Books That Changed My Life

March 9, 2021 By Laura Davis 3 Comments · · · · · · Read & Respond

“For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”

–Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Make a list of the seven books that have had the greatest influence on your life—not necessarily your favorites or those with the most beautiful language—but rather, seven books that came along at a time when their message had a significant influence on your life. Write a line or two about each book, explaining why it had such a profound effect on you. Often this is more a matter of when you are exposed to a particular work than the work itself. It’s okay if a number of the books on your list come from one particular period of your life. And it’s fine if the books you choose are not as significant to you today as they were in the past. Feel free to include fiction, nonfiction, self-help, poetry, or inspirational books.

Comments

A.Tianna Scozzaro says

March 9, 2021 at 7:56 am

Loved this prompt. My list:

– The Celestine Prophecy
– The Razor’s Edge
– Traveling with Pomegranates
– Charlotte’s Web
– Gone with the Wind
– Earth Prayers
– Guns, Germs & Steel
– Homegoing

Reply
Jean Wells says

March 17, 2021 at 2:06 pm

Laura ~ Your book, “The Courage to Heal” helped me immensely when my therapist recommended it in the early ‘90s. Thank you for putting it out in the world for a girl like me when I needed it most ❤️❤️❤️

Reply
- Laura Davis says
  
  March 17, 2021 at 2:26 pm
  
  You’re so welcome! Thanks for letting me know.
  
  Reply

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Peru 2017

In which Laura and Karyn and 18 writers explore Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of Peru.

Serbia 2017

In which Laura leads a workshop at the Incest Trauma Center.

Greece 2016

In which Laura explores the wonders of Crete and Santorini with a wide-eyed group of Write, Travel, Transform adventurers.

Vietnam 2015/16

In which Laura, who grew up during the Vietnam War, goes to Southeast Asia and finds out what Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are really like today.

Commonweal 2015

A journey toward healing loss and grief in a magnificent Northern California setting.

Scotland 2015

In which Laura returns to Scotland with a new group for another jaunt through the wonders of the Scottish Highlands.

Scotland 2013

In which Laura attends the Edinburgh theatre festival and leads 14 writers to a magical retreat in the highlands of Northern Scotland.

Bali 2013

In which Laura visits Australia, and spends three weeks diving, exploring, and teaching in three regions of Bali.

Florida 2014

A journey into old age in America in which Laura brings her 86-year-old mother to Florida so she can see her last surviving sister one final time.

Mexico 2014

In which Laura attends the San Miguel Writer’s Conference and explores the artistic towns around Patzcuaro.

For many years I put off my dream of writing and traveling. I told myself the kids were too little, my husband could never survive without me, that I couldn't possibly be so selfish. I couldn't imagine realistically stepping out of all of my responsibilities and roles. Then I started attending Laura’s summer retreat at Commonweal in northern California and that became an annual gift to myself for the next three years.

When the opportunity to travel with Laura internationally came up, my Land of Later mentality said I could never pull it off. But when my friend got cancer at age 39, I decided to stop taking life and it's endless opportunities to grow, live, nurture and explore myself for granted.

My children were 6 and 9 when I began allowing myself the luxurious pleasure of taking 10 days to two weeks each year to travel abroad with Laura, to spend time with like minded, soul searching people who share a passion for living and writing, to have all my meals prepared for me, to have the space and freedom to stretch out of my cage and check in with who I am, what I want, and how best to get there.

Laura is a skilled and nurturing teacher who encourages her students to take risks, to grow as human beings, and to be vulnerable. She has provided me with a forum where I can gain all my CEUs and learn techniques on how to become a more engaging writer, all while completing yearly emotional rehab.

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Julie Sheehan, Livermore California