5 Books with a Lasting Impression

5 Books with Lasting Impressions

We have all read books where, at the end, we can feel the change in us. Whether we know that’s what we’re feeling or not. I love this feeling. And after racking my brain, and painstakingly crossing out one title after the other, I narrowed my most influential books down to five. I do not believe I would be the same person I am today without them. For better or worse…

1. Beauty by Robin McKinley. There is one book from my childhood. One, that truly stands out. It is a Beauty and the Beast retelling; similar enough you still feel that original magic but different enough to bring intrigue. I read this book over and over and over again. I read this book so many times it completely fell apart. And then I carefully placed it back together on the bookshelf so I didn’t lose any pages for the next time I needed the beautiful retelling.

Robin McKinley is a master at engulfing the reader in a vibrant world full of magic and compelling characters. As an adult, I recognize that. But as a young child, which is when I first read Beauty, I didn’t see it that way. I simply enjoyed it minus the adult analysis.

2. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. If you notice, I did not specify which Harry Potter book had the most influence on me because, honestly, how could I. A large part, for me, was growing with Harry, relating to him or one of the other characters.

When I got older, I realized just how much of my own character was influenced by this series. I always enjoy going back to Hogwarts and being greeted by Harry as though I never left.

3. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I immediately fell in love with The Name of the Wind from the first chapter. It drew me in. I had to follow Kvothe and see what happened to him, what he did. He was a truly fascinating character.

The main reason this book is on my lasting impression list is because of the writing style. Rothfuss’ writing is enchanting, nearly poetic. What an amazing author to be able to create such incredible characters, an unforgettable world and a use writing style that pulls you fully into the story. I cannot wait to read more of his writing.

4. Faith of the Fallen by Terry Goodkind. This book is on my list for a unique reason. While I enjoy the characters and the world of Goodkind’s writing, this book is here because of the economic and political element of it. It was the first book I ever read that had this and it stuck with me. Instead of seeing the effects of actions from one individual or a group, Faith of the Fallen shows the effects of actions and choices on an entire country.

5. The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans. This is the only book on my list that is not in the fantasy genre. I first read this book when I was thirteen. This book follows three characters as they go through life, dealing with all of the challenges and heartache it brings. This book threw in my barely teen face, the stark realities of life. It made me think and adjust how I viewed the world. This is one of the few books that pulled me out of my comfort zone and the only one of those to make this list.

Leave a comment below and let me know what books most influenced you!