Reading has played a very important role throughout my life. Out of all the books I’ve read, however, there a few that have had a distinct influence in my own writing style as well as the person I am today.
1. The "Harry Potter" Series
It goes without saying that the "Harry Potter" series has defined an entire generation. The books, and later the movies, spanned so many years and influenced countless people of all ages. Finding a fellow "Harry Potter" fan means finding a friend. Of course, with the new book, upcoming movie, and the Universal theme park, the magic of the "Harry Potter" universe is very much alive today, and will no doubt continue to inspire readers of all ages for years to come.
2. "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings"
J.R.R. Tolkien has masterfully crafted a full and detailed world in his many works featuring Middle Earth. He has invented entire languages, mythologies, and histories for readers to explore, and his dedication is an inspiration for so many aspiring writers. It is exactly this great detail which attracted me to this series. I absolutely love learning about the histories and cultures of the different peoples of Middle Earth, and in a way it inspires me to travel to see other cultures that exist in my world.
3. "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass"
"Alice in Wonderland" is a lovely nonsense book. Nothing in the story is very rational, and it is precisely this element of nonsense which I think many readers find comforting. The dreamlike sequence of the plot is relaxing, often following a child’s logic, and serves as a form of escapism.
4. "The Book Thief"
"The Book Thief" is by far my favorite book of all time. The sadness and tragedy of the plot aside, Zusak’s writing style is such an inspiration to me. The novel is narrated from the perspective of Death as a sentient being, observing the lives of humans. Every once in a while, Death will insert a relevant side note into the story, which gives the feeling of conversation. There are many new ideas offered about death, as well as Death himself, and it is all presented with great dignity and eloquence.
5. "The Works of Edgar Allan Poe"
I first read "The Works of Edgar Allan Poe at a rather young age, perhaps too young to begin dwelling on his deep, symbolic poems and short stories. "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Oval Portrait," "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Cask of Amontillado," and so many more. The works of Poe are absolutely unique: the darkness, the insanity, the abrupt endings. Poe is a master of twisted horrors, suspense, and plot twists. Poe has also been an inspiration to my writing, with elegant and artful descriptions, motivated characters, and dark backgrounds.
6. "Freakonomics"
The only nonfiction book on this list, "Freakonomics" very immediately changed my perspective and opinion on many subjects. The authors of "Freakonomics" touched on racism, abortion, crime, and everything in between. This book combines classic economic concepts with rational thought processes and cold, hard facts to form completely logical, albeit seemingly unrelated conclusions.
