Which book changed your opinion or perspective about something? What is it?
Which book changed your opinion or perspective about something? What is it?
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Which book changed your opinion or perspective about something? What is it?
Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom. 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami.
Can you tell me what 1Q84 changed your perspective about? (Unless it is too personal, of course.) I found it very hard going, I had heard good things about Murakami, but haven’t risked reading anything else by him. I’d like a clearer sense of what his appeal is.
A Wrinkle in Time
Redefining realness
Sister Outsider
Trashed
All about Love New Versions
Being Mortal.
@Karen, agree.
@Beth me too
@Karen starting it now
That’s mine, too.
Me too!
When Things Fall Apart by Pena Chodron. Showed me how to look at the endings and challenges in life as opportunities for growth. Avoiding them just keeps us stuck.
The Outsiders
The Cider House Rules. I read it when I was quite young and it really opened my eyes.
It didn’t change my opinion, as much a clarified my instinct.
In Extremis by Lindsey Hilsum and basically most of Marie Colvin’s reportage. Few days ago, two women in burkas was asking for donations at a government building I happened to be running errands at. I handed a small bill and found myself asking them it it was for Palestine. They said no, it’s for helping the wrongfully convicted. I then asked where can I donate for Palestine. They told me where and I thanked them.
Sexual politics by Kate Millet, The grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, The House by the Lake by Thomas Harding
@Elaine The Grapes Of Wrath opened my eyes and heart to good people struggling, still the same today. I read it in the 70’s, and it has influenced my values and politics since.
Great choices. The House by the Lake stayed with me.
@Wandy likewise – The Grapes of Wrath really opened my eyes to real poverty.
@Elaine yes, that family was content with the simple life, but was torn apart by forces beyond their control. They certainly tried to re-settle, but were never able to live their dream again. I can’t imagine going through something like that. Sadly, many still do.
“What is the Bible?” by Rob Bell helped changed my perspective in Christianity and religion
“Sophie’s World” by Jostein Gaarder. Probably one of the top 5 best books I have read.
Just Mercy
Being Mortal.
Why We Can’t Wait
Lab Girl made me look at plants in a new way
@Annette, I got it last Christmas, and have not gotten into it yet :/
@Siobhán, it starts kind of slow but has really stuck with me
Loved Lab Girl!!
What is the What and The Kite Runner. They both made me consider the challenging choices of leaving one’s home for safety, and the challenges and consequences for refugees.
@Kristin Yes, The Kite Runner, helps me see things from the refugees’ perspective. Their lives were so similar to ours before the terrorists took over.
Autobiography of a yogi by Paramahansa yogananda
My Two Moms by Zach Wahls. I thank God my book club chose to read this book many years ago.
I would say that Roxanne Gays book Hunger was just extraordinary and gave me such a new perspective. It has stayed with me
Where do I start? Each and every one.
The Cider House Rules by John Irving
So, so many. One that comes to mind – The Emperor of All Maladies. Both my parents died from cancer, which had metastatised to their brains. Reading this book a few years after my mother died helped me. Also, The Underground Railroad, which I have been reading slowly all year, because it is devastating.
I’ll have to read The Underground Railroad – I agree about “Emperor” – read Being Mortal for even more insight regarding Cancer treatment!
I read The Emperor of Maladies while a friend was dying of cancer, so I could answer his very scientifically minded young son’s questions from an informed place. I’m not a big reader of non-fiction, but this was a very very good book.
The Dictators Handbook
Did it decide you for or against being a dictator? (just kidding ?)
“Eating Animals” by Jonathan Saffran Foer
“Dominion” by Matthew Scully
The Nightingale. As someone who’s only seen post 911 war from the US perspective I couldn’t fathom being in the thick of war. The book was remarkable with regard to questioning your own moral compass when put in life or death situations.
Elinor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
When Breath Becomes Air.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.
The Hate U give opened my eyes quite a bit !
This year – Being Mortal
The Alchemist
King of the Wind holds my first introduction to Islam and taught me to love horses.
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
The Language of Flowers opened my eyes to the plight of foster children.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalinithi. Gave me a whole new perspective on death.
Republican Like Me: How I Left the Liberal Bubble and Learned to Love the Right by Ken Stern. Made me really sit back & have a lot oh “aha” moments.
Lazarus is dead.
Oh boy! I love this question!!
1. This Way for the Gas Ladies and gentlemen by Borowski. – I came away feeling such sorrow for the survivors.
2. Lord of the Flies by Golding – Who are we? Where does our humanity live?
3. Fifty Acres and a Poodle by Laskas – I NEEDED TO ADOPT A CHILD!! (And I did ????)
Small, Great Things…subtle racism among health care workers…made me take a look at myself…eye opening.
Autobiography of a yogi by Paramahansa yogananda changed my spiritual life from maybe it’s true to knowing.
Just Mercy and The Sun Does Shine… Changed my thoughts on the death penalty and prosecuting minors as adults
Yes, definitely these two.
Boundaries
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. It opened my eyes to city life when I was in the sixth grade, i think. Another one i need to reread.
Becoming Nicole…I have never thought about gender or family the same after reading this book! I recommend to many people-remarkable story, even more remarkable story of a family
I’m adding Poisonwood Bible – made me grateful for the geography of the USA and why “3rd World” stay that way!
Great question!
The Kitchen House
The Accidental Tourist changed my perspective on love. It’s not so important who you love, what’s so important is who you are when you’re with them.
The Gate To Women’s Country, by Sheri S. Tepper.