Books That Changed My Life

Literature for some of us is an addiction- other times it’s a chore we are forced to do for school. Either way, we all have a favorite book, or a book that changed our lives. Maybe we felt seen, maybe we related to the characters, maybe we understood a whole new perspective on the world. PBS posted a list of America’s top 100 most loved books, including classics like Pride and Prejudice and To Kill A Mockingbird. It’s ironic too, because these books take a huge stance criticizing America and putting the spotlight on people of color and women. But- that’s a chat for another time. 

In this article I wanted to highlight books that changed my life, not necessarily favorites, but books that when I put it down I was a changed person. The type of book that you can’t stop thinking about, day and night. For me, books that changed my life weren’t really ones I read in highschool. They were dry, and the purpose was on the stance of a literary standpoint, not necessarily moral compases’ or entertainment. 

I vividly remember reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I read it twice, once in school and once in my own time. In class, I never hated a book more. Everything was symbolism this symbolism that. We had three socratic seminars. (If you don’t know what that is- lucky you.) When I re-read it, I was in love. It was a complex dystopian novel word by word describing a world that outlaws books and takes a hard stance on censorship. Low and behold- the book was banned in many countries! To this day, that book sticks with me. Mainly because of my gripe with the American education system- but at the core it’s because it’s a great book. It feels like it was purposely written to change lives and make us think about the importance of books and the transference of ideas.

The next novel is The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. I will have to admit, I underestimated this book. I finished it in maybe a day or two- I was totally hooked. It’s an easy, thin read telling the story of the author’s childhood living in the Hispanic quarter of Chicago. It’s written as vignettes- brief chapters that prioritize vivid imagery and beauty. This is one of those books I wish I could read for the first time again. It was so powerful, and beyond gorgeous. Usually, when we talk about beautiful writing, novels like The Picture of Dorian Grey is brought up with its flowery descriptions. However, The Picture of Dorian Grey is critiqued for its slow pace and being boring to readers.  The House on Mango Street is the opposite. Bringing contemporary writing into French poise. Its beauty does not compromise the book and its plot, fully letting you appreciate the book and the personal stories. 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Japanese author Toshikazu Kawaguchi has an interesting premise. A coffee shop in Tokyo has a tall tale that it has the power to bring people back in time- the only catch? Get back before the coffee gets cold. It sounds like it should be science fiction or something, with huge fantastical adventures and fantastical creatures. However, the book is quite the opposite. It is very grounded and human, a fiction book truly about human relationships and interactions. This was the first book in years that made me cry. I recommend this book to everyone. It is so incredibly heartwarming- but also an easy read. 

Finally, Notes On Your Sudden Disappearance by Alison Espach. It’s a bit of an indie read- the author’s only book and not heavily marketed. The book was a regular fiction novel I picked up without thinking much of it. Another trophy to add to my collection. When I finished it- I was in shambles and had my mom read it. The book is structured perfectly, in little blurbs rather than rigid chapters. It gave it a very informal and personal feel that made you relate to the characters. I read this right after my grandmother passed away, and the themes of grief, anger, and letting go really helped me in a time when I needed it. I like to recommend this book to my friends and family that prefer general fiction over something like fantasy. It’s not a crazy read, similar to When The Coffee Gets Cold, it prioritizes those emotions and relationships we feel as human beings. And in the process, makes us feel seen and walks us through our emotions.