48 Responses to “Books that make a difference to the way we see the world…”

1. The first book I remember that I loved reading and would periodically read again was LITTLE WOMEN. I had my copy for years and when my sister was old enough I gave it to her. She also loved the book. She discussed with me when it would be a good time to introduce my daughter to the book, which we both assumed that she would read and love also. What a surprise to both of us that she never read the book.

   by Maureen on July 23rd, 2006 at 6:22 am
   
   

2. For me the Matrix of Destiny series by Dara Joy will always have a special place in my heart, because the books helped me to forget, at least for a little while, the worries about my Dad, when he had cancer , plus they were one of the first English books that I have read. And so the addiction started. LOL

   by Danny on July 23rd, 2006 at 6:37 am
   
   

3. When I was young my aunt gave me a coppy of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and I loved it. I still have it and have read it over and over. Little Women is also one of my favorites. I also loved Gone With the Wind. With each book I read I learn more about the world and about people. I love reading!

   by Carol on July 23rd, 2006 at 8:37 am
   
   

4. THE CATSWOLD PORTAL by Shirley Rousseau Murphy.
   This is a fantasy I get lost in and can read over and over. The heroine’s name is Melissa and she’s a calico cat. This is special to me ’cause sometimes I wish I were a cat. Or a catwoman. Yea. I love the movie. My Mom got me a hardcover first edition and it’s my favorite book. Well, that and BLACK BODY by H.C. Turk.
   The very best book about witches I’ve ever read. Also special ’cause I wish I could cast spells on people. *g* Good ones of course!

   by Melissa on July 23rd, 2006 at 9:23 am
   
   

5. Barbara Delinky’s Three Wishes is a book I will always remember. It is a tale of redemption&love. It showed me you can be a better person for having someone special come into your life - you can really learn from another person.

   I cried for a half an hour and just could not stop. But again it is a very worthwhile read and you will never forget it.

   by Pat on July 23rd, 2006 at 10:23 am
   
   

6. I also must mention as a young child, I devoured Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon, Maud Hart Lovelace andBeverly Cleary books and these stories really got me into the joy of reading.

   by Pat on July 23rd, 2006 at 10:25 am
   
   

7. David Attenborough’s Life on Air is one of those books I read over and over again and not just because I’m a fan. It’s just simply a facinating book about a broadcaster who has been in so many places and who has done so many wonderful documentaries.

   by Minna on July 23rd, 2006 at 10:54 am
   
   

8. Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird it dealt with tough issues from the eyes of a child and is probably the most elegant novel I have ever read using such serious subject matter.

   by Little Lamb Lost on July 23rd, 2006 at 11:12 am
   
   

9. A book that is truly special to me is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. It is the first book that I remember reading on my own. I was so proud of myself. I read the book to my parents over and over. I never had my own copy (I borrowed it from the library), but a couple of years ago for Christmas my parents gave me a brand new copy of the book as a gift. I was so touched and moved that they would do this for me years after I first read it to them. I re-read the book and the story is very touching and a bit sad. The book tells the story of a boy’s relationship with a tree through the years of his life. It is about friendship and devotion and the price you sometimes pay. I plan on reading this book to my children (if I am blessed to have any).

   This book started my love of reading and for that I am eternally grateful.

   by Jennifer Y. on July 25th, 2006 at 12:36 am
   
   

10. Hello Susan,

    Thank you for being here and blogging with us. I love the topic :D

    This is one book that has changed my life. Motherless Daughters By: Hope Edelman
    My mom passed away in 2002. My best friend got me this book. I am very happy she did. Here is why: I felt the book was very helpful because I had all kinds of feeling and thoughts and the book helped answer most of them.

    It has been very helpful to hear the stories that are in this book. I do still read them once in a while as I am always thinking about my mother and how much I really miss her. I hope this book will help many other motherless daughters as well.

    Linda.H.

    by Linda on July 25th, 2006 at 5:38 am
    
    

11. A book that really stuck with me was Where The Heart Is by Billie Letts. I enjoyed this book because it dealt with a young pregnant girl whose boyfriend leaves her stranded in a parking lot of a Walmarts. This girl has no one to count on - she is totally alone. From there, she carves out a life for herself with the help of a few local townspeople. It was an inspiring book for me. She is a character who has all the cards stacked against her, but she prevails and flourishes.
    Another book I enjoy is a children’s book called Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting. It’s a story about a homeless boy and his father who live in an airport. It’s a sad story. My 5 year old picked it out at the library and we read it together. It was a great chance to remind my son of how fortunate he is and how we should be greatful for what we have.

    Sandra

    by Sandra M. on July 25th, 2006 at 9:39 am
    
    

12. When I was in elementary school…probably around third or fourth grade, I discovered this book that was unlike any other I had ever read.
    It was “The Secret World of Og” by Pierre Berton. It was the first fantasy fiction I ever read and I was just facinated! I must have read that book dozens of times. I credit it for my love of paranornal fiction now. I wanted my children to read it, but when they were of an age to appreciate it, I could not find it anywhere and this was before wide-spread internet access. I fully intend to introduce my grand-children to it, though….(but not for several more years, I hope!!) It is wicked expensive for a children’s book and hard to find a reasonably priced copy..

    It is about four siblings, who go searching for their baby brother who has disappeared from their playhouse. They find a secret trapdoor that leads them into an underground world of mushrooms, populated with green people who only speak one word “OG!”

    by Angie on July 25th, 2006 at 9:49 am
    
    

13. A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell is a special book. This novel is remarkable due to its heartfelt and moving subject matter which resounds throughout. It is definitely a life changing book which confronts most people’s fears and changes your perspectives entirely. This haunting book is a realistic portrayal of ordinary people who are brave and beautiful. It unforgettable and overwhelming.

    by pearl on July 25th, 2006 at 10:17 am
    
    

14. Anne of Green Gables is a novel which is heartwarming, and nostalgic. When I read this book when I was very young I was enthralled by the writing, the story and the vivid and beautiful characters. I read the entire series of Anne books and this led me to appreciate reading and the changes that it can produce in your life. I cannot ever forget how this has influenced and guided me to learn and understand the world in which we live.

    by ellie on July 25th, 2006 at 10:20 am
    
    

15. The Loving Spirit by Daphne was a classic that I could never forget. This novel showed me how to remain true to your spirit and to follow your heart. Thos story was a extremely wonderful experience. After this special introduction to this great novelist I read every single one of her books and was entranced with the writing and the vivid portrayal of the characters. to read this type of author is an enlightening experience.

    by joelle on July 25th, 2006 at 10:22 am
    
    

16. The Scalpel, The Sword by Ted Allen was a book that I had in my home when I was very young and I picked it up and could not put it down. It was a true story of a fascinating human being who made a huge difference to people in China. This man was an inspiration to generations of doctors whose career choice was influenced by this amazing and talented doctor. His larger than life personality together with his charm and dedication tranformed a country and up to this day this man is revered and remembered for his contributions and his sacrifices. This book made a huge impact upon me even at a young age and I still remember this exceptional book well.

    by sharon on July 25th, 2006 at 11:11 am
    
    

17. I had to smile at Jennifer Yates post because The Giving Tree was also one of my favorite stories as a child. So much so that I still have the original copy from my childhood to share with my toddler and to share with the baby girl I am excpecting after she is born. Another book that is special to me is a book called Countess Below Stairs about a young woman who loses wealth and privelige and has to become a servant. Despite her losses she has such a positive and giving attitude. Everyone around her grows to love her. The reason it is special to me is because I read it after my grandmother died unexpectedly. When I read it it comforted me and I was able to come to terms with the fact that my “second mother” was no longer with me.

    by Cherie Japp on July 25th, 2006 at 2:33 pm
    
    

18. Oops! Countess Below Stairs is by Eva Ibbotson in case someone is interested in reading it. Sorry about leaving the author out.

    by Cherie Japp on July 25th, 2006 at 2:35 pm
    
    

19. I read Exodus by Leon Uris when I was in H.S. and it influenced how I looked at history. History was and still is not my favorite subject, but Exodus brought it vividly to life.

    by Joyce on July 25th, 2006 at 2:50 pm
    
    

20. While I was in college a long, long time ago, I read Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. I absolutely loved the whole idea and couldn’t believe how creative the author was to have made up all of those odd creatures and other realms…Middle Earth , hobbits, elves , sorcery etc. They were the first mystical /fantasy books that I’d read.

    I’ve enjoyed sharing the books and watching the movies with my kids. We’ve had several lively discussions and have had a lot of fun too!

    by Laurie G on July 25th, 2006 at 8:55 pm
    
    

21. The Invisible Circus by Jennifer Egan is a book that means a great deal to me. I first read it when I was a junior in high school and having some issues (as teenagers are wont to do). It was my comfort read. For whatever reason, it touched me, and helped me deal with some of my teenage angst.

    by China on July 25th, 2006 at 9:07 pm
    
    

22. As a child, I loved reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden books as well as Maud Hart Lovelacc and Beverly Cleary Beezus and Ramona books.

    My first real foray into romance was Sandra Brown’s Exclusive, which led me to get my hands on all her romances. I love Linda Howard’s and Eliz. Lowell’s older romances. SEP, Catherine Anderson are favs of mine. Barbara Delinsky’s Three Wishes, Linda Howard’s Sarah’s Child and Kathleen Korbel’s A Rose for Maggie are heart wrenching books I will never forget.

    by Pat on July 25th, 2006 at 10:47 pm
    
    

23. No wonder this question seemed familiar; I answered it before. Sorry. How come it posted again?

    by Pat on July 25th, 2006 at 10:49 pm
    
    

24. Motherless Daughters by Hope Edelman:

    Edelman shares her own painful story and the stories of many other women who, as children or adults, lost their mothers. She explains the stages of grief and adjustment. If you’ve lost your mother, you no longer have to face it alone.
    the grief of hundreds of women she interviewed who lost their mothers through death, abandonment or another form of separation. It is a life-changing event and
    this book helps anyone with a loss.
    It is an invaluable source of information and comfort for those who have lost their mother and it can be applied to a loss of a father also, I think. As I’ve lost both my parents I find great comfort from this.

    by Robyn on July 26th, 2006 at 1:46 am
    
    

25. Thank you everyone for being so patient, and for your wonderful comments, they have really touched me and fired my enthusiasm to buy more books!!!
    (This blog is going to cost me a fortune!)

    I must apologise to everyone for my false start, when the blog went up before it should have done, but I had to take my elderly friend to hospital yesterday and didn’t want to let you down, so tried to publish early on a ‘date stamp’ … Yep, I’ll remember to tick the box as well as change the numbers next time!!

    But right now there’s still time for you to post more ideas (and send my book order rocketing!) I’m absolutely loving them, so please do keep them coming.

    Thank you for taking part!

    Back soon

    Sxxx

    by Susan Stephens on July 26th, 2006 at 3:23 am
    
    

26. No problem. Thought I was going nuts. LOL. Good luck to your friend.

    by Pat on July 26th, 2006 at 9:00 am
    
    

27. Okay, Pat, glad I could sort that out for you!! And thank you for your good wishes- I’ll pass them on.

    To tell the truth, I am printing out all your comments so I don’t miss anything, and then I can buy or borrow all the books you recommend.

    (I’m loving this Blog!)

    Back soon with our winner.

    Sxxx

    by Susan Stephens on July 26th, 2006 at 11:44 am
    
    

28. PS for Danny…

    Danny, I hope you’re reading this because I have a copy in German for your mother of The Sheikh’s Captive Bride. I just received them, and if you send your mother’s snail mail address and her name I’d be glad to send a signed copy on to her.

    Great to finally meet you in Daytona, btw!
    Sx

    by Susan Stephens on July 26th, 2006 at 11:48 am
    
    

29. I like books with children in them. They are usually funny and very heart warming.

    Stef Ann Holm’s Pink Moon was a tale of a divorced man with a son who meets the heroine with a son. The children are as different as nice and day and become close friends. Not to be a spoiler but what boy does for his friend is so touching.

    Anyone who has read Vicki Lewis Thompson The Nerd Who Loved Me will never forget Dex, the brilliant little boy in the book. The things that came out of his mouth had me rotf.

    by Helen Mac on July 26th, 2006 at 4:33 pm
    
    

30. I really like Harry Potter books as you can enjoy them with a child and enjoy them yourself.

    I also recently read Hurricane Hannah by Sue Civil Brown. It was very cute - it had a lovable alligator that was almost human. I got a kick out of him. He had a thing for the heroine. Different! But really enjoyable.

    by Karen T. on July 26th, 2006 at 4:36 pm
    
    

31. Hello Susan,

    Ss to hear about your friend hope your friend is feeling better. I am really not sure about anyother books besides the one I had posted #10 is mines. About Motherless Daughters By: Hope Edelman

    HUGSSSS
    Linda.H.

    by Linda on July 26th, 2006 at 7:55 pm
    
    

32. Oh wait I do have another one. The Five People You Meet In Heaven By: Mitch Albom. I read the book and saw the movie. It was a really interesting story and movie. I would love to meet my mother and family in heaven. When it’s my time that is This book had me in tears. I loved this book and I would love to read it again.

    HUGSSSS
    Linda.H.

    by Linda on July 26th, 2006 at 8:00 pm
    
    

33. Just popping back - Thursday morning here in the UK- (just before I take my old doggie for a walk across the fields) to say a huge thank you to all of you… even my kids want a copy of the ‘book list’ from this Blog! Some of the books we have here at home already, but there are quite a few new ideas, so thank you ladies for every one of your suggestions.

    I’ll keep popping back until the end of the week when I post our winner.

    I’ve really enjoyed this, and I hope you have too. I love it when we get together to share the things we enjoy.

    My warmest hugs and best wishes to all of you
    Susanxxx

    by Susan Stephens on July 27th, 2006 at 2:50 am
    
    

34. Hi Susan! :D

    There is a children’s book called LOVE YOU FOREVER by Robert Munsch that I have read to both my children since they were babies. It is about the enduring love of a parent for a child, and in turn a child for a parent. It is a favorite of mine and my children’s. I recommend this book for anyone with children or to expecting parents. I received the copy we have at my baby shower, and it was a truly wonderful and lasting gift. I always add it in the baby shower gifts that I buy now. This book is beautiful in the simple truth of it. I just adore it!

    by Zara on July 27th, 2006 at 4:22 am
    
    

35. Oh Zara! That book still makes me cry!! I love it. I read it to my boys when they were small….and they are 18 and 15 now. In fact, I was cleaning my older son’s room while they were at camp this week and he still has that book on his bookshelf. I hope he is saving it for his children….. :P

    by Angie on July 27th, 2006 at 9:09 am
    
    

36. This Blog is wonderful, it just goes on and on and I can never get enough of good books. I’m still hoping someone can bottle the essence of ‘book’ and sell it as a room spray. Aaaah, bliss!
    Sxxx

    by Susan Stephens on July 27th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
    
    

37. Some really great books mentioned here: (How could I forget) - Love You Forever, The Giving Tree and how about Goodnight, Moon!

    by Karen T. on July 27th, 2006 at 8:16 pm
    
    

38. Hi Susan,

    I agree with you on so many good books have been mention. I love coming to this blog and hearing what others have read. Also I like hearing about new authors I have most of these on my B-day Wish List. Thanxs to everyone. Thanxs Susan for the wonderful question and blogging here with us.

    HUGSSSS
    Linda.H.

    by Linda on July 27th, 2006 at 8:21 pm
    
    

39. There have been many great books mentioned!

    by Jennifer Y. on July 28th, 2006 at 1:23 am
    
    

40. I’m going to pick the winner and post it here tomorrow morning (UK time) so please do come back…

    And why not print out a copy of all the books mentioned here like me? I’m not going to miss out on so many fantastic suggestions. ..
    Only now I have to print out 8 copies… for myself, for my children and for their chums… any advance on 8?!

    Thank you so much, ladies!
    Sxxx

    by Susan Stephens on July 28th, 2006 at 3:12 am
    
    

41. Hi Susane,

    I have wrote all the books that have been mention. They are now on my Must Buy list. Also with some of yours :mrgreen: Wow I see you have alot of copies to get :mrgreen: Happy Reading & Writing

    Have A Wonderful Weekend EveryOne

    HUGSSSS
    Linda.H.

    by Linda on July 28th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
    
    

42. I have copied this list as well! There are so many great books listed! Thanks everyone for all your great recommendations! :D

    Angie,
    It makes me cry too! That is great that your son still has his. I hope mine will save their’s as well.

    Thanks Susan for the great blog!

    Hugs, Zara

    by Zara on July 28th, 2006 at 2:59 pm
    
    

43. A Cup of Christmas Tea is a very heartwarming book about an aunt and a nephew. Especially nice around the Christmas season of course.

    by Joanne V. on July 28th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
    
    

44. Danny, you’re mother’s book should arrive next week.

    Zara, check out my next release, Bedded By The Desert King… the heroine is called Zara! The name was essential to the plot and the character of my heroine as in Greek Zara means appeared with the dawn/ dawn’s gift etc Love the name.

    Maureen… Little Women. Oh, how I adore that book. I have the film too.

    Carol… Gone with the Wind and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn- we have identical passions- lets just call it books All of them. Every last one of them!

    Melissa, thank you. 2 new ones for me.

    Pat, I’m going to take your advice and read 3 wishes, and like you Nancy Drew has been at the top of my list for years. Thank you!

    Minna, like you I adore David Attenborough. He’s one of those people whose work has really changed the way I look at the world.

    LLL I have TKAM It’s one of those books that never really leaves your thoughts, and certainly will never leave my bookshelf.

    The Giving Tree, Jennifer… what a lovely title, i have to read it.

    Linda, we’re as one on this. My mother died in 1998 and I still miss her as much today as I did the first day without her. I’m going to take your recommendation and hope it helps me as it has helped you.

    Sandra, I love books that inspire me. I guess that’s why most of us read. Thank you for your recommendation, I will certainly be adding it to my collection.

    The Secret World of Og sounds such fun, Angie, I have to buy it.

    A Thread of Grace. The title alone is enough to make me want to pick up this book Pearl, so thank you for your suggestion.

    Ellie, I ADORE Anne of Green Gables.

    Joelle, anything that encourages us to follow our heart has to be a book worth reading. Thank you for suggesting The Loving Spirit.

    Sharon, what an amazing story! I shall certainly be adding Ted Allen’s book to my list.

    Cherie, you have redoubled my interest in The Giving Tree. It will be on my shelves very soon, so thank you. And The Countess Below Stairs sounds great.

    Exodus, by Leon Uris, Joyce. Like you I read this book at school and have never forgotten it, so thank you.

    Laurie, like you say, Tolkien created a whole fantastic and believable world when he wrote his groundbreaking books. And The Hobbit too, what a wonderful legacy for an author to leave the world.

    China, I love the sound of your suggestion. I’m going to buy it for my youngest, so thank you.

    Robyn, you echo Linda’s thoughts and I only wish I’d known about this book years ago. I shall certainly be buying it, so thank you.

    Helen, the Nerd books have been on my TBR pile for some time now and after reading your suggestion I’m going to out them on the top of the pile, so thank you.

    Karen, like you I adore Harry Potter, but I’m going to pick up a copy of Hurricane Hannah next time I’m in town, so thank you for this suggestion!

    If I’ve missed anyone out, please forgive me! I have enjoyed this Blog more than I can tell you, and my copies of your suggestions are all neatly clipped together ready for my next library or book shop trip. (I don’t have to go too far to the library as the library bus stops right outside my house- how lucky am I!!!!!!)

    How to pick a winner?
    Sheesh, ladies, you don’t make this easy! You’re all winners as far as I’m concerned.

    Minna, I’m going to pick you today. David Attenborough has awakened a love of the natural world in me that I would never be able to thank him for enough should I be lucky enough to meet him, but please accept my thanks everyone who has taken the trouble to take part in the most enjoyable Blog I’ve ever done.

    Congratulations Minna! Now all you have to do is mail your details to SusanStephensContests@gmail.com

    Thank you again everyone!
    Sxxx (back with you on August 11th)

    by Susan Stephens on July 29th, 2006 at 7:55 am
    
    

45. Big congrats Minna!

    Thanks Susan

    by Danny on July 29th, 2006 at 8:04 am
    
    

46. No problem, Danny… I left out half of your message, so here it is now!!!
    the Matrix of Destiny sounds such a great title of course I will be adding it to my shopping list. The magic of books is that we can lose ourselves in them- find help, or comfort, or a message that seems directed just at us. I guess that’s why I’m addicted to reading. So, thank you again, Danny for your thoughtful suggestion
    Sxxx

    by Susan Stephens on July 29th, 2006 at 8:37 am
    
    

47. Congrats Minna. And Susan you are going to go broke buying books, but what a way to go.:wink:

    If I did not suggest A Rose for Maggie by Kathleen Korbel - excellent - heart wrenching. Was an old SIM and reprinted quite awhile ago too.

    by Pat on July 29th, 2006 at 12:00 pm
    
    

48. Thank you, Pat! Fortunately, I can borrow a lot of fab books from the library van that comes to call here each Thursday, and for older titles such as the one you mention, this is the best way to go.

    by Susan Stephens on July 30th, 2006 at 7:16 am