Join the Fun!

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives the girl with the dragon tattoo when I was 18. I didn't go to highschool for reasons and this book made me go get my highschool degree and go to college because I wanted to become a journalist because of that book. I graduated college last month.

Wonderful-Reading-42 , amazon Report

Final score:

166points

POST

Unorthodox 2 years ago

Good for you for graduating!

31points

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy got me into reading

drewisawesome14 , amazon Report

Final score:

157points

POST

Iggnacious 2 years ago

66points

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Nathaniel66 said:

1984- Orwell

DT-Archer added:

Just finished this one last week. Such a great book that still manages to be relevant 70 years later. Makes me worried about some of the trends we see today and how we need to put more value in privacy. It also made me really value the simple things that are so easily taken for granted like having your own place with your SO and the ability to lead a life of your choosing.

Nathaniel66 , amazon Report

Final score:

139points

POST

Nathaniel 2 years ago

Read it a couple of times over the years, always relevant no matter what political party is in power or what the current landscape is. You can always take something from this book.

36points

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives There is a Monster at the End of this Book. It really led me on a journey to overcome my fears and deeply examine what it means to be a monster. Also, pulling really hard against Grover to turn the pages helped me get buff. Really I was helping Grover face fears he was not ready to face. But we faced them together.

Ethandrul , amazon Report

Final score:

136points

POST

Sarah 2 years ago

I just bought this for my girlfriends little guy! Have always loved it. :)

4points

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Hobbit.

As a young child, I had always found reading to be pretty dull. This changed when I was 7 and got my hands on The Hobbit- I realised that it wasn't reading that was boring - I just wasn't reading the right books!

The Hobbit started my life-long love of reading, particularly fantasy and sci-fi- A passion that I am now following as a writer!

HeartSpire , amazon Report

Final score:

125points

POST

kjorn 2 years ago (edited)

yeah. they never give you good book in school. i started to read more when i start to read classic we never get in school: Conan Doyle, Verne, Dumas, Moliere, Shakespeare, Tolkien.

17points

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Maus; the first and only graphic novel to win a pulitzer price

It is a book about a second generation survivor of the Holocaust retelling his father memoirs of the event. This semi-biographic book puts into perspective the whole feeling of absolute terror and give us an insight on the before-after situation. The jews are portrayed as mouses and the nazis as cats, elaborating on the whole cat and mouse chase premise which demonstrates the horrors the jewish felt. Although it is a graphic novel, its images do really say more than words.

It is to this day, the only book which has made me cry and feel hurt; it makes the whole subject feel very personal.

Eithanol , amazon Report

Final score:

124points

POST

Nathaniel 2 years ago

We know what a swastika is, it is a symbol only, why censor it? We are all grown ups?

104points

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives charxc2222 said:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

ronearc responded:

That's my answer as well. A book that legitimately changed my view of the world and the people in it.

charxc2222 , amazon Report

Final score:

116points

POST

Nathaniel 2 years ago

So I am an ocean away from where this is set, a good few generations away, and yet I found the book so nostalgic and cosy when talking about childhood.

14points

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Flowers for Algernon. I read it as a teenager, and it made me realize that my intelligence was a privilege, and that it didn’t make me better than people who are less intelligent than me.

hrdrv , amazon Report

Final score:

113points

POST

Kookamunga 2 years ago

Love this one. The way the writing style changes as Charlie's IQ changes is brilliant.

25points

#10

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Easy way to stop smoking by Allen Carr.

I had zero intention to stop smoking when I started reading that book. To say I was sceptical about it would be an understatement. I was a heavy chain smoker. Smoked more than anyone I knew. But I went cold turkey after I read it. 3 years strong. I have not had a single puff since finishing that book.

If you smoke. You want to read this book now. I wish I read it earlier.

madc**t2250 , amazon Report

Final score:

101points

POST

Owen Eshelman 2 years ago

i should probably start this one

31points

#11

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Dune. Fear is the mind-killer.

Also, A Wrinkle in Time.

Wyndsock , amazon Report

Final score:

89points

POST

Mimi M 2 years ago (edited)

I read Dune when I was a kid. Much better than the subsequent movies, though the older movie is better than the recent one - neither of them capture the book.

21points

Muntean Stefan 2 years ago

No movie can capture this book, would need a series and new fill making technology

3points

Hamilfan 2 years ago

there are so many things that the movie simply can't explain, it makes the book better. I know because I read the book after the movie

1point

ADHORTATOR 2 years ago

I disagree with you about the movies, but you are right about the capture of the book

1point

Jes.the.Mess 2 years ago

The older movie is better? Like as abstract art? Surrealism? Andalusian dog? That sort of thing?

0points

Mary Rose Kent 2 years ago

A Wrinkle in Time was the first SciFi/Fantasy book I ever read and I absolutely loved it. I reread it as an adult and was flabbergasted by all of the religious underpinnings I had missed completely.

2points

Paul Davis 2 years ago

A pretty hard slog though. The characterization is pretty stilted throughout the series. I did like it better when I was 12 before I understood how real people interacted.

1point

Alexandra Nara 2 years ago

There was an awesome filmproject by jodorowsky based on this book, including Dali, Orson Wells etc as actors and Pink Floyd for the music. The passionate documentary about it ( you' ll find it for free in internet) just blow my mind.

1point

JLBigboote 2 years ago

Destino. It's a fantastically beautiful piece, made even better by watching the Pink Floyd version Destino & Time.

0points

Aeon Decker 2 years ago

A wrinkle in time is short but the best

0points

voice of reason 2 years ago

I've read Dune about 4 or 5 times. Spectacular book. So many of these books I stumbled upon cuz I spent hours at the library.

0points

Chrysalis Cam 2 years ago

Regardless of the rest of the book, the Litany Against Fear has gotten me through some hellish times and places.

0points

Fester Sixonesixonethree 2 years ago

The scope of it... an entire galactic empire existing on the availability of Spice.

0points

Shyla Clay 2 years ago

I finally got to the end of the series. Extremely disappointing.

0points

D00FINSHMERTZ 2 years ago

Just a fantastic series if you can slog through it. Especially with his son now writing more books as well. I stopped around book 8.

0points

Torben Møller-Nielsen 2 years ago

Almost as good as The cat who walks through walls by Robert A. Heinlein

0points

frank0ys 2 years ago

My favorite book series of all time.

0points

Raven DeathShade 2 years ago

A Wrinkle in Time was an amazing book, and I was so excited for the movie. The movie was absolutely terrible. It removed the best parts, removed the religious undertones, and everything that made it so fun to read.

0points

Daniel Morgan 2 years ago

Currently reading this, struggled to get well into it at first but now starting to get more interesting so am determined to stick with it.

0points

Jo Johannsen 2 years ago

A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels were very impactful.

0points

#12

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Outsiders. Beautiful story that opened me up to the wonders of the 50's and 60's in the western U.S. absolutely loved it. Please read it, who ever reads this.

Cerberus-thiccus , amazon Report

Final score:

87points

POST

Furmama0501 2 years ago

Yes! And the movie is the only movie that holds a candle its book.

15points

#13

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives A Brief History Of Time. The insanity and complexity of the universe was explained in understandable terms, bonkers.

yaycoasttocoast , amazon Report

Final score:

86points

POST

Kenny Kulbiski 2 years ago

Agreed, to a certain extent. I understood and comprehended as I read it and for a few days later. For some reason I couldn't retain it and now am clueless as ever.It's just to mind boggling. Or maybe it's just me.

14points

#14

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives I remember when I read Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel. I was about 10 years old and I had seen the movie a dozen times before I found out it was a book. I devoured it in 2 days. I was hooked on the whole series for decades and it started my obsession with books. I will read anything but historical fiction is my favorite and it started with the Earth's Children series.

vettechrockstar86 , amazon Report

Final score:

74points

POST

Zophra 2 years ago

I read them all. The last one just got too weird.

13points

#15

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Kite Runner

Completely eye-opening, and an emotional roller coaster.

ladc2 , amazon Report

Final score:

69points

POST

Sarah 2 years ago

Loved this!

7points

#16

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Long Walk by Stephen King. Greatly shows the variety of lives and some lessons about the life itself.

SwipySwoopShowYoBoob , amazon Report

Final score:

66points

POST

Stephanie Wanek 2 years ago

I thought I was the only one who was amazed by this story. I wish someone would produce a film based on this story.

16points

#17

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Probably Redwall because it got me into reading as a child, and later writing.

Dewy_Wanna_Go_There , amazon Report

Final score:

65points

POST

Owen Eshelman 2 years ago

a classic I was SUPPOSED to read.

6points

#18

I’m embarrassingly basic but the hunger games. It got me into reading in grade school/high school which really benefited my comprehension, vocabulary and writing.

[deleted] Report

Final score:

65points

POST

Martin Kaine 2 years ago

It's not embarrassingly basic. If it strikes a chord or changes your view on reading, it is a good book.

33points

#19

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Giver

I remember reading that book in 6th or 7th grade and just being blown away. I had never experienced a book like that before and it really had a huge impact on me.

I'd also say The Harry Potter series because as a young kind reading those books I really felt like I was escaping into this magical world.

-eDgAR- , amazon Report

Final score:

63points

POST

Raven DeathShade 2 years ago

The Harry Potter series is nice :). I get in so much trouble for defending it against those who believe it's demonic, though XD.

9points

#20

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut.

"The things other people have put into my head, at any rate, do not fit together nicely, are often useless and ugly, are out of proportion with one another, are out of proportion with life as it really is outside my head."

juicebox647replied:
Vonnegut is so profound and yet can say absolutely nothing at the same time. I love the way he writes so much. I've been reading this textbook sized book full of all of his short stories recently and they're amazing. Reading about the Tralfamadorians when I was a younger me totally changed my outlook on life and how I think about the time we have here. It really did transform my life.

oikorapunk , amazon Report

Final score:

62points

POST

Dash Blue 2 years ago (edited)

This novel had me laughing out loud several times. Some of Mr. Vonneguts simple illustrations are hilarious. Now would be a good time to read it again. I can use some laughter. Powell Books, here I come. Again.

7points

#21

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Body Keeps The Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma

If only more mental health care specialists read this book. If only more doctors read it. If only more people understood the ripples of intergenerational trauma and abuse.

shakeastick , amazon Report

Final score:

62points

POST

Dutchdancemum 2 years ago

Absolutely! It's lifechanging!

4points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

See Also on Bored Panda

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#22

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Phantom Tollbooth.

I reread it after hearing that Norton Juster passed. It may have resonated more with me at 32 years old than reading it as a child.

Schmoreshmoosh , Teresa Grau Ros Report

Final score:

61points

POST

Raven DeathShade 2 years ago

This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite books. It is filled with nonsense, elaborate wordplay, amazing characters, a beautiful storyline, and it's just so, so awesome.

11points

#23

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives My side of the mountain. I was young and have always camped and loved the outdoors (still do) but this book had such an exciting story!

Its about a boy who runs away from home and plans to live in the wild on his own. He goes to a library and checks out a bunch of books on survival and lives in the forest. He even burns the base of a large tree and hollows it out and makes a living space inside. its a super easy read but I loved every page.

mumbling_87 , amazon Report

Final score:

57points

POST

Tammy Kirks 2 years ago

OMG! I forgot all about this book! I read it so many times as a kid.

7points

#24

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives pretty-ok-username said:

The stinky cheese man and other fairly stupid tales

ZweiEnte added:

This book basically set my sense of humour. I can trace my affinity for shaggy dog stories and deadpan humour straight back to the princess & the bowling ball and the other frog prince.

pretty-ok-username , amazon Report

Final score:

55points

POST

Phee C 2 years ago

LOVED that book as a kid. Still love it know

2points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

See Also on Bored Panda

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#25

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Thinking Fast and Slow. I had no idea how my overreliance on my intuition was impacting my ability to think through tough problems. It has forever changed the way I look at the world.

KirbysaBAMF , amazon Report

Final score:

49points

POST

dream of delusion 2 years ago

hm, sounds interesting

6points

#26

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Depressive Illness: The Curse of The Strong by Tim Cantopher.

Whenever someone tells me they are struggling with their mental health, I immediately point them to this book. It is the first one I have read by a health professional where I got the impression they actually get what it means to be depressed, and unlike most books by professionals, it's pretty easy to read at about 100 pages.

It doesn't offer any cure-all remedies, but it does help you understand why this is happening to you, so you can start to do something about it.

D-Angle , amazon Report

Final score:

44points

POST

Raven DeathShade 2 years ago

There is a character in a game called Doki Doki Literature Club who broke my heart while recounting their story. They were confused and scared as to why they felt this way, why they were depressed. For all those who are experiencing the same, I hope you find out why :).

8points

#27

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Got me back into reading after 5 years without picking up a book and then later inspired me to become a self-published author

SanderCast , amazon Report

Final score:

38points

POST

K 2 years ago (edited)

This is the same author that finished the Wheel of Time series. Robert Jordan and his family respected Sanderson’s way of writing so much that they gave him Jordan’s notes so he could finish the series. I love everything he’s written. One of the few male writers that can write great, strong, believable female characters.

13points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#28

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Road. I read it before and after becoming a father. Drastically different experiences. And the world according to garp. I read it when I was a kid and it was the first novel that made me laugh outloud and come close to crying in the same book.

zjustice11 , amazon Report

Final score:

38points

POST

Zoe's Mom 2 years ago

Is this the same as the movie with Viggo Mortensen; if so, depressing and moving at the same time. That was a heck of a roller coaster ride.

8points

#29

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler; an incredible sci-fi book that was written in the 80s and is a mix of apocalypse fiction, socio-political critique & resilience.

Completely changed my world view & put me on the path to sustainable off-grid living, which I'm really grateful for.

I also equally love the sequel Parable of the Talents and there's an amazing podcast called Octavia's Parables that came out last year which goes through each chapter of the book. I recommend it for anyone thinking about starting the book or re-reading it, it's like being in a book club that goes at your own pace :)

brownanddownn , amazon Report

Final score:

37points

POST

Jode Mode 2 years ago

She is one of my all time favorite authors! Kindred was the book by her that REALLY blew me away. “Afro-centric, feminist Sci-fi.” - brilliant work.

2points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

See Also on Bored Panda

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#30

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The End of Mr Y.

My ex partner threw it at my face during an argument and knocked down and burst my forehead. So I left her and totally changed my ambitions in life. Kinda funny. Sometimes I see that book and scowl, and wonder what people think is going on.

NovaCasanova , amazon Report

Final score:

33points

POST

Ece Cenker 2 years ago

LOL! Not the way I'd have thought a book would change one's life, but OK.

18points

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium

Unlimited content

Ad-free browsing

Dark mode

#31

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Dark Tower series. Those books helped me escape during some trying times.

zalez64424 , amazon Report

Final score:

17points

POST

Danielle Ocasio Fast 2 years ago

Favorite book series of all time! Long days, pleasant nights 🥀

2points

#32

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Where the Red Fern Grows. It still has the best imagery of any book I’ve ever read. A must read for dog lovers.

omgyouc**t , amazon Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Eucritta 2 years ago

It's also about hunting raccoons, loss and grief. Plus a dose of Christianity. I class this among the animal books adults think kids should read, because they've some claim to being literature, but that I as a kid found far too painful and upsetting to ever recommend to anyone. See also: The Red Pony, Old Yeller, and The Yearling.

9points

#33

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. Made me rethink the nature of religion.

BatteryRock , amazon Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Angelar 2 years ago

When I finished "Steppenwolf" as a 14 year old -“You are to listen to the cursed radio music of life and to reverence the spirit behind it and to laugh at its distortions” I knew life was going to be homework.

6points

#34

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Discrete Mathematics 4th edition, never wanted to end my life so quickly

Shmaz_Pootaz , amazon Report

Final score:

12points

POST

(T)reacherou(S) 2 years ago

😂😂

7points

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

See Also on Bored Panda

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#35

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives Neuromancer. It somehow gave me hope. Might have been at a low point in my life, I really can’t say. But I started collecting books again, reading more, and I put up with way less s**t from people. There’s got to be a reason somewhere, so I’m giving credit to William Gibson

[deleted] , amazon Report

Final score:

11points

POST

Nathaniel 2 years ago

I have never gotten very far into this book, heard it is so good, but I, for whatever reason, cannot make it very far.

1point

#36

jhgibson said:

East of Eden

markitf**kinzero responded:

I was surprised I had to scroll so long to find this book. I didn't want to comment if it was already on here. Reading Steinbeck has influenced the way interact with the world, and this book in particular has influenced me more than others. It made me more introspective and I work on being better instead of just being the same person year after year.

jhgibson Report

Final score:

10points

POST

Tammy Kirks 2 years ago

I started with "Of Mice and Men" and was determined to read every Steinbeck book I could get my hands on. I worked my way through every one and "East of Eden" is a fave.

2points

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

#37

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives susfromrus said:

Python for beginners :)

[deleted] responded:

Lol I like this one. I casually read Learn Python the Hard Way, and it sparked an interest that led to a coding bootcamp, which has me currently interviewing with a couple good tech companies in my area. If and when I land a job, the Python book will have changed my life more than any other book by a long shot lol

susfromrus , amazon Report

Final score:

9points

POST

Ben Steinberg 2 years ago

I found the book's protagonist to be poorly defined, the over-arching themes to be fairly derivative and the final denouement leaves the reader cold and unsatisfied. Great pictures though.../s

5points

See Also on Bored Panda

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#38

Folks Online List 30 Books That Blew Their Minds And Changed Their Lives The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

I read it in my late teens and I really tried to take in as much as I could. He seemed like an incredible man, and I'm grateful that he shared so many life lessons with the world before he passed!

I should read it again!

GarbageGutt , amazon Report

Final score:

9points

POST

Miss Frankfurter 2 years ago

I had the priviledge of seeing him on TV and talking about how the whole thing came to be. I'm not sure I could have the kind of courage, peace about what was in his offing. So many chapters are incredibly practical as well as life insights people just don't "get" until you're where he is, but wants the reader to understand and make changes before they get to that point. Still have it. With what's going on right now in my life I will be picking it up again. Thanks for putting this in and so a reminder.

0points

#39

Gotta go with The Five Love Languages. As a 20-something divorced dad, it was eye opening. Really makes you appreciate how others operate in a relationship.

ShoggothStoleMySock Report

Final score:

7points

POST

#40

How to win friends and influence people -Dale Carnegie. Was living in a broken down suburban with 2 flat tires. Now I'm on my way to to 200K a year and just bought a van in cash to turn into a camper...it was more than just that obviously. But the motto "I can do anything through strengthening" definitely changed my life.

jlefrench Report

Final score:

5points

POST

See Also on Bored Panda

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

Having started as a content creator that made articles for Bored Panda from scratch I climbed my way up to being and editor and then had team lead responsibilities added as well. So it was a pretty natural transition from writing articles and titles as well as preparing the visual part for the articles to making sure others are doing those same tasks as I did before well, answering their questions and guiding them when needed. Eventually I realized editing gives me the most enjoyment and I'm focusing only on that right now.

Read less »

Saulė is a photo editor at Bored Panda with bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Computer Design. The thing that relaxes her the best is going into YouTube rabbit hole. In her free time she loves painting, embroidering and taking walks in nature.

Read less »

What do you think ?

POST

MorgothBauglir 2 years ago

I'd recommend Machiavelli's The Prince. I was disappointed when I didn't take over the world after reading it, but it was still a very interesting read.

20points

Cowws 2 years ago

I mean... it's not too late for you ;-)

6points

Immortal Emperor Paradox 2 years ago

If you want to take over the world you need to shoulder the Heaven's Will and become an Immortal Emperor.

1point

Marco Conti 2 years ago

The millennium is young. Believe in yourself.

1point

Edgar Rops 2 years ago

A very good book. Among my favourites. Ruins Game of Thrones forever: all plots in the first three books are from the Prince.

0points

Powerful Katrinka 2 years ago

Now, THIS is BP content I really appreciate. More, please!

14points

Fabian Meresse 2 years ago

On the Road by Jack Kerouac when I was 19. Read it straight in one night, packed my backpack , left a note to my mom and left for three months on french roads with the equivalent of 30€. Not every experiences were easy and fun, by learnt me a lot on how to do and live with very few. Met a lot of different people, left my confort zone, and most important : I'm still the most free person of my toxic family

10points

Marco Conti 2 years ago

I read it in Italian and let's just say it doesn't translate well. I need to put it on my reading list again, in English this time.

3points

Aliquid 2 years ago

I've never had the experience of ANYTHING that has "absolutely changed my life". I always find it odd, hearing how this happens to people. Be it a book, or a show, or a TED talk, or an experience that they had. Nothing has been a "life changing moment" for me. Not to say that nothing is life changing... the opposite is true, everything I have experienced is life changing. Every book I read, every person I talk to, every thing I do is life changing... it is just lots of little changes that add up. Never anything sudden or dramatic.

7points

Marco Conti 2 years ago

There could be a bit of exaggeration in those claims. Joining the military surely changed my life, but it took years. Leaving it also changed my life, as did having a family, a child, seeing that child become an adult....

1point

Shelby Moonheart 2 years ago

Books are friends I grew up with them and still keep reading. I can't say the ones that impacted my life. More authors, CS Lewis, Clive Cussler, Martin Luther, ,,, Genres, biographies, science fiction. I love reading.

7points

Zoe's Mom 2 years ago

Nice list of reading material. thanks all.

7points

Lukas-not-Luca (he/him) 2 years ago

My life-changing books were "I wish you all the best" by Mason Deaver and "Felix Ever After" by Kacen Callender, because they really made me question and explore my gender identity. I now know that I'm a trans guy, and those two books helped a lot.

6points

Lindsey Leigh Phillips 2 years ago

Jitterbug Perfume.

4points

BorPand8 2 years ago

That book was a lot of fun! Got me into essential oils (this was before all the MLM nonsense that is today's essential oils market)

0points

Sarah 2 years ago

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. This took me on a roller coaster of emotions! I actually let out an audible gasp toward the end. Got some strange looks on the bus for that.

4points

Mary Rose Kent 2 years ago

It’s such a beautiful and sensitive book!

0points

MetaMaxNL 2 years ago

The good Nazi of Nanking... Being from the Netherlands I've learned nazi=monster. This book got my very confused about "standard believes"

3points

Kate 2 years ago

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. Mom read it to me when I was 3 or 4, and thinking of Ginger STILL makes me cry at 42.

3points

Elizabeth Molloy 2 years ago

One of my favourites as a child! So very sad, so much cruelty ...

0points

Helenium 2 years ago

if anyone wants to read any of my books id really appreciate it, The Riveters about the ship builders in Northern Ireland building Titanic and the prejudice they suffered and Searching For Santa about what would happen if Santa quit his job both by Helen Murphy. The latter is a kids book but I mean adults will read it too ive had good reviews on both, the first is historical fiction that took me two years to write and research. no one has ever written about the Titanic ship builders, nor the tragedies that they suffered, many died building that ship and no one seems to care

2points

Erihapeti Swampwitch 2 years ago

I can't believe there's not a single PTerry Pratchett in here!

2points

Lara M 2 years ago

I was about to post about that! Those are definitely books that changed my life - if nothing else, to give me a better place for my escapism.

0points

Deanna Crichley 2 years ago

I have cried at the end of many books. I, too cried at the end of Maus, but The Color Purple, and Bastard Out of Carolina came to mind immediately. I think every book you read changes you some. Lewis Nordan makes me laugh out loud no matter where I am. I reread my favorites over and over. Cormac McCarthy, Margaret Atwood, Anthony Burgess an so on. When I need a little focus, I read M. Scott Peck. I also happen to be a short story junkie.

2points

Bi-Polar Express 2 years ago

How do you pick one? I could make a list of 10 and then change it tomorrow.

2points

Leslie Crittenden 2 years ago

I was surprised that no one mentioned "Stranger In A Strange Land" by Robert Heinlein. Read that when I was 16 and it formed a lot of my adult thinking. Also one I didn't expect to see here but was mind altering was "Peace Is Every Step" by Thich Nhat Hang,a book about mindfulness and meditation and its benefits.

1point

Paul Esterline 2 years ago

Illusions By Richard Bach. It saved me and made me look at the world in a whole new way!

1point

Jen Love 2 years ago

Scrolling the comments to see if someone said it. Illusions and Pet Sematary as a 13 year old in the 90's definitely set the tone for my jr.high years.

0points

VM37 2 years ago (edited)

Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo by Christiane Vera Felscherinow German original, read it in translation. Not sure how they trnaslateded to English. Biography story about a 13 YO girl geting in and out of the hell of drugs and prostitution. Read it as a teen, never ever did any drugs or cigaretes because of it

1point

Winter 2 years ago

I don't know about "life changing", but a book that really stuck with me is Star's Reach, by John Michael Greer. It's a post-post apocalyptic story set in the U.S. 500 years after an economic and environmental collapse. I can't imagine a bright immediate future awaiting us. How could anyone? But this book imagines a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it's only science fiction.

1point

Raven DeathShade 2 years ago

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. It's a beautifully illustrated comic book autobiography about growing up in revolutionary-era Iran :). Definitely not for kids, though, as I had to scream at my dad when he told my 11 year old brother to read it XD. My dad realized his mistake immediately after, and my brother hasn't read it. Phew.

1point

BorPand8 2 years ago

I saw the movie, it was great! :)

0points

Aimee Lou 2 years ago

The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk

1point

Nina 2 years ago

The chaos walking trilogy. Especially the knife of never letting go. *jumps off a cliff screaming TTTTOOOOOODDDDDD*

1point

ADHORTATOR 2 years ago

The book of five rings by Miyamoto Musashi....

1point

Johnny Rodriguez 2 years ago

'Set this house in order. A romance of souls' by Matt Ruff.

1point

isharamadhumal77 1 year ago

Smart home A to Z https://comfortablelife4u.blogspot.com/2023/02/building-smart-home-a-to-z-guide.html

0points

Snubzi 2 years ago

The Velvet Rabbit was very impactful for me. Even now as an adult. It's such a precious book. So sad I lost it :(

0points

Poppy 2 years ago

As far back as I can remember I've always read books. I remember reading the Cat in the Hat books and having the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings read to me by my dad and sister. I cannot live without books.

0points

Kolby C 2 years ago

I would say The perks of being a wallflower, I read it in the mental hospital and it has stuck with me since. The way it's written and formatted is amazing and the story sucks you in. Going through freshman year with an awkward teenager trying to navigate life, it's honestly one of my favorite books. I was really happy that they had it considering they didn't have many books

0points

Monica Rogers 2 years ago

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe; changed my son's life. My oldest hated reading so when my 2nd child hated reading too, I said no, pulled him out of school, the first year of homeschooling we did nothing but read all types of books. This was the very first one we read and he LOVED it. Changed his outlook on reading. At 30 is still an avid reader, college educated, successful, happy.

0points

Sally Garcia 2 years ago

The Book of the Dun Cow. I read it in high school and loved it so much that I had to get a copy, even though it's out of print. I still have it 45 years later.

0points

Susan Rawlings 2 years ago

'Joirney of the Soul' by Gene Wright. Very interesting book based on true recordings of patients who'd been hypnotized by Dr. Wright, which explores what happens when we die, where we go what we do & see, & how they felt between lives on earth. Definitely changed my outlook on living & dying.

0points

Bunny Lady 2 years ago

Johnathan Livingston Seagull. Great book. Also, Anasi the spider man. Oooo! And the complete book of robot stories by Issac Asimov!

0points

Angelo Ventura 2 years ago

I'd say Wraeththu by Storm Constantine. It totally changed my perspective on sex and sexual identity

0points

No you can't have my name 2 years ago

Acceptable Risk is a great one about perspectives and scientific advancements.

0points

Jim Lambert 2 years ago

As a heavy duty science fiction and fantasy reader and writer, I love that 12 of these are solidly on my camp (I left out the two or three kid's books which are arguably SF/F). I think there is so much to be learned about the world, life, and being human by moving outside the real world to better illustrate these themes.

0points

PitbullmomAF 2 years ago

All of Judy Bloom. Her book opened up wonderful worlds as a child and helped me deal with tragedy as a teen.

0points

Boreddd 2 years ago

I will add some amazing books: A good girl's guide to murder+ sequels & prequels; Harry Potter -all of them; The fault in our stars; 5 feet apart;

0points

Elizabeth Molloy 2 years ago

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski. Blew my mind. I re-read it every few years.

0points

Christinaa Barber 2 years ago

For me it was Go Ask Alice I would have been in 6th grade I tended to read above my grade level and this was definitely not ment for sixth graders it delt with incredibly heavy subjects like drug use r**e and selling themselves ext the book was amazingly heart braking it’s about a 15 year old girl that moves dosent fit in goes developed a drug addiction and ran away from home with a new bad friend and her tragic string of misfortune and other girls she meets that are in just as bad situations it’s presented in diary format and I think this was better then any D.A.R.E and drug prevention methods parents and teachers where starting to shove down our throats. This book definitely kept me scared from ever trying drugs due to what happened to her. spoilers Evan once she finally got clean and was doing well other then bullies at school her last entry is so positive for the future the epilogue was what was really did me in it stated that she died shortly after her last entry due to

0points

Christinaa Barber 2 years ago

Spoilers continued Due to drug overdose Evan worse it’s left up in the air if she relapsed and did it to herself or if she was purposely overdosed by another schoolmate I’m still convinced it was murder but maybie I was just hoping so much that after all that she wouldn’t go back

0points

Jill Pulcifer 2 years ago

I found a copy of Geralds Game on my back porch when I was 11. I hated reading until I found that book, I have had a book in hand ever since and Stephen King will always have a special place in my heart and library.

0points

K S 2 years ago

"A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn. The truth about this country...not the white, male, privileged version we get taught in school.

0points

Chris Osborn 2 years ago

The books that changed my life were The Nancy Drew Mysteries books, I remember devouring them as soon as I could get them. I was raised in a family of readers, it was (gently) encouraged, and these books fueled the fire.

0points

TheCapitalOfTurkeyIsAnkara 2 years ago

My addition would be Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Not for any particularly profound reason, I just liked it.

0points

Linny H 2 years ago

Atlas Shrugged.

0points

Ace Girl 2 years ago

The Invisible Man about a black man who moves north with a letter of "recommendation" by his white boss, but the book shows how systems overlapped to further oppress him. While he is being trained at a paint facility that makes white paint the trainer instructs him to add a little bit of black paint to get the perfect white. That metaphor hit me hard. And this was in public school in TX. I hope TX hasn't effed up education too much since, but the current state of affairs has me worried!

0points

Tunk 2 years ago (edited)

Grapes of Wrath. Autobiography of a Yogi. 1984. The Magic Far-away Tree.

0points

PopscotchM 2 years ago

Wings of Fire. It's the best!

0points

Trevor Nicholson 2 years ago

The book that has impacted my life the most is a book that I found incredibly boring and took forever to read, but in retrospect the key message of it stuck. Independent People by Halldor Laxness, which is basically the national book of Iceland because he won the Nobel Prize. In Iceland, even the tour guide said he thought it was super boring, but slow, drawn out stories is kind of what Iceland's books are like. Slow literature. But the main point is that an independent person is someone who owes nothing to anybody. It's made me realize I would rather a simple, modest life than trying to keep up with what others are doing, because debt is to be chained. This pandemic should have shown people especially that you can't rely on things to stay the same.

0points

Lenn 2 years ago

I would suggest ecerything from Keri Smith, but the best author in my opinion is Walter Moers.

0points

Andrew Vince 2 years ago

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. Probably not the best book I've ever read, but definitely my favourite.

0points

deathrose 2 years ago

Down vote me if you want but Anthem by Ayn Rand. The importance of the Sense of Self, Individualism, and Pride really struck a cord with me in high school. At the time I was just the youngest of 5 sisters trying to make it through life but that book taught me the importance of "I". I am my father's youngest daughter and not just a part of the collective. I play the clarinet, not just another band member. It really helped me blossom into an indivisible instead just a crowd member.

0points

Marylu Horkowitz 2 years ago

If the Buddha Dated by Charlotte Kasl

0points

Amanda Lalonde 2 years ago

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. It's a paranormal romance series that not just love and romance. This series has helped me escape my mind on more than one occasion.

0points

humdrum 2 years ago

It should have changed my life 25 years ago, but all the lessons I'm learning now are in LOVE & ADDICTION by Stanton Peele.

0points

POST

MorgothBauglir 2 years ago

I'd recommend Machiavelli's The Prince. I was disappointed when I didn't take over the world after reading it, but it was still a very interesting read.

20points

Cowws 2 years ago

I mean... it's not too late for you ;-)

6points

Immortal Emperor Paradox 2 years ago

If you want to take over the world you need to shoulder the Heaven's Will and become an Immortal Emperor.

1point

Marco Conti 2 years ago

The millennium is young. Believe in yourself.

1point

Edgar Rops 2 years ago

A very good book. Among my favourites. Ruins Game of Thrones forever: all plots in the first three books are from the Prince.

0points

Powerful Katrinka 2 years ago

Now, THIS is BP content I really appreciate. More, please!

14points

Fabian Meresse 2 years ago

10points

Marco Conti 2 years ago

I read it in Italian and let's just say it doesn't translate well. I need to put it on my reading list again, in English this time.

3points

Aliquid 2 years ago

7points

Marco Conti 2 years ago

1point

Shelby Moonheart 2 years ago

7points

Zoe's Mom 2 years ago

Nice list of reading material. thanks all.

7points

Lukas-not-Luca (he/him) 2 years ago

6points

Lindsey Leigh Phillips 2 years ago

Jitterbug Perfume.

4points

BorPand8 2 years ago

That book was a lot of fun! Got me into essential oils (this was before all the MLM nonsense that is today's essential oils market)

0points

Sarah 2 years ago

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. This took me on a roller coaster of emotions! I actually let out an audible gasp toward the end. Got some strange looks on the bus for that.

4points

Mary Rose Kent 2 years ago

It’s such a beautiful and sensitive book!

0points

MetaMaxNL 2 years ago

The good Nazi of Nanking... Being from the Netherlands I've learned nazi=monster. This book got my very confused about "standard believes"

3points

Kate 2 years ago

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. Mom read it to me when I was 3 or 4, and thinking of Ginger STILL makes me cry at 42.

3points

Elizabeth Molloy 2 years ago

One of my favourites as a child! So very sad, so much cruelty ...

0points

Helenium 2 years ago

2points

Erihapeti Swampwitch 2 years ago

I can't believe there's not a single PTerry Pratchett in here!

2points

Lara M 2 years ago

I was about to post about that! Those are definitely books that changed my life - if nothing else, to give me a better place for my escapism.

0points

Deanna Crichley 2 years ago

2points

Bi-Polar Express 2 years ago

How do you pick one? I could make a list of 10 and then change it tomorrow.

2points

Leslie Crittenden 2 years ago

1point

Paul Esterline 2 years ago

Illusions By Richard Bach. It saved me and made me look at the world in a whole new way!

1point

Jen Love 2 years ago

Scrolling the comments to see if someone said it. Illusions and Pet Sematary as a 13 year old in the 90's definitely set the tone for my jr.high years.

0points

VM37 2 years ago (edited)

1point

Winter 2 years ago

1point

Raven DeathShade 2 years ago

1point

BorPand8 2 years ago

I saw the movie, it was great! :)

0points

Aimee Lou 2 years ago

The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk

1point

Nina 2 years ago

The chaos walking trilogy. Especially the knife of never letting go. *jumps off a cliff screaming TTTTOOOOOODDDDDD*

1point

ADHORTATOR 2 years ago

The book of five rings by Miyamoto Musashi....

1point

Johnny Rodriguez 2 years ago

'Set this house in order. A romance of souls' by Matt Ruff.

1point

isharamadhumal77 1 year ago

Smart home A to Z https://comfortablelife4u.blogspot.com/2023/02/building-smart-home-a-to-z-guide.html

0points

Snubzi 2 years ago

The Velvet Rabbit was very impactful for me. Even now as an adult. It's such a precious book. So sad I lost it :(

0points

Poppy 2 years ago

0points

Kolby C 2 years ago

0points

Monica Rogers 2 years ago

0points

Sally Garcia 2 years ago

The Book of the Dun Cow. I read it in high school and loved it so much that I had to get a copy, even though it's out of print. I still have it 45 years later.

0points

Susan Rawlings 2 years ago

0points

Bunny Lady 2 years ago

Johnathan Livingston Seagull. Great book. Also, Anasi the spider man. Oooo! And the complete book of robot stories by Issac Asimov!

0points

Angelo Ventura 2 years ago

I'd say Wraeththu by Storm Constantine. It totally changed my perspective on sex and sexual identity

0points

No you can't have my name 2 years ago

Acceptable Risk is a great one about perspectives and scientific advancements.

0points

Jim Lambert 2 years ago

0points

PitbullmomAF 2 years ago

All of Judy Bloom. Her book opened up wonderful worlds as a child and helped me deal with tragedy as a teen.

0points

Boreddd 2 years ago

I will add some amazing books: A good girl's guide to murder+ sequels & prequels; Harry Potter -all of them; The fault in our stars; 5 feet apart;

0points

Elizabeth Molloy 2 years ago

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski. Blew my mind. I re-read it every few years.

0points

Christinaa Barber 2 years ago

0points

Christinaa Barber 2 years ago

0points