I didn't start reading until around seventh grade. Before then, I read books specifically when forced and even then, barely finished them. When I was thirteen though, something compelled me to actually pick one up. I remember my mom's reaction when I asked her to buy me a large chapter book simply because I wanted to read it. She immediately took me to the store and made a promise I'm sure she regrets now, as long as I didn't ask for a bunch of video games or movies, she promised to buy any book that interested me. From that day on, I have wrapped my entire life around words; I've created my own little universe inside the pages of my most beloved books. They say books have the ability to shape who you are as a person, here is how some of my favorite books shaped me and the lessons I've learned from them. By the way, spoiler alert! I don't plan on holding back.
1. Don't settle or change for people // "Pride and Prejudice"
A lesson I learned from "Pride and Prejudice" was to stay who you are, no matter what. Be like Lizzy and continue to believe what you want, even when society pressures you to alter your ways. Everyone was badgering her to marry Collins for advantage, but she refuses him anyway. Lady Catherine demands answers to ridiculous questions and accusation from Lizzy, but she doesn't budge. Stay steadfast like her and the world will reward you in the end. Lizzy marries Darcy, does she not?
2. Friendship is everything // "Harry Potter"
Who could deny the golden trio? Without Hermione and Ron, Harry would have gone nowhere. I stand by my opinion that one of the best quotes was in "The Order of the Phoenix" when Harry says "you're the weak one. And you'll never know love or friendship. And I feel sorry for you." That quote seems to wrap up the power behind friendship better than I ever could. If it can stop a super powerful dark wizard from taking over the world, I will venture to say it can make my little muggle life brighter.
3. Simplicity goes a long way // "The Catcher in the Rye"
I came across this book in my senior year of high school, which was probably the best time for me to read it. Holden's simple words were what truly captured my attention and respect. A plain thought like "'I don't know what I mean by that, but I know I mean it" was so effective. Holden's way of speaking serves as a little reminder that being simple and uncomplicated has the potential to make a bigger and better impact in a life.
4. You are not alone // "It's Kind Of A Funny Story"
"It's Kind of a Funny Story" taught me that even in the most lonely of times, I am not alone. This book highlights on mental illness in such an inclusive way, it was breathtaking. When I read it, I would get surges of relief just knowing and seeing that I was not alone in thinking the world was going to end if I didn't pass my mid-term (because I wouldn't get my diploma leading to no degree leading to no success in my life). The main character, Craig, thinks just like me and reading through his perspective helped me feel a little less alone in this crazy huge world.
5. Find the magic in everything // "The Secret Garden"
In "The Secret Garden," magic is kindness and believing in something amazing. "Perhaps the beginning is just to say that nice things are going to happen until you make them happen," is just one quote from the lessons of the book. Seeing the little garden bloom and blossom due to the kindness and love it was given and the change it made in the children's lives, I learned to believe in the magic of the world myself. "The Secret Garden" reminded me to have a childish outlook sometimes and believe that the best is yet to come.
6. Effort gets you farther // "Nancy Drew"
Nancy stopped at nothing to solve her problems. She would go to great lengths to figure out solutions and while I don't plan on getting in too dangerous of situations in attempting to solve a problem, I admire the work ethic she has. By reading the Nancy Drew books as a kid, I wasn't just entertained with mysteries and holding onto the fact that maybe she'd finally date Ned, but I learned how I have to work hard in order to get the results I want.
7. Even extraordinary things happen to the ordinary // "Twilight"
Bella was the opposite of what most YA novel protagonists were like during the time. When I first read "Twilight," it was 2012 and I was trying desperately to be cool (it was middle school). In most books, the popular, funny, outgoing girls were the one's with stories. Bella, however, was simple and ordinary. The fact that she was the main character made me realize that I didn't have to be extraordinary to have something to say or do, I could just be me, ordinary and happy.
8. When in doubt, fake madness // "Hamlet"
Have you ever had an awkward lapse in a conversation where you say something really random or ridiculous and cause that awful pause where everyone is trying to figure out why you just said that? I have, and I can tell you first hand that it is no fun. Sometimes, you simply get lost and think your friends are talking about a certain topic, just to find out you were wrong, but the words already slipped off your tongue and everyone's eyes are already on you. Well, in those moments, I've learned to simply explain how tired I am or flustered or confused or have had no coffee. When in doubt or in an awkward situation, pull a Hamlet and fake madness.
9. Always have good intentions // "Little Women"
A lot goes down in this book seeing how it follows an entire family of sisters through their entire lives. However, with little lessons being taught in practically every chapter, I saw how every time something was done with good intention verses bad ones, great things happened. When the girls complained about being poor, their selfishness was highlighted, but when they focused on what they had, they found peace. I learned from reading "Little Women" to always do things with good intentions, why would anyone want it any other way?
10. Appreciate the people in your life // "The Fault in Our Stars"
You only have so much time with people. I used to fall under the horrible mindset of immortality, I figured everyone in my life was going to be there forever. This book however, taught me that some people are only in your life for seasons and that's okay. A lot can happen in a season. I learned to appreciate the people in my life, to thank them and to tell them I care for them. I learned to never take quality time with someone for granted because that time with them isn't as infinite (pun intended) as I thought before.
11. Things are not always as they seem // "The Great Gatsby"
The American Dream is a nightmare. Even though Gatsby's parties looked so very beautiful and fun, turmoil followed him. "The Great Gatsby" taught me that people may not have the life they portray on the internet and teachers may be nicer than their Rate My Professor profile says. I might give a book five stars when one of my friends gave it two. Things are not always how they look or seem.
12. Try to see the best in people // "The Diary of a Young Girl"
This was a wonderful lesson to learn, but a hard thing to practice for me. I respect Anne Frank so very much in how she lived in Nazi Germany, but remained empathetic to the people committing some of the worst crimes in history. She was locked in a dusty small attic, but focused on the light. She saw the best in people, despite living in one of the hardest times. Just imagine being remembered for such a thing as believing in the good of man, no matter what. By reading Anne's diary, I learned to at least try to see the world through her positive, beautiful mindset.
13. Don't judge a book by its cover // "To Kill a Mockingbird"
Scout based her opinion of Boo Radley on all the rumors shared about him without second guessing the validity of any of them. This book taught me to always take a moment to second guess what everyone is saying in order to find where the information is coming from. A lot of the time, just like in Boo's case, the things being said are unjust and incorrect. By reading "To Kill a Mockingbird," I learned to never immediately give in to the image of someone. It makes no sense to judge someone on how their house looks, that has no effect on the person living in it.
Everyday I attribute these lessons to my life and it took a moment of thought for me to see that all of them came from the books I've read. If you haven't read any of these books, I would obviously encourage you to do so. But more than that, I would encourage you to look at the books you've read and loved in the past to see how they shaped who you are. Surround yourself with lessons and stories from the characters that mean the most to you and see what comes of it. I guarantee you'll find treasure.
