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iVillagers reveal the books that stirred them into changing their lives for the better… 'The first book that changed my life was Franny and Zooey by JD Salinger. I read it in 1975, while still in high school, and I thought I would burst open from self-enlightenment and an overwhelming sense of possibility.' 'My favourite, most inspiring author is Viktor E Frankl, author of Man's Search for Meaning. I just recently finished this book. The edition I had was a fourth printing, but it was originally published back in 1959. This man was a survivor of a concentration camp back in WWII. The book is not so much about the experience or horrors of the camp as it is about the way the human spirit can see us through almost anything.
It makes one sit up and take notice that even as everyday trials and problems of life get us down, there is something deep within us (and joys that we have experienced) that can get us through the most tumultuous times in our lives.
My favourite part of the book is when he talks about the life he had before becoming a prisoner and his love for his wife. His contact with some of the other prisoners and the stories of love in their lives are what got the survivors through the nightmarish ordeal. As sad as this man's experiences were, there were times when you could smile and laugh through your tears. I've never been so inspired by anything I've read. It will forever change your perspective on life, love and the spiritual connection that we all seek.' 'I'm reading What Our Mothers Didn't Tell Us by Danielle Crittenden and am finding it incredibly insightful. It's all about why happiness eludes the modern woman. Crittenden looks at the big topics in women's lives: sex, marriage, motherhood, work, ageing and politics. She takes a good look at the feminist movement and how it affects today's women.' 'Believe it or not my life-altering book is Shoeless Joe by WP Kinsella (the movie Field of Dreams was based on it). The premise of the book is that if you believe in your dreams and can visualise them, they'll become reality. I follow this idea every day of my life in everything I do, from my career to my personal life.' 'My favourite life-changing book is She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb. This book describes things that we all feel in life. Whether you have a severe addiction to food or a slight phobia, it reaches everyone. The author's ability (even though he's male) to demonstrate emotions and feeling in the main character is incredible. Don't miss it. Get to your bookstore today!' 'Mother of Pearl by Melinda Haynes was a life-changing read for me. It's a story of hope and faith that most people are good, they do want to do the right thing, and will reach out to help and love one another. The book truly cut to the heart of me. It awakened my spirit and I have made major positive life changes since reading this book.
I realised how important it is to really be true to your heart. I was one to always do the logical thing, thinking with my head and never following my heart. Well, I am now listening to my heart and following it with the help of the spirit and I have never felt so renewed, refreshed and energised. I'm writing more now, taking more time with my husband and my children, and finding joy in my life instead of worrying about every single plan and detail.
There is a line in the book that says, "Ain't it a shame a body can't go where the heart lives." Well, I am here to tell you it can. When your body, mind and heart are in the same place, the peace and joy that you find is amazing!'
'Years ago, when I was a very young mother with a toddler in diapers, I found myself in an apartment without running water. I called a friend and asked if I could crash at her place until the water was turned back on. I couldn't believe what she told me. She hadn't finished putting her make-up on, her house was a mess and she had to go shopping. It wasn't convenient for her.
I was stunned and hurt, but I said I understood and hung up. I did find a place for the day with someone who was only an acquaintance, but she opened her home and her heart to me.
The fact that I had just read the book Open Heart, Open Home : The Hospitable... by Karen Burton Mains really made me think about my friend. She put her pride before her hospitality and it hurt our friendship. From that day on, I gave up the idea that my home had to be spotless before anyone could visit and I don't look at other people's messy homes quite the way I had before. I have listened to apologies galore and I always say, "I came to visit you, not your house."' 'At the brink of a breakdown, Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood was given to me as "suggested reading". My life was in such turmoil, my very being was raw and broken, and this book touched every one of the raw nerves I had. I had to put it down at times just to take a breather.
I read it three times back to back. It was the foundation and the springboard for me to be able to take control of my life and begin to live it well. Every now and then I need a "booster shot" and I break it out and read it again! Ms Norwood has NO idea how much I appreciate her book. Besides, it was MUCH cheaper than my therapist was and worked twice as well!' East of Eden by John Steinbeck is a book that has always inspired me. It's a long book, but the message that each person can make whatever she wants to out of life, regardless of where she comes from, really hits home. Plus it's a great story.' 'Many, many books have changed my life. But one that's had a lasting and abiding impact is A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway. If I ever want to turn on my creativity instantly, I can daydream about the feeling I get reading this book and it sets something free in me.'
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