5 Most Influential Books

I decided that I would tell you guys about the 5 books that have most influenced my life over the years. I've posted links to the books below, along with a description of how they have influenced me. I hope that everyone can name off at least a few books that have shaped their concept of the world, because part of living is acquiring information and being able to use it to empower our own lives, as well as the lives of others. I'd be curious to know what some of the most influential books have been in your lives (yes, you!).

In no particular order:

1. The Book of Mormon. This one is a no-brainer. One of the foundational books of my religion, and probably the book that I have read through the most times in my life (I stopped counting somewhere around 15 times). Since most of my readers are faithful Mormons, I don't really need to elaborate on how beautiful and spiritually enlightening this book is. I will say that my favorite chapters are Mosiah 1-5. They have had a particularly strong effect on me, and have influenced me not only in ways spiritual, but also temporal and political as well. Several years back I read these verses at a time in my life when I was begin to gain an interest in politics, and as I read I received spiritual confirmation that I should be a registered Democrat. I don't take that to mean that all Mormons should do likewise (quite the contrary--I hope that many have received confirmation that they should be Republican). I realized at the time that my life experiences had shaped me in a certain direction, and that God had intended me to have certain views, knowing that I would be an influence on others in that direction. It was kind of like I had finally put together the last piece of a puzzle, and I could see the big picture. It was a reassuring experience.

2. Elements of Style. I read this book during a Persuasive Writing course in my final year at BYU. I had thought I was a good writer before taking this class, but this book really opened my eyes. I realized that the point of writing is to effectively communicate, and although rules should be learned, they could be disregarded at times as needed to get the ultimate point across. It completely empowered me as a writer. Writing was no longer some template exercise in conformity, but a chance to let my individual style shine through to get my ideas across.
--If it hadn't been for this book, I never would have started this blog.--

3. Flanagan's Run. This is a fictional book about a foot-race across the U.S. during the Great Depression (the one from the 1930s--not the one taking place right now. Yeah, that's right, I'm officially declaring our current economic state the Second Great Depression). It has a cast of endearing characters, each with his/her own unique back-story and reason for running. I first read it at my English teacher's suggestion during the 6th grade, and was completely mesmerized. When I started high school a few years later, I was naturally drawn to the cross country team. Jogging has been a part of my life in some form or another ever since. While I currently could probably only go about 5 miles without stopping to walk, there was a time in my life when I could run 10 miles, shower, and immediately head out for an evening with my friends without being any worse for the wear. I was directly influenced by this book, and how glamourous it made the running world seem. It is a must read for anyone who has ever run a long distance race.

4. The Two Income Trap. This book describes the reasons why families need to live off of one income, instead of two. It really hits home the common sense conclusion that unemployment and tragedy strike more often than not, and that a family accustomed to living off of one income will weather a storm much better than one which has built up a life based upon two incomes. If one spouse can no longer earn an income, at least the other one can step in to make up the difference. But if the family's obligations are built upon two incomes, then there is no way to bridge the gap once one spouse loses his/her job. I read this book in about two days, after suggestion from my Mother some years back. It has influenced my personal financial views more than anything else I have read. Very good common sense advice for all families, and a must read for anyone just starting to make her way in the world. Plus, it kind of vibes well with LDS theology about family and parental responsibilities.

5. Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies. This was the textbook for a BYU course I took during 2002 called Food Science and Nutrition 100. I learned tons about nutrition from this book and this course. It has really shaped how I view food and its relationship with my body. I have always been interested in exercise and weight training, and the knowledge I gained from this book really helped me focus my goals and see how nutrition is just another aspect of the equation when it comes to being fit and healthy. It was a fairly challenging course (and it was 90% female since it was a nursing pre-requisite, which kept me interested).

Honorable Mentions: The Home Workout Bible (I debated as to whether I should put this book as number 5 in place of the Nutrition book, but since I only came across this one last Christmas it defaults out of the top 5), the entire Harry Potter series (not really influential, but truly a beautifully crafted and entertaining story from start to finish), a book of Green Day: Dookie Guitar Tabs (from which I initially taught myself to play rhythm guitar, thus embarking me on a decade of garage band adventures), To Kill a Mockingbird (I can only hope to someday be half the father that Atticus Finch was), and almost all of the Choose Your Own Adventure series (who didn't love these during elementary school? I would sometimes cheat by starting from the end and tracing my way back to the start).

*Noticeably absent: Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand. So many people cite this book as one of the most influential books they have ever read, that I feel it necessary to state that I was not similarly enamored with it. My main beef is that I completely reject Rand's views and moral outlook. I can see how a lot of the book's personal lessons about hard work and responsibility can shape a person for the better; however, these lessons were already so ingrained in American culture that I didn't need to read 1,000+ pages of propoganda to have the message sink in. Additionally, a study of Rand and her exodus from a communist childhood is really telling as to why she speaks so harshly against any form of government outside of a police force and military. She even argues against individuals helping others who are in need, since this may lead to the degredation of the human soul through "mooching." I'm not so sure that Jesus would agree, but then Rand was extremely anti-religion (apparently she couldn't leave behind every influence of communism from her childhood). I have found that most of the people who love this book were duped into believing that Rand had a wise view of mankind. Sorry: I was not similarly duped--"The emperor has no clothes!" (A subtle literary allusion for all of you).

So what are your favorite/most influential books? I'm curious to know.