Prompt: The 5 books that have impacted your life the most.

I love to read! I'm constantly reading new books, but I also go back a few books over and over again.

1. The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- I was assigned this book for sophomore English class and fell in love with it. The book became my entry into Gender Studies. I eventually majored in Women's Studies in college. I reread this book every couple of years.
2. Persuasion by Jane Austen -- My favorite of Austen's works. I connect with the character of Anne Elliot. Plus, I love the story of redemption and rediscovered love. Such a great book!
3. Brace New World by Aldous Huxley -- This book started my love of science fiction. I didn't quite get it the first time I read the book, but it has become one I go back to over and over to explain all the nuances of the story and characters.
4. His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman -- J practically begged me to read this series a few years ago. Unfortunately I had seen the movie version of The Golden Compass and was turned off of reading the book. Thankfully the series is nothing like the book. Pullman's thoughts on religion and society solidified my atheist stance. I really need to read this series soon!
5. Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson -- The most recent of the books on this list. I love reading Lawson's blog and her first book is an amazing collection of stories from her life and lessons learned. While I may not have had her life, I still connect with her on so many points.

Honorable Mention: The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer (fascinating life philosophy), The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (actually doing my own Happiness Project in 2016)