Books That Shaped Me (Part 1)

Posted on March 11, 2020 by wordvessel

Books and writing are partners in value to me. When asked how I prefer to spend moments all to myself I can rarely choose between reading a book or writing in some form or fashion. And when it comes to reading I am ever torn between selecting a favorite title to read once more or making an introduction with a new friend. To recognize those wonderful reads that have been tools in the hand of my Maker for forming my worldview, character and personality, I am going to do a blog series highlighting those books that have left their mark on me. I will begin with those from my childhood and early adolescence. Please note that this is by no means an exhaustive list.

When I think of compassion, this book comes to mind and tears come to my eyes. A lonely stray dog befriends a crippled chicken and the two help each other as they adapt to the challenges of life. But the story is more than that. Read it to discover it’s depth.
How could this not be on my list! I recently read the entire series again and loved it even more. Anne is my friend! I often think of how she would embrace the challenges of life, including the sandpaper people, and be better for doing so. I want to be a mom like her too! I want my children to count her amongst their closest circle of friends!
Mildred Keith and Elsie Dinsmore were both book series that I enjoyed reading with my mom while we ironed. I preferred Mildred because she was less saintly than Elsie, but both girls encouraged a love for family and service to others. It was also a fresh exposure to a different era in our culture.
I don’t think childhood is quite complete until one has read this series. We are reading them now with our children and I find myself being impacted by the parents, while as a childhood I was fascinated with the sisters’ experiences. They faced hardship with joy and were content in the simple life. Life was good even if they lived on dirt floors and ate the same things for every meal. Children need family and stability to feel secure and happy.
This is definitely a book for the adolescent more than the child. I have read it numerous times since the first time I picked it up and have even taught it in discipleship groups for youth girls. The protagonist is an honest young woman who seeks to live a godly life while very much battling her tendency towards selfishness. It’s a beautiful look at a young heart in the throes of sanctification. The diction is from a century ago so it’s interesting in that regard as well.

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About wordvessel

Aloha! This blog is a window into the active mind of a wife, mother, woman and individual. I may be busy every moment of every day, but I still have time to think. Many seasons have blossomed and faded within my life, and this blog has endured through all of them. It is safe to say that my writing has matured because of them. I hope that you will be inspired to think in fresh ways as you read my writing. To Jesus be all the glory.
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