We are what we read

I have a friend here in California.

I know, it sounds ridiculous, but I'm pretty sure that it is true.

Anyway, this friend of mine, Joe Jeppson, (If you don't believe me, just go poke him on facebook, he would love it) really likes to read. This gives the two of us a lot to talk about and discuss since reading is one of my few passions in life. This past weekend we hung out in San Fran for a bit and after spending an hour or two in a sweet bookstore we got to talking about just how influential books can be/are in our lives. Joe said something I've been thinking about a lot lately, he said something along the lines that each book we read becomes a part of us or that we become a product of each book.

Essentially, we are what we read. It got me thinking about what books have played a role in creating me. Having read hundreds of books over the past 20 years or so, the list would be fairly long, but I just want to mention a few of my favorites and how they are a part of me.

1- The Book of Mormon (9). I consider myself a religious person and this is the book that created that part of me, it has literally changed my life and continues to change my life as I read it everyday. I consider It is by far the most influential book in my life and I recommend it to anyone and everyone, so if you want a copy, just ask me.

2- The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis (2). CS Lewis is a genius and by taking a different view on religious principles and and taught me how to be a better person. Pure and simple.

3- The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo (4). Taught me to follow my dreams. I have since lived my life in a different manner, I am more grateful for my everyday experiences and do my best to learn from everything.

4- The Road by Cormac McCarthy (3). Many see it as a depressing book, but for me it was uplifting and powerful. It has taught me that despite the terrible condition of the world around us, people can still be good. It taught me that I can be a good person and have an impact at a time in my life when I doubted it.

5- A Long way Gone by Ishmael Beah (2). An easy read, a hard read, but most of all, a gratifying read. This book taught me just how grateful I need to be for the life I have been given and for the situation in which I live. I am a pretty lucky guy.

There are so many books that have had an impact on me and played a role in creating the person writing this blog. Even simple things, like my style of writing are a result of the books I have read. I would encourage you to look at your life, and recognize just how influential books have been in your life and then I would encourage you to read more. I believe that reading is one of the most important things we can do and I am sad when I see just how undervalued and unappreciated it has become in our society.

So do me a favor. No. Do yourself a favor and read a good book and become a more diverse person.