One Story At A Time
Before I found reading, one of the greatest loves in life, storytelling had been a prominent pass time filling it's place, even long before I could even begin to comprehend the little nooks and crannies that made up the stories I was being told.
It was through hearing stories from my relatives, young and old, of all the adventures they had experienced in life, that I had found intrigue in creating my very own.
As soon as I began learning how to write, I was instilled with the notion of creative writing, and throughout school, took every opportunity I could to fully immerse myself into whatever paper I had to write for class, from History to Literature.
But I like to think that the stories, books, and material we are exposed to as children, forever shape the way we create, even long into our adult lives.
So, I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite books, in a timeline of some sort, of when I fell in love with them & why?
Timeline
The Outsiders – S.E. Hinton
2014
This book, marking the beginning of my deeper delve into the world of reading, and finding true meaning behind the sky, stars, and life in general.
Love Letters to the Dead - Ava Dellaira
2015
I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked up this book, however, after completing it, I found that it had shaped the way I approach writing, from then on, approaching the audience from a conversational point of view rather than a stagnant one.
Looking for Alaska – John Green
2016
All together this novel by John Green, deeply upset me, excited me, and drew me deeper into my fascination with life, death, and finding the true meaning behind this labyrinth we call existence.
Eat, Pray, Love – Elizabeth Gilbert
2017
When venturing down the pages of this book, I was afraid that I was much too young to get any true value out of the story, however, I began to see that just as the story & author grew herself, I grew as well. Following my own version of each of the three values, eating, praying & loving, that Gilbert had, throughout her journey.
The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
2018
Although this novel was assigned for a class project, I had always found myself drawn to it. So, by the time I had picked it up, I found myself lost in the world of love, hope, and a man who would do anything to attain the love he hoped to find in the woman of his dreams. Opening my eyes to the true horrors & delights of love itself.
The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde
2018
Yet another book I had kept in my library for as long as I can remember, never seeming to find the right time to unlock it. However, when I finally had decided to read it through and through, I learned to understand the value of beauty, and how precious the time you attain it is, for however you spend it, will dictate not only your start, but more importantly your ending.
Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishigoro
2019
This is what true heart break feels like. Being wrapped up in something seemingly so good, you wonder to yourself if it could ever get better, when the unexpected truth reveals itself to you, striking you like the blow of a pistol to the heart. Reminding me, to cherish my innocence, and what I am gifted when it is in my grasp.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven – Mitch Albom
2020
It took me a while to complete this novel, however I believe that was for a reason beyond the busy schedule I found myself in at the time. This book not only opens the mind to the idea that there is meaning behind everything that occurs in each lifetime, but it also strikes the nerve to connect the dots of your own timeline, unravelling so many truths right before your very own eyes.
Something More – Sarah Ban Breathnach
2021
Similarly, to, “Eat, Pray, Love,” I found myself questioning whether I was in the right position to read this novel, regarded as the “bible for woman,” as I was much younger at the time than the intended audience. However, I found that by exposing myself to the truths, horrors, delights, and realities of a lifetime as a woman, through stories of the many strong woman who cam before me, I was able to better understand & reevaluate the morals and values that I appreciated in life, and truly begin to understand what it means to be a soul experiencing life through a women's eyes.
I’m Your Huckleberry – Val Kilmer
2021
I spent 8 hours on a one-way train, venturing through the life of one of the most eccentric, chaotic, yet brilliantly charming men on this earth. I felt my heart break with his, and heal just as he did, soul burning with desire and longing to experience the world as deeply, and intensely as he. Finding myself more connected to any soul, than I ever had before.
In Five Years – Rebecca Serle
2021
This, being the latest book I have completed, but nonetheless, one of the most astounding. Not only has this book given me a new perceptive on time relative to the past, present & future, but it has also shaped the way I value love and quality of life above all else.
There you have it! My ongoing & ever-expanding life's library.
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Let me know some of the most life changing books you have read over the years in the comments & as always, feel free to share this post with your favorite book worm!
Best,
Celina 🤍