5 books that changed who I am: a meme

The book Arch Image from TOBEDOIT via sparrows and arrows.

I loved this photo when I came across it. Like an archway (created by books) to a new place.

While we are on the topic of books…. I thought I would start a meme.
I haven’t done one in a while, and it might be an interesting topic for lots of bloggers….also for the blog readers!

So 5 books that changed who I am.* Not an exhaustive list (of course), but not a bad start.

1.  Bible: the truth about Jesus and the life saving life He lead was/is made clear for me here. Without doubt the biggest change to me.
2.  Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks: Completely changed how I thought about children and their relationships to their parents. I had some previously unchallenged, deeply held beliefs about value and worth and love…. which this book smashed. Always good. 
3.  7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen R. Covey: An oldie but a goody. Not so much a parenting book but a life with family philosophy. Need to read this one again soon.
4.  The Reader by Bernhard Schlink: Made me more aware of how a very real fear of something can lead to doing something even more fearful. I now often ask the question “What am I afraid of?”…or “What are they afraid of?” Really helpful.
   
5.  Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo and Dr. Robert Bucknam: Some of you will find this a very controversial choice, I understand, but as this is not a list of the 5 most recommended books, but a list of books that changed who I am, so it needs to be included. When our oldest was about 3 months old, another mother (with a baby about the same age) asked me if I had read it. It was the only ‘conversation’ I had that night, because our baby was sooo unsettled. The other mother  had lots of conversations. Her little boy was sleeping. Ours slept when she wanted and Tim and I worked around her. It wasn’t really working. I read it. I used their sleeping techniques (as well as some others) throughout my 4 girls baby years. It changed who I am because, I can’t do sleepless. I think it made a difference to the number of children we had. Very good reason to include it…I think.
   

I am interested in the books that changed your life too.

I am tagging Ali, Nicole, Cath, Steph, and Susan, but would love to hear from harrysdesk readers as well.

* 5 books that changed who I am:

• Tag between 3 and 5 people
• link back to this post.
• call the post ’5 books that changed who I am’
• enjoy.