I love reading! When I meet friends who like to read as well I love it. I have been a voracious reader from the age of maybe five when I used to walk to the library alone and carry home as many books as possible. I used to bring a huge stack home with me. I read through the children’s picture book section alphabetically- true story!
I know that this is an unfair pondering question as picking one book as a favorite is an impossible task, however for my one book recommendation, I am going to say Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. I learned so much reading this book, I researched Buddism, symbolism and Carl Jung. The book is a spiritual journey by the main character Siddhartha and covers so many themes: family, friendship, love and finding yourself in life. I get something new from this book every time that I read it a new message finds me as I am thinking about my life, Hesse’s writing and Siddhartha’s growth. I first read this as an assignment when I went back to college when my youngest was about one year old. I was worried that I wouldn’t fit in or have anything smart to say after years of being home with my children – let’s face it Barney can kill brain cells. When the unit was over, I was teaching the class about Buddism, the four noble truths, the eight fold path and was on my own personal journey of growth and enlightenment.
“I have always thirsted for knowledge, I have always been full of questions.” Hermann Hesse
Thoughts from Carol Quinn, author of Follow My Lead
My favorite book is usually the one I happen to be reading. At the moment, I’m rereading the “History of Love” by Nicole Krauss. It’s a lyrical story about love and loss—and just beautifully written. For me, this book is a reminder of why I love to write: to touch hearts, to shine the light on the parts of our humanity that we hide from one another, and to give a picture of the struggles each one of us face.
“Most people…are like a falling leaf that drifts and turns in the air, flutters, and falls to the ground. But a few others are like stars which travel one defined path: no wind reaches them, they have within themselves their guide and path.” Hermann Hesse
Thoughts from Shannon Fitzpatrick:
My favorite book is My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Piccoult. I remember hearing all about it when I was in sixth grade but my mom told me I wasn’t old enough to read it. I had to wait three long years until I was given the nod of approval. It was right after Christmas and my brother took me to Borders and I bought my own copy even though my mom had one.
I believe that books have memories from when you read them and I wanted this one to be filled with memories. I sat down and read it all in one day. It was the first book to make me cry. All these things make the book special: waiting, having it be just mine and making me cry which is not an easy task.
“Dreams and restless thoughts came flowing to him from the river, from the twinkling stars at night, from the sun’s melting rays. Dreams and a restlessness of the soul came to him.”
Hermann Hesse
Thoughts from Rheda Wilson-Duff:
So many on my list but my favorite book of all time is Approval Addiction by Joyce Meyer. At one time in my not too distant past, I had a severe need for everyone to like me. I would do anything for approval. This book gave me insight, hope and solutions.
What is your favorite book and why? Share with me – love to hear what you think!
Article by Peg Fitzpatrick
