As you may have guessed by now, I’m a huge reader and have read literally thousands of books in my lifetime. I estimate I read at least 1 or even 2 novels every week. So to limit myself to just five books that have changed my life is no mean feat!
Still, here are five books that changed my life, and I am thankful to have read. I’ve listed them in chronological order.
1. “The Folk of the Faraway Tree” by Enid Blyton
This is the first chapter book I ever read, as a seven year old – it inspired my lifelong love of reading. I went on to devour hundreds of Enid Blyton books (fortunately my Mum encouraged reading and purchased them regularly, because they were banned from school and Council libraries at the time) … before moving on to Milly Molly Mandy, the Bobbsey Twins, Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, and Sweet Dreams Romances as I grew older.
2. “What Happens When Women Pray” by Evelyn Christensen
My friend Nicola put me on to this book when she asked me to become her prayer partner. This book was pivotal in my spiritual life, and renewed the Christian faith which I first embraced as a 13 year old.
3. “The Bible”
Of course! I have been reading it pretty much every day for the past 18 years (see #2!) and am constantly amazed at how much God speaks to me through it. I find it inspiring, challenging, thought-provoking, relevant, wise, comforting and yes at times puzzling and confusing.
4. “Single Christian Female” by Sarah Carter
Sarah was a 20-something youth pastor, who was tired of feeling that as a “single Christian female” something was missing in her life. She wanted to encourage others in similar circumstances, and didn’t let the lack of Christian publishers in Australia stop her – she had something to say, took a leap of faith, and self-published! Her book and example inspired me that self-publishing did not necessarily mean second rate … I have self-published two books myself since then, “Clues to your Calling” in 2003, and “Decadence: treat yourself to 10 years of Footprints” in 2008.
5. “Stop Walking on Eggshells” by Paul T Mason & Randi Kreger.
I still clearly remember being about to shelve this book (when I worked in a library), but was mesmerised by the title.
You see, I had long said that if I ever wrote a book about my childhood it would be called “Treading on Eggshells” – because that is what it felt like, being raised by my mother. As I read the back cover, the tears began to pour down my cheeks. At last, I had a name for what was wrong with my mother. And even better – it wasn’t my fault!
“Stop Walking on Eggshells” is subtitled “taking your life back when someone you care about has borderline personality disorder (BPD)”. The publisher describes it as “a self-help guide that helps the family members and friends of individuals with BPD understand this self-destructive disorder and learn what they can do to cope with it and take care of themselves. It is designed to help them understand how the disorder affects their loved ones and recognize what they can do to get off the emotional roller coasters and take care of themselves.” I learnt that there is just no pleasing somebody with BDP, that they blame anybody but themselves for what is wrong with their lives, and that the boundaries are constantly being changed. No wonder my childhood was so confusing. Reading this book was tremendously liberating for me, and finally helped me to make sense of my childhood trauma.
What books have changed your life?!
Lynda @HomeleaLass says
I loved the Faraway Tree books when I was a little person! I’ve got a little collection of vintage Enid Blyton books that I keep adding to. I never knew they were banned from libraries.
Cheers,
Lynda.
Janet says
I sometimes wish I still had Enid Blyton books because I’d read them all again!
Francesca says
That’s a great list. I’ll have to check out no. 2.
Two which come to mind for me are Looking for Alibrandi and The Shack. Important in completely different ways, but still affected me profoundly.
Thanks so much for linking up ?
Janet says
I never read Looking for Alibrandi but enjoyed the movie. I found The Shack deeply inspiring, although I know some folk don’t agree with it – can’t handle the thought of God as a large old black woman! 😉
Emily @ Have a laugh on me says
I love Paulo Coehlo – he really speaks to me – it’s been awhile since I’ve picked one of his up though! I also adored Enid Blyton – I hope I can get my kids to read these as they grow! x
Janet says
I’ve never read any of his. My kids never got into Enid Blyton – heck who am I kidding – they never got into reading full stop! I’m sure they were switched at birth!
Liz says
Hi Janet,
The Folk of the Faraway Tree is at the beginning of my list too! I distinctly remember devouring it in one day on the school holidays. Ever since I have had the problem o quickly devouring rather than delicately nibbling, books!!
The Bible is on my list too, above and beyond anything else.
Some of Francine Rivers’ books have shaped my life and faith-walk.
And the Anne of Green Gables books have a special place in my heart.
At the mention of “Clues”, I got my copy off the shelf and had a re-read. Great stuff Janet 🙂
Janet says
Love Francine Rivers & Anne of Green Gables – and so glad you are still enjoying “Clues” xxx
Ness says
I think I’ve permanently left my brain up the Faraway Tree, so yeah, definitely life changing. Another ‘Anne’ fanatic as well. Also John Elder Robison’s book Be Different is what led me to realising I have Asperger’s at age 40, so that was very life changing.
Janet says
Wouldn’t it be great if it was real? I still wonder if the trees are whispering secrets to each other when I hear that “wisha wisha wisha” noise of the leaves!
Zita says
Wow, 1 or 2 novels per week… I’m impressed and jealous at the same time! Don’t seem to get much time for reading these days….
Janet says
I must admit – I think I must be a speed reader …