Books That Changed My World
June 29th, 2010 | Categories: Entertainment | 12 CommentsInspired by Krissy, I’ve decided to compile a list of books that have changed my world. I don’t read life-changing books at a regular rate by any means; my book of choice is usually one in the chick lit category. But that’s not to say that I haven’t come across a life-changing book or two (or that chick lits aren’t capable of falling in that category!).
- “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
I can’t put into words just how monumental an impact this book hand on me. It’s wonderfully written, with some of the most vivid characters I’ve read. The premise is very unique (have you ever read a book narrated by Death?) and Zusak is a gifted storyteller. - “Atonement” by Ian McEwan
I’m a sucker for romantic novels and the love story in “Atonement” just blows the rest out of the park. A sweeping love story set at the dawn of World War II, it explores how one girl’s serious mistake has irreversible implications for the lives of those around her. The balance of all the characters and intertwining plotlines is remarkably well done; it’s just a really amazing book. - “Someone Like You” by Sarah Dessen
This is not the first Dessen book I read, but it will always remain my favorite. The strength of the bond between Halley and Scarlett has always been a benchmark for me when it comes to the strength of my own friendships. It’s such a pivotal story of growing up, becoming your own person and falling in love for the first time and all the trials and tribulations that come with it. - “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
A standard required reading for all juniors in high school in the US, this is the best required reading I was ever assigned. The characters are so distinctly unique and I love how they embody the characteristics of the roaring 20′s. - “The Golden Compass” by Philip Pullman
I’ve read the entire “His Dark Materials” series and “The Golden Compass” is my favorite (with “The Subtle Knife” a very close second). I love how the story completely takes you into this world filled with daemons and there’s always a sense of the world being a much bigger and scarier place than we realize, with so much that is unknown. It’s another book that stays with you, which I think is the best quality a book can have.
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Hi, I'm Manda. I'm a college student studying communications and languages. I like to read, shop, bake, and travel. I have a tendency to listen to my favorite songs on repeat for hours on end. Sometimes I catch myself thinking in a language other than English. 
Looking at your list reminds me that I should start reading again (can’t remember the last time I did -_-). I’m not usually a fan of fictions, but I did read the Great Gatsby as a junior in HS as well. One of the better books we had to read in school, that’s for sure!
I know I say this every single time, but someday I will finally read The Book Thief! And The Great Gatsby!
I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known.
I have read 4/5 of these books, and agree on all 4. They really do stick with you (I have to thank you for recommending the Book Thief!)
(Manda, join us… on Goodreads! – http://www.goodreads.com)
I’m trying to cut down on all social media and related accounts! Don’t tempt me with a new one!!
Ahhh, but this one has books, and books are good, Mmmmkay?
I might join when I move out and have to take stock of what books I own. But till then, I don’t have the time to manage yet another unnecessary social media account! Sorry to disappoint.
I totally agree with you about The Book Thief and the His Dark Materials trilogy. The Book Thief is definitely my favourite book and I think of it often – it’s just so utterly tragic. Books rarely make me cry, and it’s the only one that’s made me sob. I first read His Dark Materials when I was pretty young, and they’ve always been some of my favourite books. I do think The Subtle Knife is my favourite, though. :D
I have also read Someone Like You – I think it’s my favourite of Dessen’s books (maybe tied with Just Listen), but it doesn’t stick with me like some other books have.
I think the only reason why “Someone Like You” has stuck with me all these years is because I read it when I realized I was gaining the best friend I could have (we’re still best friends :D) and I also had my heart broken for the first time. The plotlines in the book paralleled aspects of my own life at the time, but Dessen told it in a far better way than I ever could, which is why I love it so.
Atonement would definitely be on my list as well. I’ve also read Someone Like You and The Golden Compass. When it comes to books for teens, Sarah Dessen is definitely one of my favorite writers, although my favorite book of hers would probably be Just Listen or The Truth About Forever. I probably mentioned these on Krissy’s post, but some books that have changed my world are Wasteland by Francesca Lia Block, Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult, The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides and The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.
I absolutely LOVED the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. Seriously loved it. That trilogy would be on my list.
Someone recently told me that I should read The Book Thief and that it was amazing. I might have to get it on my Kindle.
[...] by Krissy and Manda – with the amount tweaked slightly for my convenience – I’m jumping on the [...]
Two books I’ve read there and one I want to read (have read The Book Thief and Golden Compass, want to read Atonement). I’ve read books about death (Terry Pratchett novels) but not with death as the narrator, I think Zusak did a good job and the writing is superb. I’ve got to get round to reading the first His Dark Materials sometime.