Book Nerd

When I was younger I LOVED to read. I often chose a book over a screen of any sort. My parents would beg me to take breaks to rest my eyes. Once I got older, though, I didn’t enjoy it as much. Books collected dust on my shelf for several years. At least, they did until recently.

Lately, I’ve been reading tons. Frequent trips to Barnes and Noble where I browse, sometimes long enough to receive a check in text from my dad seeing if I’m okay. 

So, today, to celebrate my rekindled love of reading, I thought I would share some books that made a big impact on my life. Maybe you’ll be able to reminisce about your own love affair with the stories told within those numerous pages. Maybe it will inspire you to start reading or rekindle the fire for books within your soul. Or possibly you’ll find a recommendation in this list for your next read!

It would be a crime to not start off this list with the book series that catapulted my like of reading into love status. 

Harry Potter.

The Harry Potter series claims the spot of the first and only series I’ve enjoyed reading. I don’t usually like series because I tend to get bored of the stories. Not with Harry Potter, though. That book series meant so much to me. Those characters felt like family. I know, I know. I sound like a total #booknerd. 

Now, I am aware that the author of these book has said and supported some hateful things. She’s “she who shall not be named” in this instance. I do not condone that at all, but today I just want to talk about the books that impacted me, not the author. 

If you’ve never read Harry Potter you are missing out on a magical world that fills you with an ample amount of excitement. When I first discovered this series I picked the first book up on a whim. I was hooked after the first chapter. I even brought the book with me to my best friend’s house just in case I got a moment to soar into the wizarding world on my broom while we were hanging out. 

Like I said before, Harry Potter changed my relationship with reading. I don’t think I will ever find another series of books that consumes me so much I forget entirely about the real world. 

As we leave the Wizarding World, we enter Tulsa, Oklahoma. Grease back your hair and throw on your leather jacket, it’s time to talk about…

The Outsiders. 

I simply cannot say enough good things about this book. I was assigned this as required reading in eighth grade and I was bummed out about it. My eighth grade year was filled with required reading that I absolutely could not stand, so I figured this book would have the same outcome. Well, obviously it didn’t. I fell in love with this book. I remember I sobbed right in the middle of Mrs. Corlew’s English class when we watched the movie. I cried at the book, too, but that goes without saying. The story absolutely broke my heart, but kept me turning the pages over and over again. 

Since that first read, I’ve reread that book about 5 times. It’s one of 2 books I have ever read more than once. 

I promise this book will rip your heart out and you’ll love every moment of it. The story is beautiful and the description makes you feel like you are right there next to Ponyboy Curtis. 

I’ve yet to read anything else by S.E Hinton because I’m afraid it won’t measure up to my beloved Outsiders. How could you possibly top “Stay golden, Ponyboy.

Live.

This book I’ve read recently, but I wish I had read it when I was a teenager. It’s written by a devout Christian woman who has her own ministry that is geared toward young women, like her. Her name is Sadie Robertson.

Reading that book made me feel like it was written specifically for me. It’s as if she knew the inner workings of my soul. It gives you tools to help you live a life that you love and enjoy. It teaches you how to overcome insecurities, and reminds you that you aren’t alone with your struggles. It does all of this and more, while still reminding you about and bringing you closer to God. 

This book touched my soul in multiple ways. So much so that I gifted it to a young Junior in High school that I know. I annotated the book with my own advice, while encouraging her to read Sadie’s. I would strongly encourage all young girls and women to read this book. It is important and will help you more than you think a book could.

My final book that was influential to me might not strike a chord with anyone else, but I love it a tremendous amount. 

Talking As Fast As I Can.

This is written by actress Lauren Graham. If you’ve read my other blog posts, or if you know me personally, then you are well aware of my love for Lauren Graham. She is one of my favorite actresses. I want to be her friend. The reason I love this book so much is because reading it makes you feel like you ARE her friend. 

She tells the story of her life and gives details about her time on Gilmore Girls the OG series and the short revival that aired in 2016. That’s one of my all time favorite shows, so I thoroughly enjoyed this inside look that Lauren so graciously gives us. 

Whether this blog post makes you want to read these books or different ones, I encourage you to grab a nice warm drink, curl up in a blanket, and start reading!

Let me know a book that influenced you in your life in the comments. Remember to tell your friends about the blog and follow to be notified when I post new ones!!!