You’ve Got to Read This Book, No Really, You Do!
February 5, 2007 | Read a Book
By: Jack Canfield & Gay Hendricks
I know that the title of this book was meant to refer to the focus of the content - each chapter’s author wants you to read the book they are talking about - but it is immensely true for this book as a whole. You really do have to read this book!
I only picked it up in the first place because of the subtitle: 55 People Tell the Story of the Book That Changed Their Life, you know me and books, I couldn’t resist. “Look, fodder for my “to be read” list (as if the dozens of books already on the list weren’t enough).” Then the joy that the library had a copy and I wouldn’t have to pay the $30 price of a hardcover book. Woo Hoo! (I’m so easily pleased don’t you think?)
Having just finished the 55th chapter/story what I have to say is, Wow. I never expected to like, or so highly recommend, a book like this. I read it a handful of chapters at a time, in between other projects and other books; I wasn’t in any hurry to finish it. Normally, that means there’s something lacking in the book, but actually, it wasn’t that. I found I just couldn’t plow through it. I’d read a few chapters and need to put it down and ponder what I’d read. It turns out, the book is so much more than a list of other good books to read.
I should tell you, I’m obsessed with people. I love people. I find nothing more fascinating and educational than reading and hearing the stories of other people. I agree with Oprah that there is a lot of world changing power in the sharing of other people’s stories.
When I picked up the book I expected it to be a collection of personal book reviews (kind of like this post). A great resource to connect me to other resources. What I didn’t expect was the treasure trove of personal stories. I was shocked by how many of the 55 people listed a fictional book as life altering (almost 10 if you count the poetry book too), and amazed by how the richest truth and fiercest inspiration could be dug out of anything. In fact, two of the books listed were listed because they made very clear to the reader who they did not want to be. It just turned out not to be the cookie cutter book that I had expected to find.
I have to confess, I’m kind of sad I have to give it back to the library (the downside of getting a book for free). I think it might be the kind of thing I’d like to have on hand just in case I need it again. It won’t be the first thing I get, but I’m planning on moving it from the “Books to Read” list to the “Books to Buy” list.
Now, don’t ask what I would say is the Book that Changed My Life, because I have no clue. I’ve been pondering it for awhile now and all that I’ve discovered is that many books have changed my life. The jsut perfect book has arrived at the just perfect season in my life, and everything has been drastically altered because of what I read. I just don’t know which book I could list as “The Ultimate” - yet. I’ll come back when I finally figure it out. What would you pick as the most life altering book you’ve read?
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On February 9th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
maria Says:
My, you’ve been busy! I don’t stop by for a few days and look at all you’ve written. Just getting here now to catch up.
I just placed a hold on this book at my library. It’s due back in on Feb. 15. Not that I don’t already have two dozen books on my nightstand …
I couldn’t resist when you said it was loaded with personal stories, because, like you, I love hearing people’s stories and learning about what makes them tick, what experiences have shaped and changed them, etc. I think that’s why I only read nonfiction and biography … never fiction anymore. I so much more enjoy people’s real stuff (even though I know most fiction is based on reality, it doesn’t feel the same).
Anyway … this sounds like a great book.
To your question … there have been so many books I’ve enjoyed. Not one stands out above all others, but a few have been very powerful. The first one that comes to mind is the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People … quite life-changing for me at the time; Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain; The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav. Goodness, there are so many more. Wish I’d kept better track, frankly. One friend remaked once that I ‘had the whole self-help section in your living room.’ It used to be like that … not so much anymore, but I still read a lot (as you know, LOL).
On February 10th, 2007 at 7:05 am
Megan Says:
I know! It’s like, Wham, I suddenly had something to say!
You and I should have a book swap
- I love biographies too. Yesterday, I was standing in the bookstore staring down The Measure of a Man. I was calculating how much it would cost after my discount… but I have so much to read I knew Wakizashi wouldn’t let it fly, so I reluctantly left it behind. It was a hard thing to do.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People! I second that one. That’s one of those books yo ushould get at brith.