Life-Changing Good Reads (Books) for me

**these are books that I have read repeatedly or will hope to read to improve my life**

The Book of Mormon: Yes, I know. The Broadway musical comedy from the creators of South Park comes in mind. Regardless of that satire of the Christian faith, I have read the Book of Mormon as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I questioned the truth of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon has sub-titled on its book cover as “Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” and after reading it from cover to cover from front to back more than several times alongside with other scientific opponents’ views and resources, I have come to realize that the Book of Mormon is true! There’s an unshakable feeling and strong conviction within me that cannot deny that it testifies of Jesus Christ. I believe in Christ and with every attempt to re-read the Book of Mormon, it does testify of the Savior’s existence to me and with that, the Book of Mormon continues to enhance my life by reminding me to be more “Christ-like” and exemplify more charitable traits.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: The listing of these habits are amazingly true and has been helpful to me in giving me an insight of consequences. Though I have not achieved all the listed 7 habits, I have had to re-read some chapters to practice and repeat to become a habit that I implement in parts of my life in hopes that it becomes a habit in my life entirely. Covey quotes the great philosopher, Aristotle in his saying that “we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not act, but a habit,” and with this quote, I hope to slowly chip away my bad habits that create inefficiency in my life into effective habits (my desire to know how to increase improvement in my life and act upon that knowledge in gaining effectively efficient skills).
The 5 Love Languages-The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman: How great it is to be a perfect partner in a perfect relationship in which everything is perfect and there are no arguments or residue of passive aggressive behavior. Relatable? Well, I know that I cannot relate to that by a long shot! I own this Kindle version of this book, but I have only skimmed through the chapters that list the 5 love languages. I have read cover to cover the few first chapters that introduce the main purpose of this book as well as the case studies’ scenarios that one like myself can relate to and hope to improve within myself. I have learned what my “love language” is and have recognized what my close loved ones are as well so I know that re-reading this book and applying what I have learned will continue to improve my life immensely.
The Death and Life of the Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs: Reading this book, and yes, I’m re-reading it, has given me an insight on community organizing and the effectiveness of rallying for your neighborhood. When I was an undergrad majoring in Urban Studies and Planning, this book was the “bible” of a successful format of what city planning can become with social organization and community involvement. It is an easy read and will give you an insight of local government versus the community in which how it responds to changing of cities.
Sign Language Among North American Indians Compared With That Among Other Peoples and Deaf-Mutes… by Garrick Mallery: I had taken some courses in American Sign Language (ASL) during high school and as a freshman in college to add a contrast from elementary years taking the Spanish language. I’ve barely read the entire first chapter of this book, but I will say that it has given me a broader perspective of being more sensitive to others’ capabilities and culture.
The Remarkable Soul of A Woman by Dieter F. Uchtdorf: If positive confirmations were written into a book, it would be this one! Please do not be fooled by the title of the book in thinking that it is for women, but it gives all genders the insight of knowing who you are has been uniquely created by a higher being that knows of your potential. And being a woman, YES! Uchtdorf does give homage to his own upbringing and healthy influences from women that he has and have in his life. If you don’t have the time to talk to yourself in the mirror with daily positive mantras to begin your day, reading this book repeatedly is just as good. It is an easy read and has continuously reminded me that everyone in this world is of great worth. It has improved my life greatly in being more empathetic and compassionate. I definitely will read this book repeatedly to remind me to stay humble and exude loving traits.
Tactile Morse Code by Robert P. Bodnaryk, Ph.D: This concise introduction to Morse code is FREE (a selective yet favorite word) and it comes along with an app that helps you understand Morse code and teaches you how to apply Morse code. I have not fully applied learning Morse code but I have taken the steps to download this into my Kindle and will hope to be more passionate to learn about this other set of language and communication. I know that when I do learn and become a novice of Morse code that it will enhance my own communication skills in this life.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls: Immediately, I am succumbed to tears reading the title. My reason is the memories as a young 2nd grader reading this book in Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) time, a 30-45 minute time of reading in silence which I think really was to assist our poor teachers’ mental state, and just being teary-eyed every time I continued daily in SSR until the book was completed. Actually, many books that involved dogs or the heartfelt encounters of animals has ALWAYS resulted in me crying inside my soul as my eyes become glossy due to held back walled tears. Alongside this books that I read in my elementary years, I would also add–Old Yeller by Fred Gipson, Hachi: The Truth of the Legend of the Most Famous Dog in Japan by Mayumi Itoh, Bravest Dog Ever: Story of Balto by Natalie Standiford, Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. As I am listing these childhood books that I’ve read, the memories are flooding in and so are the tears…moving on!
Harry Potter and …. by J.K. Rowling: Sorry, as juvenile as it may be of a selection, I chose the Harry Potter series due to the fact that I could not put the books down. It gave me the motivation to want to complete the thousands of pages of juvenile fictional adventures of this future great orphan wizard Harry and his friends. Reading any book of the series was a stress reliever to the life of a full-time student/full-time working adult/single (no relation, hopefully) and prone to stress person such as myself. So, yes…reading Harry Potter series is my guilty pleasure besides food and music. Please don’t judge me! as I space out for the next few hours…
9 Steps to Financial Freedom by Suze Orman: I haven’t read the entire book…unsure if that links to my current financial situation of $0 in my checking account…but, I have read other concise Orman articles and books. It’s easy, sometimes well-known facts, but applying these facts into my life is why I have listed this book as a life-changing good read because I have yet to finish it. I’ve thumbed through the book and have applied at least one given advice which of course is SAVING. The only issue is that I should apply as best to my situation the other 8 steps to my financial freedom.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki: This was one of the first books I read AFTER all my Suze Orman exposure…yes, her show as well as Dave Ramsey speeches…and it was helpful into knowing how the system works. I have yet to apply Kiyosaki’s advice, but I can see why it would work as I embark to be more financially stable and I am looking forward to be financially free. As like many other books listed above, I will be re-reading it all until it sets in.
**this list is in progress**