Wow

List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?

Two of these books got me into reading, and one made me dive into my writing.

The first book, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. Just like Margaret moving to a new town and trying to adjust, make friends, and find her own way, I could relate. The only different Margaret didn’t have any siblings. My sister was married, one brother was going into the military, and my other brother lived with his grandmother. So it was me and my mom, who I depended on to help me navigate this new town and my own little insecurities about who I am. This book made me want to read more books about going through adolescents.

My second book, Once Is Not Enough by Jacqueline Susann. I had NO BUSINESS reading this book. The house we moved into had a garage, and in the garage was a small room where there were boxes full of books. The owner of the house was an avid book reader. I went through most of all the boxes. The one book that stood out was this book. The book was either white or cream, and the title was in black letters. Very simple cover. I opened the book and couldn’t put it down. As I continued to read, I realized I HAD NO BUSINESS reading this book. I was feeling things in places that I shouldn’t be feeling things. It was so bad(in a good way) that I’d like my bedroom door and sit in the corner behind the door. Years later, I wondered if a movie was ever made because I thought there should have been. While pregnant and not being able to sleep in 2009, I was flipping through the channels, and what did I discover? The Once Is Not Enough Movie. As I watched the movie, it was like I was reading the book. It wasn’t that bad. Once Is Not Enough made me want to read more adult books, mind you, I was only 11 or 12 when I read the book. The next adult book after that was Kafir Boy In America.

My third book, I was supposed to read it in high school, but I never did. I had to read it in college because after every chapter we had to write a paper.  That book, Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger.Slinger. I was Holden Caulfield, and Holden Caulfield was me. Not only could I relate to him except I was in public school and not private. This book also made me dive into writing. My professor at the time after reading my papers encouraged me to take a test that allowed me to start my sophomore year English class my freshman year.

Two books made me want to read more and one that made me deep dive into writing