WHAT BOOK HAS MADE THE BIGGEST IMPACT IN OUR LIVES

Today is Book Lover’s Day, an unofficial holiday that encourages people to pick up a book and spend the day reading.  If you are a book lover yourself, then treat yourself to some quality reading time. In honor of the day the team selected one book that has a big impact in their lives. Grab a pen and paper because you will want to read them all!

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 

My love of books began as a child. I fondly remember sitting on my grandad’s knee as he read Rupert the Bear to me. And when I learned to read for myself I was never without a book.   When my friends were putting toys on their Santa lists, books were always at the top of mine. There are so many wonderful books, but one the stands out in my mind is The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It was first published as a book in 1911. It is often noted as one of the best children’s books of the twentieth century, But I did not know that when I was given it as the prize for the best student in my class the final year of what was then known in England as “Primary School”. I was around 11years old at the time and it was such a standout moment in my young life.

I came to love the story of Mary the young girl that no-one really wanted and how she found a new home and new friends along with the discovery of the secret garden. The story is timeless which is why it has been made into movies and plays. But for me, the first time I read it I was transported to another time and place and that is what I so love about books. All you have to do is open the pages and let the book take you away! – Sue 

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by Phil Knight 

A surprisingly profound account told through the eyes of Phil Knight founder of Nike, who captures the legendary entrepreneurial spirit of the biggest apparel brand of all time. Perfect for inspiring new beginnings, and understanding the perilous path to achieve ambitious goals. I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys an epic story, with a feel-good and true to life ending. – Michael

My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor 

A book that had a pleasantly surprising impact on me was My Beloved World, from Sonia Sotomayor. When I read her book I was able to see her as a human being and not only as this kind of superwoman that became the first U.S Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Hispanic descent. Her reflections and experiences in an NY that I never knew really touched my heart. – Giselle

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

One of my favorite books is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, the same author of EatPrayLove. This book is so different than the famous memoir and delves into the challenges of living a creative life and how to overcome them. She helped me learn how to become friends with my fear AND my muses and to not put so much pressure on finding my “passion” but rather to listen to the soft whispers of curiosity and follow them wherever they may take me. I would recommend this to anyone who lives a creative life, wants to live a creative life, or who is just plain looking for inspiration. – Francesca

You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero 

I admit that I could have gone for more of a classic…like Little Women which is a favorite of mine but more recently and pertinent to my life today, You Are A Badass has really made an impact as a young entrepreneur. It’s more than a “self-help” book – it will make you take action, identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want.  The entire book feels like you are talking to a friend who is making you laugh but also slapping some sense into you.  As a creative entrepreneur, it’s so easy to get caught in a hole with no way out but many times we are our only enemy – this book made me realize that I need to get out of my way and get to it! – Lourdes

The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger

One of my absolute favorite books is The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I vividly remember being captivated by Holden Caulfield’s character – a forlornly and angsty teen going against the societal grain. Salinger’s raw depiction of adolescence delivers an honest and insightful narrative about the difficulty of finding yourself as childhood innocence begins to chip away. The power of this novel lies in the numerous parallels that can be drawn between Holden and an adolescent reader – despite how stark the contrast may be between their day-to-day lives. Reading this as a young teenager, this book made a huge impact on me – helping me understand complex issues such as coming of age, identity, loss, and belonging in society, as well as helping to normalize the reality that despite what path we are told is “right” to follow – veering off and creating our own journey is perfectly okay, too. – Sara

A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard 

A book I’ve read this summer was A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard!  Dugard was kidnapped at 11 years old in 1991 and was held captive until she was discovered in 2009. I had remembered hearing the story in the news but hearing of her personal struggles (she gave birth to two daughters during the time she was held captive) and her triumphs through her own perspective really made an impact on me. Her perseverance and strength have caused me to react differently to my own personal struggles and how I handle all kinds of situations. Her story also helps me to remember during tough times how truly blessed I am to have my family! – Aimee

Why Do I Love These People? by Pro Bronson

A book that I absolutely love and was really touched by was “Why Do I Love These People?” by Po Bronson. The author goes on a journey to meet different people that come from completely different backgrounds and families. Bronson explores the difficulties and complex feelings that we have towards our family. As readers, we follow the hardships and downfalls of their relationships. Some are repaired, others aren’t. However, this book really makes you think about your family and your CHOSEN family, which is different. Every time I finished a chapter it made me reflect on my life and the relationships that I have. It really touched my heart and made me appreciate my family that much more. – Valentina