Community Chatter: What is a book that changed your life?

Did you know that a 2009 study showed that just 6 minutes of reading a day has been found to decrease blood pressure, lower your heart rate, and overall reduce stress?  It's true!  So if you haven't picked up a good book in a little while, today, August 9th is National book lovers day; which seems like a great time to get back into the habit. 

My team had a lively discussion in Slack this morning about books and I asked about one book that they had read that changed their lives.  Curious to see what they recommended? Read on. ;) 

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From Morgan:

I've always enjoyed reading and unfortunately, I don't make enough time for it. There have been several books that I thought changed my life, but looking back it was probably just that "reader's high" you get when you finish a book. However, I read a book my senior year of college that quite literally changed my life and likely yours, and many others as well. "Morgan, what are you talking about? What book is this?" The book I'm referring to is "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot.

"The book is about Henrietta Lacks and the immortal cell line, known as HeLa, that came from Lacks's cervical cancer cells in 1951. Skloot became interested in Lacks after a biology teacher referenced her but knew little about her. Skloot began conducting extensive research on her and worked with Lacks' family to create the book. The book is notable for its science writing and dealing with ethical issues of race and class in medical research. Skloot said that some of the information was taken from the journal of Deborah Lacks, Henrietta Lacks's daughter, as well as from "archival photos and documents, scientific and historical research."

The HeLa cells referenced were taken from Henrietta without her consent and were then found to be very durable and allowed for extensive research. These cells are the oldest and most commonly used human cell line. They have been used in countless medicines and are still being used for scientific research today. So with that, yes I think this book really did change my life in one way or another

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From Kiala:

For me, "The Giver" by Lois Lowry is a book that has stuck with me for many, many years. It was the first dystopian book I'd ever read and it was full of symbolism and beautiful writing. I believe we read it in middle school, and I can still remember the author describing when Jonas sees the color red for the first time. I sat there thinking about what it would be like to live life in blacks and whites and grays and then seeing something as vibrant as the color red. Or to feel sadness or joy for the first time. This is one of those books I like to revisit every so often and it brings me back to the awe I had as a kid.

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From Sasha:

I don't really have a book that changed my life like (the others above) but I like this book - "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathanial Hawthorne. 

Just a little back story, Hester was not accepted by social expectations and was considered an outcast in her community. Even though this happened, she took care of herself and did everything possible to support herself and her child by standing her ground. In the end, she did decide to go back to the community under their circumstances so her daughter Pearl could have a better life. It took a lot of courage and humility for her to sacrifice her independence so her child could be happy. It showed me that sometimes to have to make sacrifices for the better of the people you love.

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From Lisa:

For me there isn't just one book that changed my life, honestly every time I read a new book I believe there are changes, but I tried to narrow it down a bit for today.  The common theme for the books I'm sharing today is that they all broadened my horizons in one way or another.  Each was exposing me to worlds or views that I had never considered before, and I feel as if my life is so much better for it.  

The first book I remember as life-changing was "A Wind in the Door" by Madeleine L'Engle.  It was a fun fantasy escape but the elements of math and chemistry and microbiology were so fascinating to me.  After reading it and the sequel ("A Swiftly Tilting Planet") I was seriously interested in STEM majors and spent a few years exploring the idea of becoming a scientist of some kind.  

Some time in college I was introduced to "The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley which was my first real exposure to a well-known legend being retold through the perspective of the women involved in the story.  It was so rich in details and the characters were fleshed out in a way that showed their flaws as well as their strengths.  I fell in love with the story, but it also made me start thinking more critically about stories in general and looking at them from a different perspective.  

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Have a book that changed your life?  Just feel like talking about what is currently on your nightstand to be read?  We look forward to hearing from you!