Comments on: How Reading Books Saved My Life – Guest Post by John Chukwuma Anyasor

By: Yukirat

Yukirat — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:48:04 +0000

I know for a fact that books changed the course of my life. I donate money to the poor because of Mohammad Yunus’ book, Banker to the Poor. I empathize with the lives of both Palestinians and Jews caught in the conflict because of Thomas Friedmans’ From Beirut to Bethlehem. I majored in English because of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. I succeeded as an editor despite no formal training because of Jack Hart’s A Writer’s Coach. And I quit a soulless job to pursue my dream career because of The Element by Ken Robinson. Books change minds and lives, and I am glad to have come across this post, albeit a year late.

By: carla

carla — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:53:52 +0000

Sometimes its easy to downgrade yourself and think that you’re less than. Yes, I can read books by other people, but no one will care about my story. That’s the attitude/trap that’s too easy to fall into.

By: Guest Post Bonanza! (And Some Updates) | HiLife2B

Guest Post Bonanza! (And Some Updates) | HiLife2B — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:58 +0000

[...] How Reading Books Saved My Life | World’s Strongest Librarian [...]

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:29:07 +0000

No, but my wife read it and loved it. I’ll check it out.

By: Patty - Why Not Start Now?

Patty - Why Not Start Now? — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:06:23 +0000

Josh, sorry, I got busy in the last 24 hours. But yes to Life of Pi and Catch 22, no to the others. Monkey Wife: funny title, and it caught my eye. I just discovered it’s on the shelf at my local library, so I’ll pick it up tomorrow. Also, another author I’ve enjoyed in the past year – Haven Kimmel – particularly Solace of Leaving Early and A Girl Named Zippy. Have you read her?

By: John

John — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:33:43 +0000

Hey John, glad you could make it! These connections are what I love the most about books. Reading great books is like you’re going on a journey. When you reach the end, you feel as if you’ve somewhat known the author his/her whole life – at least in my case.

Ah, book smell… that takes me back

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:41:44 +0000

Patty, these have been a few of my favorites in the last 18 months or so (and always).

The Terror by Dan Simmons
Born to Run by Christopher McDougal
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
His Monkey Wife (can’t remember)
The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole.

Have you read any or all of these?

By: Patty - Why Not Start Now?

Patty - Why Not Start Now? — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:17:28 +0000

Well, since you loved Middlesex and Secret History, then I am adoring you right back. And I’m always looking for book recommendations. So tell me more.

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:55:53 +0000

Patty, you have a new adorer. I loved Middlesex and Secret History. Haven’t read the others but will do so.