I have always loved to read. Beyond just a pastime, books have been my friends, an escape, solace. But there are 2 that have left lasting impressions above and beyond the others. As a child, it was King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry. As an adult, it is The Good Soldiers by David Finkel.
I’ve enjoyed so many books over the years and most have stuck with me. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why these 2 surpassed the others because many books tell great stories, have great characters, and are beautifully written.
They’re obviously very different books but emotionally they are the same. They affected me so deeply and the memories are so rich, I feel I’ve actually lived them both.
The follow up to Good Soldiers, Thank You for Your Service, is more well known because it was made into a movie with Miles Teller. I have read it and it’s wonderful, but The Good Soldiers transported me to Iraq, put a rifle in my hand, and killed my friends.
I am looking for books like this. Any genre, any age group. Any book that is so ingrained you feel like it’s a part of your life story.
For me, it’s To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. At first, I started at a languid pace but slowly, I fell in love with the language and the characters of Scout and her brother Jem. It resonated with me. Honestly, I found it hard to read, but thanks to my sister who encouraged me, I got the spirit and read it twice. The book explores themes of racial prejudice and the persistence of outdated attitudes and beliefs in certain areas. The character of Atticus, for me, has been the most impactful in my life. It taught me how to look at things with a positive perspective and see good in others.