The book that had the biggest impact on my life
Every now and then, a book comes along that’s so powerful, touching or even heart-breaking that it stays with you forever. Last month, we asked the Over60 community to share the one book that had the biggest impact on their lives – and we were overwhelmed by your responses. Here are just a few of our favourites.
1. A Town Like Alice by Nevil Schute. “I read it when I was 10 my first grown up book. I loved it, it sparked an interest in Islam, WWII and Asia, all of which I still enjoy reading about.” – Sharon Everist.
2. A Fortunate Life by A. B. Facey. “It should be read by everyone who thinks they do it tough (in their own minds) and definitely great reading for school children.” – Pamela Potter.
3. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. “It’s an outstanding book and made me look at cathedrals in a different light.” – Christa Caldecott.
4. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. “I read this book in my 30s and it changed my whole outlook on life.” – Maureen Mulholland.
5. My Place by Sally Morgan. “I read this 30-odd years ago when I came to Australia. It’s true story and helped me understand about Aboriginal lives when the white man came here. It was like you were reading through her eye.” – Catherine Bunning.
6. Peanuts by Charles Schultz. “I was really sick as a child and my parents brought me these books in hospital. I would read them for hours and just howl with laughter. Helped me see the funny side of things, and I still do after all these years.” – Laura McLaren.
7. The Drifters by James A. Michener. “It instilled in me an enormous desire to travel from the age of 15. Can gladly say I’m fulfilling my desire... 82 countries now!” – Polly Anna.
8. Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo. “It caused me to rethink my role in the US Navy and gave me reason to make a choice of giving up my career after ten years, rather than go on to retirement. Powerful book on personal responsibility.” – Harry Larsen.
9. The Chrysalids by John Wyndham. “I’ve read this book over and over again. It taught me that whatever differences we have as human beings we all want the same – to feel safe, loved, a roof over our head and food in our tummies.” – Caroline Letchford.
10. Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher. “It takes me to a place where there is no violence, old fashioned values but most of all human kindness It’s the book I turn to time again if I need a boost.” – Yvonne Blakiston.
11. Guests of the Emperor by Janice Young Brooks. “This book validated my belief in the incredible strength of women and gave me a huge respect and gratitude for the women who have given us the life we enjoy today.” – Cheryl Ann Shoobridge.
12. The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. “It taught me the enjoyment of fantasy and fiction and showed what might become of this world if we keep going down this destructive path we are on – climate change, global warming, pollution, deforestation and urban spread.” – Michele Newman.
What book changed your life the most? Tell us in the comments below!