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Hello there!

I am new to this community and thought it would be a great place to ask one of my favourite questions.

What is the most impactful book you have read, and why?

I have mainly read for pleasure for most of my life, and now am finding a new joy in reading books that enrich me. I am exploring new topics that help broaden my perspective on different aspects of life, give insight into people, cultures, and ideas that I know very little about.

I like this question because it's not "what is the top 100 books" or "what is your favourite book", its about what has impacted you, and whatever form that may take.

For me there are several.

Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson defined my favourite genre of books, speculative fiction, where the lines between imaginative futures and real possibilities are blurred.

Kurt Vonnegut taught me chaos, and about an imagination run wild that ultimately has a purpose. My favourite book of his is the Sirens of Titan.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K Le Guin taught me to love imagination from an early age.

Scattered Minds by Gabore Mate helped me understand my ADHD, and come to the realization that the difficulties I feel are not necessarily universal, and can be overcome by having the right conversations, addressing the condition and hard work.

Atomic Habits by James Clear helped me be more intentional with my time and activities, bringing structure to practices that I was already exploring.

There are many more, but these come to mind at the moment. I hope to hear what has impacted your lives!

The Roads Chosen by Ben Carlyle defined my favourite genre of books, realistic fiction: where the lines between fact and fiction are blurred: where real-life, everyday characters are plotted into real-life settings and woven into the real-life social issues faced in real life: where the story teaches the reader rather than providing an escape from the real world. Since, 'The Roads Chosen' has governed my future reading and my thinking.

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This is an outstanding work in its significance and importance: not in a literary sense. The writing is far too direct and unfettered. This is an outstanding work simply because of the story told.

The very fact that the author ties the plot to so many factual events had great impact on my thoughts: fiction that explores/exposes so many social ills. These ills are not small and seem to escape the attention of the mainstream. The story (the ills) continue to dwell and continue to push me into exploring further. I'm tempted to open a discussion on the topic. I was pondering last night when an epiphany struck me: 'How many hours did it take the author to find and tie together the events surrounding the suspicious death of the mullah?' Remarkable that that factual element fits so neatly into the fiction created!

Love this question!

I'd have to include:

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Red Azalea: A Memoir
The Bell Jar

Hmmm I'm noticing a pattern, and realizing it's no coincidence that the first book I've published is a female memoir... lol

For some reason "The Plague" by Albert Camus has really stuck to me. I read it immediately after the covid lockdown and couldn't believe how accurate of a picture Camus painted about epidemics in general.

I guess it's cliche at this point but the absurdity of it all is what still sticks to me. More importantly, the will to go on despite how unreasonable things can get in the real world.