YIKES!!! It’s been a week… and it’s only Monday!
In an effort to keep myself centered, positive and at least visibly sane, I’m pulling out my old favorites to get me through the week…
And NO, they are NOT named Jack Daniels, Bud or Sam Adams!!!
I am re-reading my top 5 inspirational books… the ones that have shaped my life and define who I am.
In case you care…. and even if you don’t, I’m going to run down MY list of books that made me who I am:
1. The Little Prince by Antoine St. Exupery — I first read this book when I was in third grade. I have since read it not only in English AND French, but I have seen the animated movie, the musical movie AND stage play. I am currently re-reading a PDF version that I downloaded from a public domain book repository site –on my Kindle! And yesterday, while working on our NEXT Print Sorcery PROOF guide, I purchased a mini hard back version from an online wholesale distributor. This book touches on so many wonderful concepts, the most important of which are love, trust, being unique and remaining true to your own beliefs, imagination and goals.
2. Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach — A fantastic story about a seagull that refuses to be defined by who he SHOULD be and spends a lifetime striving to go beyond what others accept as the status quo. Yet another third grade read, that has since been re-read many times over the years… I just bought this a couple weeks ago to put on my Kindle, so I can stop searching for my copy!
3. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper – Probably my absolute FAVORITE story as a child growing up. We have SO many copies of this hanging around the house… every time I run across the same vintage copy that I had growing up, I buy it! I actually do NOT have this on my Kindle… yet! If you aren’t familiar with the story, you definitely SHOULD read it.
I KNOW you can, I KNOW you can, I KNOW you can….
4. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne – Although many people see this as a rip-off from earlier new age teachings from the early 1900′s and further back through the ages to the Bible and the ancient philosophers, Rhonda does an amazing job of introducing these concepts — written in modern language and thought processes.
In reading this book I continue to have revelations about who I am, who I am NOT and what I’m doing “wrong.” I have seen the movie, listened to the unabridged audio and read the sequel “The Power.” I also subscribe to her newsletter and I receive inspirational emails occassionally in my inbox.
This one book has impacted my life and the lives of many people around me in a way that I cannot even begin to describe….
5. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann – To my complete surprise, I had never heard of this book until I actually fulfilled one of my short term dreams. I wanted to be able to have a Skype call with John Thornhill. I have a LOT of respect for him as both an Internet Marketer AND as an individual. He is an amazing, caring, supportive and inspiring person!
Several months ago, he was running a JV promotion and he offered some absolutely FABULOUS bonuses; one of which was a direct line to his office to call and the ability to have an audio conference call with him to make a product. I bought the product (I can’t actually remember what it was!) and then asked to have a Skype call with him personally… just him and me. To my COMPLETE surprise, he agreed! He spent an hour with me, and I learned more from him in that hour, than I had learned in the seven years it took me to complete my college education (long story… someday I might share)!
Anyway, John Thornhill is the one I thank for telling me about this amazing little book. From this book, I learned that I should be working to serve as many people as I possibly can… and as I have always believed, I am only as successful as those that I teach, mentor and support.
I hope you enjoyed my list of my top inspirational books… there are TONS more that I could rattle off, but I gave myself a limit (otherwise I’d be writing this post for the next week!) and now I’m giving YOU a limit…
What are YOUR top 5?
Please share them with me and why they changed your life in the comments below.
I’m looking for some reading to do in the near future, and I can re-read these books only so many times. Okay, maybe that isn’t entirely true, but a new selection is always nice to have!
Happy Reading!!!
Good point Deb. And that elusive “residual income” model is the prize to go after. Kiyosaki sure had a unique experience getting opinions from his 2 dads, thus the great material for his enlightening book.
Mike
Hi Deb,
Thanks for this list of inspirational books. I, too loved, loved, loved Johnathan Livingston Seagull. I first read it in 6th grade, so long ago. The last time I read it was when my youngest was about that age. I read it along with her, she had to. I wanted to. Also, love the Little Engine that Could. One of my all time favorites. I too love Dr. Seuss. The man was a genius, as you can see in Oh The Places You’ll Go, among others.
Now how about 2 by Kiyosaki, Rich Dad, Poor Dad; and The Conspiracy of the Rich. I also love a short little story called Who Moved My Cheese? An easy and short, but quite insightful read.
My last three favorites are The Power of One Thing, by Dr. Randy Carlson, Battlefield of the Mind, by Joyce Meyer; and my Bible, especially any of the letters (books) written by the Apostle Paul.
Hi Debbie – I can’t believe how many people love that simple little book Johathon Livingston Seagull- I even had a silver seagull pin I used to wear to remind me of him. My second is The Last Lecture- I could watch him give that speech over and over. I also love all of Mitch Albom’s books – For One Day More, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Tuesdays With Mory – and his newest – Have a Little Faith – I know that is more than 5, but I do have two more – The Giving Tree, and the Places You Will go – a great book to give to any granduate
Time to reread some of them – I think the Last Lecture – and give myself a boost.
Sue
Wow Susan!!!
My mom had a silver necklace with a seagull on it to remind her of Jonathan… I remember HER wearing it all the time! I am in the middle of the Last Lecture, but somehow (not suprising at all!) lost it! That is one reason why I LOVE my kindle! I’ll have to find it so I can finish it!
As for Mitch Albom, I’ve only seen the movie “The Five People You Meet in Heaven”… but it was absolutely terrific.
Dr. Seuss — another GREAT author — my three favorites are The Places You’ll Go, The Great Butter Battle and The Lorax.
I actually considered putting The Giving Tree on my list… but I could only choose FIVE. I cannot read that book out loud without bawling by the end. My daughter is sooo funny, too. When I read it to her, and I start crying to the point where I can no longer read, she says to me…. “It’s okay, Mommy, I’ll go find a happy book for you to read.” Out of the mouths of babes….
Think happy and inspired thoughts…
Best ~Deb
Hi Deb, Thanks for sharing your favorites. I also like Jonathing Livingston Seagull, The Little Engine That Could, and the Little Prince.
Some of my other favorites: The Holy Bible, The Story of My Life by Helen Keller, The Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent, The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.
I haven’t read the Go-Giver yet. I will add that to my list of must reads.
Nanette
Hi Deb – I LOVE BOOKS!!! A few of my favorites are The Bible, The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran, Where God Begins to Be, by Karen Karper (Fredette), Praying Our Goodbyes, by Joyce Rupp, and Writing Down the Bones, by Natalie Goldberg. I also love Jonathan Livingston Seagull (the book AND the movie) and The Little Engine That Could. I have never read The Little Prince, but I will now. Thanks for sharing!
:-)
Hi Barbara!
Thanks for your list! I have only heard / read one of the books (The Bible!) so I WILL be looking the rest up! I also had NO idea that Jonathan Livingston Seagull was a movie! I’ll be looking for THAT one too! I would highlly, highly, highly recommend “The Little Prince.” It’s a fantastic story and I put it first for that very reason!
Best ~Deb
Nice selection you have there Deb. Perhaps a couple you might add would be Rich Man Poor Man, or As A Man Thinketh and possible the Book of Mormon. Also I forget his name, but the author of The Richest Man In Babylon also has some very good and motivational stories.
Is that five?
I also love the Littlest Engine and Jonathon Livingston Seagull. I tend to only read my books once, but that is one I need to read again and again.
Nice post and nice suggestions. Blessings to you and your on this day.
Gary
Thanks Gary… you’ve listed a couple I haven’t had a chance to read yet! I certainly will be checking those out!
Best ~Deb
I’m trying to make more of a habit out of reading regularly, and am finding that I enjoy inspirational books too. My parish priest last week loaned me “Rich Dad Poor Dad”, which I’ve always heard of, and now have the chance to read it. So far, so good. And one good thing about getting a book loaned to you, you’re compelled to read it quickly so you can return it quickly!
Mike
VERY good book! The biggest eye opener for me was that Kiyosaki believes that your HOUSE is NOT your biggest asset, but your biggest liability…. I found this an odd way of looking at things, but then again I am NO “Rich Dad!”
This book also teaches about the concept of “residual income”… something that I have been searching for ever since! My personal answer? Write once, sell many! LOL!
Thanks for the input, Mike!
Best ~Deb