Giving Myself Time To Read

I love books. Reading is one of the things I really enjoy. I liken myself to a sponge, eager to absorb new information and draw inspiration from great literary works.

I do not favor a particular genre when I sit down to read. Anything would do - a paperback novel, a compilation of short stories, old magazines and cookbooks. I share the same passion with my husband who introduced me to the exciting world of crime and suspense bestsellers. Lee Child, James Patterson, Mario Puzo and John Sandford are now included in my list of favorite authors.

On the other side of things, I have always loved reading inspirational books. In my lifetime, there are but a few books I have read and re-read with as much joy as the first time.

Let me share with you my favorite Inspirational Books List and the unforgettable quotes that have created an impact in my life. Let's do a countdown from the "Best" to the "Greatest"

5. THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD - Og Mandino.
This is a book about a poor young camel boy named Hafid who found success as a salesman by understanding, applying and living the lessons inscribed in ten scrolls.

The Ten Scrolls

An excerpt from Scroll IX

 
4. THE PEARL - John Steinbeck
This is a story about Kino, a pearl diver of Mexican-Indian descent, his wife Juana and their infant son, Coyotito. It is about how a young family, although living in poverty have learned to cope with whatever little possesions they have until that day, when Kino finds the "Pearl of the World." The family started to live with fear, and was exposed to the evils of greed. "The Pearl" is an excellent book that teaches us that about the evils of the world and how it can destroy one's humanity.

3. JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL - Richard Bach
A beautifully written fable that teaches us about breaking out of the daily struggles of monotony. It inspires us to break out of our shell and strive to achieve our dreams, to rid ourselves of limitations, and to go after a more meaningful life.

 

"For most seagulls, life consists simply of eating and surviving. Flying is just a means of finding food. However, Jonathan Livingston Seagull is no ordinary bird. For him, flying is life itself. Against the conventions of seagull society, he seeks to find a higher purpose and become the best at doing what he loves. 

This is a fable about the importance of making the most of our lives, even if our goals run contrary to the norms of our flock, tribe or neighborhood. Through the metaphor of flight, Jonathan’s story shows us that, if we follow our dreams, we too can soar."

2. THE LITTLE PRINCE - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
This is a story about a pilot whose light aircraft crashes in the middle of a desert. In this same desert, he finds a little boy who fell to earth from his home, an asteroid. The reason this book is so heartwarming to read is because of the portrayal of the child's innocence. It is also about how grown ups tend to see things superficially. The Little Prince is a book that helps us to understand that in order to appreciate the true worth of anything and everything, we must look beneath the surface.

"Here is my secret. It is very simple. 
It is only with the heart that one can see clearly.
What is essential is invisible to the eye."

 

1. THE HOLY BIBLE
The best and greatest book ever written. It is my go-to resource for guidance, comfort, happiness and love. If any one needs an instruction book to live a meaningful life, pick up the Bible. Everything we need to know is there. 

And no matter how many times you have gone back to the Bible for guidance, there is always something new you can learn from it and from the gospels. Picking up the holy scripture and re-reading a passage may offer you a different point of view on a situation. You might also find a different interpretation of a concept, such as end times that you had not thought of before. What a great opportunity to learn something new.

May you all have a blessed weekend!