So much time has passed since the last time I’ve written about books, and to be honest, I haven’t read as much this year as I have in previous years. At first, it bummed me out, but I have decided to start this blog to reignite my fire for the written word instead.

I have given this a lot of thought, and I have picked the five books that have shaped my life the most, and I promise to explain them with no spoilers. I would hate to spoil a chance of you reading any of these.

The Eyes of Kid Midas was written for a much younger audience, but to be honest, I bought a new copy a few years ago, read it loved it all over again.

Essentially it’s a poorly veiled retelling of King Midas, but instead of a king, Kevin is in middle school. It’s a great tale about power, and what it does to us.

East of Eden was recommended to me by my wife just after we started dating, and I would daresay it’s the most influential book I have ever read. It follows the like of a simple man named Adam Trask, and is loosely allegorical to the life of Adam in Genesis.

It covers topics that everyone struggles with; free will, predestination, love, loss, and the struggle to do right. It’s a beautiful tale, and I love it. The Trask family embodies the entire human spectrum, from our most pure, benevolent side all the way to our darkest points.

Quantum Leap Thinking. I know that I have mentioned this before, but it is a really great read. It seemed really quirky with the name, and evidently he was some kind of hypnotherapist before he wrote this book, but it is really amazing.

This book breaks down your life, helps you analyze it, and helps you realistically reach your goals. It’s as simple as that.

Crime and punishment. This was definitely a tough read, but well worth it. Dostoyevsky writes in a very unique fashion. This classic book explores every facet of life and what we as people are capable of doing in tough times. It explores, awakens, and helps us examine how we perceive others. It’s one of Joanna’s favorites too, so you know it has to be good!

And there you have it; go to amazon, borders, or wherever you get your books and pick up these to change your life.