And I learned, while munching on Thanksgiving turkey and chatting with a member of my family who works at the U fo C, that 4,000 of Grennan's books were given to the new under-graduate students for the 2011 University of Calgary Common Reading Program.
Wow. That's a lot of books. And, I wonder, would any of these students be moved to make a change in the way they do life from reading Grennan's book? Do books change lives?
What do you think? Do you have a book that changed your life, small or large, inspiring you to take a new direction, or maybe giving you hope in what seemed like a hopeless situation?
17 comments:
Books change lives all the time - I can't count how many books have shaped me, changed me, turned me into who I am today. :)
Many, many books add layers to our life, and change it in ways we cannot measure. Two books that stand out for me are 1)The Bible and 2)Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers.
Books and stories are such a part of my life, I think layers is the perfect word. I see myself in others' pages, I imagine where I can go, I journey, I escape, I understand. So I guess they've changed my life in that they offer me a journey I otherwise wouldn't have had.
That is a beautiful book color! Makes me want to read it just for that!
I think books can help us change the way we see things, can open the world to us in ways we wouldn't otherwise experience. For a while we get to step inside someone else's mind and see life from their point of view, and that is life-altering.
On the other hand, I don't think all books can do this, and I think a person can go their whole life and never be changed or challenged by a book. Sad, but true.
I love life changing books. When I was a teen, my best friend's dad gave me a motivational book. It totally changed my life. ;)
I've been reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, about the power of gratitude to change our hearts and lives. I'm only a few chapters in but I'm finding it very life-giving and challenging too.
I think every book I read changes me a little. That's why it's so important to choose good books. The Kite Runner really made me appreciate what I have and my relationships with my parents. And like you, scripture has probably had the biggest influence on me (The Bible and the Book of Mormon)
Yes, I do think books change lives--the Bible for sure!
But if a book you're reading moves you, I can't help but think it has to change you or your way of thinking even in a small way.
You have a new picture up! Love it!
I have had several books really speak to me--mostly the nonfiction ones. Don't you hope someday your own book would do that for someone?
Is this a true story, or a novel? It sounds great.
Oh, yes, books change lives. Take the Bible, Uncle Tom's Cabin, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jesus Calling...
Yes! Being a Mary in a Martha World (I think that's the title!) really spoke to me. I'm still using techniques from it on a daily basis. It really made a difference in my spiritual life, and I believe that affects the people around me.
The Little Princes looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
What an interesting sounding book. I love stories like this.
Xoxo
I think books change lives all the time. Working with kids lets me see it often. And it's always for the better!
Books definitely change lives. After reading Black Beauty as a kid, I decided I wanted to be a writer. Wonderful post. :-) New follower here.
I wonder how many of the students actually read the book. It does sound inspiring though. Hopefully it made a difference, even in a small way.
Hmm. I can't think of any book in particular, but as you say, books do add layers to our lives in ways we may not know. What a great post!
Hi Lynn -
Books do change lives. Because of that fact, authors have a weight of responsibility on their shoulders. They can promote either life or death.
I've read books that encouraged me after the death of my husband. Others gave me a different viewpoint on a situation or brought clarity to a point in the Word of God.
Blessings,
Susan :)
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