I was challenged by my friend on Facebook to name 10 books the influenced my life. I figured if I was going to put together a list I might as well put it on my blog.
So here are the 10 books in alphabetical order that have influenced my life:
48 Laws of Power
I read this book 4 or 5 years ago and decided that if this is what it took to be successful l didn’t want to be. I would rather be a nice guy and be “unsuccessful” then to base my life on this book.
Augustus: The Life of Rome’s First Emperor
You didn’t think I could make a list of my favorite books and not include one on roman history did you? Augustus found Rome made of clay and left it made of marble. As Rome’s first emperor, Augustus transformed the unruly Republic into the greatest empire the world and laid the foundation for all of Western history to follow.
Maniac Magee
I read this book when I was in 5th grade and having a hard time fitting in. It really made a huge difference in the outlook in my life. I still love this book.
Mere Christianity
I first read this book when I was so teetering on unbelief. I’ve reread it many times since but that first read through was life altering.
Paddington Bear
I bought this book for my son when I was in London. He and I like to read it and laugh at Paddington. This book will always be special to me.
The Outsiders
I read this book in 8th grade English. It is one of the best books I have read about class warfare and about how we all really just want to fit in.
The Pursuit of Happyness
A great story about how a man can drastically change his life if he never gives up. One of the most inspirational stories I’ve ever read.
Titan
Titan is a biography of John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil and the world’s first billionaire. At its core it is about work ethic and about taking what you have and making something out of it without anyone’s help.
To Kill A Mocking Bird
To quote Homer Simpson ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ gave me no useful advice on killing mockingbirds but it did teach me not to judge a man based on the color of his skin.
You are not so smart
This book is a fun read. It talks about 48 things we do that don’t make any sense. After reading this book I started catching myself making a lot of irrational decisions on a daily basis.
