought of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Although I was quite young when I first read this book, I became mesmerized with Dickens' vivid portrayal of life in a land far away from where I lived at the time. Humility overtook me and I replayed the whole book back in my head over and over. I was floored at the book's final revelation and saw everything I had read with a fresh perspective. I felt the deep need to discuss the book with someone, anyone but I didn't know anyone my age who had read it and so I trekked on and looked for other incredible classics in our home library immediately. 

Fast forward a few decades and I stumbled on The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. At the time, World War II historical fiction had taken over the shelves and I had read my fair share of books by then as well. However, this book was in a league of its own. As mentioned before, I always dive into a book blind so to find at the end that the books was in fact based on a true story of survival was even more dizzying. The lessons of camaraderie, love, resilience, bravery and the sheer and utter need for human connection were incredible. 

As for non-fiction, I will definitely say the few that I return back to over and over have imprinted themselves more softly on me and not taken me by sighs and gasps as much. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal, The Tao Of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff, Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday and Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger are ones that I read over and over again and take something new with me each time. I will delve in my favourite non-fiction books slowly as I have much to say and still explore but for now I hope I will leave you with much pondering about your favourite books and how they shaped you. 

 

Wishing you a lovely day,

 

Loba