Wednesday weekly blogging challenge Hosted by Long and Short Reviews.
Today’s topic is: Books that Influenced My Life
This is going to be tough as I literally just made a post yesterday about the books that influenced my life yesterday on TTT😁 well it was mostly books that influenced my childhood and helped shaped me! You can check that out here TOP TEN TUESDAY
To be fair though, I’ve read quite a number of books in my adult life and I’m sure I can come up with a list of few ones that influenced my adulthood since I’ve done my childhood version yesterday😁 be sure to check that out!
Why I’m deciding to go the adult way/version?
Well, any time i see topics about “books that changed your life or influenced your life” The replies and the comments always read like a highschool mandatory reading list😁. these books, while great, are read at a time when people are still very emotional, impressionable, and malleable.
Today I’ve decided go the other way and talk about books that changed, rocked me, or devastated me as an adult; at a time when I’ve had a good number of years to have myself and the world around me figured out.
(I’m still figuring myself and the world out as it’s a continuous process but I’m sure you get the gist😁)
So here we go….
1. The Stone Diaries
The Unbearable Lightness of Being is one of the most interesting and thought-provoking books I’ve ever read, and made me think about relationships, society, and the self in ways I never had before.
You probably should give it a go
3. Dance Dance Dance
I’m getting close to 30! Yep! Crossed mid-20s already and I would definitely not say I’ve got the world figured out in any way. Reading Dance Dance Dance made me realise it’s ok to be alone, that I don’t have to be ashamed or embarrassed about being introverted and isolated.
4. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf.
Aside from recognizing that her technique in that book is hella bonkers, yes! I said it! reading it as an adult has helped me empathize with a lot of different people, which is a marked change from the heroic-protagonist stuff of my youth… And it’s encouraged me to seek out the sublime in everyday, while learning to accept my own failures, mediocrities, and insecurities in a healthy way.
5. The Art Of Happiness: A Handbook For Living
The Dalai Lama experienced so much suffering yet he seems to always have a smile on his face. Learn from this Eastern philosopher on his thoughts on how to pursue happiness in your own life.
When life becomes too complicated and we feel overwhelmed, it’s often useful just to stand back and remind ourselves of our overall purpose, our overall goal. When faced with a feeling of stagnation and confusion, it may be helpful to take an hour, an afternoon, or even several days to simply reflect on what it is that will truly bring us happiness, and then reset our priorities on the basis of that. This can put our life back in proper context, allow a fresh perspective, and enable us to see which direction to take.”
6. Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
One of the most fascinating and thought provoking books I’ve ever read. I love learning about the origins of the human species and the remarkable events surrounding our “rise to the top.” I also think that when we look at the subject of personal development against the backdrop of evolutionary biology, it can give us a better understanding of how to work with our hardwired brains, rather than against them.
7. The Alchemist
This is one of those timeless stories whose life lessons will stay with you forever. It resonated with me on such a deep level the first time I read it. To this day, it still gives me goosebumps when I reread this magical fable.
8. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov is still maybe the most gut wrenching and emotional book I’ve ever read, and also one of the most virtuosically written.
This is the tale from the point of view of a pedophile: Humbert Humbert (crazy name, if you ask me). As a child, Humbert was never able to consummate his relationship to Annamarie before she died; as an adult, he is uncomfortably interested in little girls, whom he calls “nymphets”. He journeys from Europe to America, and there, he meets Dolores Haze, the girl he calls “Lolita”.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that made me repulsed and awestruck simultaneously. I am repulsed because of the actions of Humbert; I am awestruck because of the beautiful language.
9. The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A Fuck
Don’t let the title fool you, it’s actually a really insightful read. Main idea of the book is that you need to decide what is truly important to you and stop giving your precious energy and time to everything that isn’t.
Life is simple unless you make it difficult. There are many things in life you don’t need to pay attention to and this book shows you how to do it.
10. The Power Of Now by ECKHART TOLLE
You are a miracle. You already have everything you need. You already are everything you want to be and this book will show you how to fight your ego to become more content and present.
This book brought me back to reality and the joy and acceptance of living in the ‘now
Click here to read everyone else’s replies to this week’s question. The image below is the list of upcoming prompts for this blog hop.
A part of me agrees with Mark Manson’s title, but I need to read the book to see if I agree with his philosophy. https://pmprescott.blogspot.com/2019/11/wednesday-challenge-books-that.html
LikeLike
Well, you should definitely read it!😁
Thanks for stopping by and I’m off to see yours now
LikeLike
Your list is a great one. I’ve read a few, but I’ve considered trying to read Lolita. I”ll give it a go now. I’ve tried Virginia Wolfe. Maybe it’s time to try again. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you like it and you really should give Lolita a go😍
Thanks for stopping by ❤️
LikeLike
The Stone Diaries was an amazing read. Great choice there!
I need to read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck sometime. It sounds amazing.
My post.
LikeLike
It really was and you should definitely give that a go😁
Thanks for stopping by and I was at yours earlier ❤️
LikeLike
SO many books I’m adding to my TBR. I do love non-fiction that edifies (I’m reading one now), so your selections really ticked that box. Thanks for visiting me earlier 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you like them and you really should get them 😍
Thanks for stopping by mine ❤️
LikeLike
An interesting list of books. I’ve only read a couple and will be checking out the rest of your list. Thanks for sharing! Here’s mine. https://www.tenastetler.com/lsrs-wednesdays-blog-challenge-books-that-influenced-my-life/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you like it!
Thanks for stopping by and I’d definitely check yours out now❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a great list! And I totally get why you went with books you’ve read as an adult – we’re still (hopefully) changing and evolving long after we get into middle age. And I laughed at your reasoning for Lolita – it really is amazing when an author can disgust and entrance you at the same time.
My post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much and I’m glad you like it! Yes we are and I decided to talk about some of mine.
Yes, Lolita had that effect on me and most people and I do understand why most people still refused to read it. It was sick😁
Thanks for stopping by mine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating list, but the one that really caught my eye here was Sapiens. I’m really curious about his perspective on human development.
My list is here.
LikeLike
Really interesting list! I’m especially interested in reading The Stone Diaries now. That’s such a powerful observation about the impact of using a person’s name.
LikeLike