10 Books That Have Left A Lasting Impression

Among the zillions of memes floating around on Facebook these days, my uncle tagged me to participate in the “List 10 books that have impacted you” meme. Rather than doing it on Facebook, I figured I’d do it here. Partially because it seemed like a really good blog post and partially because I live on the edge like that (rule breaker in the house!).

So, in no particular order, 10 books that consider incredibly influential personally.

1. The Bible. This is, clearly, a no-brainer. I almost left it off, because really it does go without saying. But then I thought…why does it go without saying? I’m going to go ahead and say it. I like a lot of different versions – I’ve been hanging with the ESV lately, but I’m also partial to NIV and NASB. Still, for all that, most of what I memorized as a kid was KJV, so if I’m quoting off the top of my head, more than likely, you’re getting the Thee/Though/Shouldst thrown in. (I will say, I dislike The Message. It just rubs me the wrong way. See also: I don’t care for most contemporary worship music. I’m probably a bit of a curmudgeon.)
2. The Deed of Paksenarrion. This continues to be one of the standards by which I measure high fantasy. It’s one I can return to year after year without getting tired of it. (Maybe it’s cheating a little as it’s a trilogy, but…hey. Rule breaker.) It encapsulates the classic fight of good vs. evil but it draws in the themes of doing what you can in the fight, no matter how hard it is – being faithful in the small, as well as the large, things. Plus, it’s simply incredibly well written.
3. Dragonsong/Dragonsinger/DragonDrums. (I know, I know, again with the trilogies.) This is the more YA Pern series by Anne McCaffrey, but it’s the one I yearn for most often. I’ll re-read (and love) the first series, but something about Menolly and her experiences on the way to and in the Harper Hall resonate with me. The last (Dragondrums) isn’t my favorite, but it’s still a good book and worth mentioning as it rounds out the series.
4. Crystal Singer / Killashandra – These are books 1 and 2 in a series. There are others (at least one more, maybe others?) but I read the 3rd and…meh. Honestly, they were skippable. But these two I return two again and again.
5. Ender’s Game – Notice here the distinct lack of inclusion in the rest of the series. The original follow on books were…not my thing. Maybe I ought to re-read them as an adult, but I can’t drum up the energy. The more recent follow ons are what should have been written immediately, I feel. They are definitely worth reading, but I can’t say they left as lasting an impression as Ender. As for the movie, it was an enjoyable flick, that was loosely based on the book. Don’t judge the book by the movie though. Read the book.
6. Starship Troopers. Here’s another one (though in this case SO MUCH MORE SO) where you should absolutely not judge the book by the movie. The movie was cheese. The book is a fascinating and engrossing story with fascinating philosophical discussions to chew over long after the cover is closed.
7. In the Hall of the Dragon King / The Warlords of Nin / The Sword and the Flame. This is an incredible fantasy series that honestly should be required reading for anyone age 9 and up. It’s another that is a measuring stick for fantasy quality.
8. A Wizard of Earthsea / The Tombs of Atuan / The Farthest Shore. Another amazing fantasy series that sticks with you in an almost haunting way.
9. Anne of Green Gables. The whole series (all 8 of them, though I can do without Rilla of Ingleside, honestly. It’s always a let down.) I know this is a bit of a departure from the above list which seems to be very heavy on the sci-fi/fantasy (which I do tend to read quite a bit of, I just can’t seem to write it.) But Anne…I want her to be real and to come be my friend.
10. Persuasion. I’ll admit to loving all things Austen (yes, even Northanger Abbey, which many seem to dislike.) But Persuasion is, hands down, my absolute favorite. The book, the movie, either one. (What’s lovely about the movie is that you can follow along with the dialog – it’s practically word-for-word. Just so well done and so faithful to the novel.)

And that’s my ten. I could probably come up with many more – but as a whole, I’d say that’s a pretty representative sample. (Now, that said, I’ve also read some great romances, mysteries, suspenses, etc. But I’m not sure they fall into “lasting impression” category. So that’s why they didn’t really make this list.)

What about you? Have you read any of these? What would you put on your list?