Most fiction is so boring I avoid it-feeds the Oprah moms though.. Katharine Graham’s Bio probably was life changing for me and Pete Rose’s *My Story* (and I am sticking to it)

I think back to some of those first books I read in my teen years which was such a life-changing time for me. The first inspiring book I read was the play The Miracle Worker about Helen Keller. But I’d have to say that reading Peyton Place and Valley of the Dolls as a teenager first opened my eyes to the world of grownups. (not very lofty, but true)

First thoughts were … how to know, how to choose? In high school Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” awakened my wonder for all that had previously been taken for granted about nature and our fragile environment. In law school Nigel Nicholson’s “Portrait of a Marriage” inspired me to explore the potential of my marriage and expand the boundaries of my relationships. Reading A. A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh” and “The House at Pooh Corners” for the first time in my 40s to my child created a bond of magic between us that has endured through many subsequent crises and trials.

Without question, John Jake’s Bicentennial Series: The Kent Family Chronicles. It is a series of 8 novels published, between 1974 and 1979, to honor America for her 200th birthday. Not only does this fictional series provide a magical window to the emergence of this awesome country, a Latin quote runs throughout each book….Cape locum et fac vestigium…..translated ….’Take a stand and make a mark.’ That powerful quote captured my imagination and fueled my sense of accomplishment. Also throughout the series, the primary characters saved seemingly insignificant items from significant historical events. Consequently, I began to do the same, resulting in a wonderful and simple collection of items that connect to significant events in my world. I recommend this series to anyone who wants their reading to imprint their heritage and soul.

For me it was Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” when I was 14. I continue to re-read it..now that was a book that showed what a strong woman could do!!!!

The Color Purple. I was a young woman of 19, engaged to be married to a horribly abusive, controlling 21-year-old man. Completely out of my character, I cow-towed to his every whim, and became a battered woman. I would have married him if it hadn’t been for Alice Walker’s amazing novel of quiet strength and the power of love.

Wow, so many great book ideas for the summer! All my children are big readers - even my son, who wasn’t a stellar student holes up in this room with 600pg sci fi novels. I’ve always read compulsively, starting and finishing a book in one sitting, which was easier to do as a care-free child vs. now as a mother with an ever-burgeoning laundry pile.

I agree with Frannie Em; I was six when my mother took me to the “public” library in Bridport, Vermont; it was (as I remember) a room in a house that had four walls of books from floor to ceiling. It has been a lifelong love affair, and so many books may have changed my life in small and large ways.

Mine would have to be Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramanhansa Yoganandi. I have bought numerous copies intending to read it again, then end up giving it away. Can’t keep it on my shelf!

Choosing a life changing book is like trying to pick a favourite anything , too many choices. To Kill A Mockingbird, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Helen Keller’s life story, Nelson Mandella’s life story, a book called Karen about a young girl with Cerebral Palsy are some of the few. Actually Somebodies and Nobodies - Overcoming the Abuse of Rank by Robert W. Fuller changed my life last year when I read it , along with All Rise- the Politics of Dignity had a profound affect on me as well. Made me look at the world entirely differently. Other favourite authors, Maeve Binchy, Andrew Greeley, John Jakes, LM Montgommery, Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson, John Bradshaw, Wilbur Smith ,DeePak Chopra, Eckardt Tolle. I’m looking forward to reading Barbara Walters ’ Audition and Dr. Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture.