In 6th grade my family called me “Hermit” because I’d spend hours in my room reading every day. I read two or three books most days. Although my book completion rate has unfortunately decreased over the years, I can still say I’ve read hundreds, if not thousands, of wonderful books in my 30 years.

If you consider yourself a ‘reader’ too, you can imagine my difficulty in selecting only 10 books that have made the most difference in my life! But I promise that even if you don’t love these titles, they are worth a read at least once in your life. You might just find yourself devouring some of them again and again.

*Note: I didn’t include religious books in this list, although those have been the most influential books in my life. I’m saving those for a separate post.

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In no particular order, the top 10 most influential books I’ve ever read:

1. The Richest Man in Babylonย by George S. Clason

The Richest Man in Babylon: One of the most influential books I've ever read

I’ve read several fantastic books about budgeting, financial success, and entrepreneurship, but this one is my top pick. It is written in a unique fable style and is a pleasure to read while still teaching timeless financial principles. My husband and I have taken several courses together about managing finances in marriage and a professor’s recommendation to read this book has been the most valuable take away.

2.ย Who Said Red?ย ย by Mary Serfozo

 

Who Said Red? One of the most influential children's books I've ever read

My parents read to me every night, and Who Said Red?ย stands out among many other gems. It’s a simple, rhyming story that sticks in your mind forever (in a non-annoying way!), and the beautiful illustrations by Keiko Narahashi are enchanting. Narahashi’s art is the first I can remember that inspired me to be an artist and has influenced my painting style. This book is a staple for bedtime stories in my own home today.

3. Outliers: The Story of Successย by Malcolm Gladwell

Outliers: One of the most influential books I've ever read

I love the memorable anecdotes in this book! It’s also been a defining book in my life for child rearing, our homeschool, and in making personal goals to develop my talents. I dare you to read this book and not be inspired to be amazing!

4. Taran Wandererย by Lloyd Alexander

Taran Wanderer: One of the most influential books I've ever read

Taran is one of my favorite characters in literature. He is flawed and kind and wonderful. The entire Chronicles of Prydain series is a joy to read, but this book records when Taran truly becomes a man. So much wisdom to be gleaned while being swept up in a fun adventure. I try to reread this one every few years because I learn more each time. If you read it, let’s chat Llonio in the comments. Another amazing character.

5. The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia: One of the most influential books I've ever readC. S. Lewis was a genius. He uses profound Christian allegories, but this series made my non-religious list because of his magnificent storytelling. This is hands-down the series that most inspired me to love reading and writing as a child. Growing up, my favorite of the series was The Horse and His Boy. I’ve somewhat leaned more towards The Last Battle over the past decade.

6. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I wrote an entire post about this book because it’s just that superb. Other adaptations are beautiful, but if you haven’t read the original I highly recommend it. After all, we want to keep Christmas in our hearts all the year. I don’t know if I love Dicken’s analogies more or his characterizations.

7. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie KondoThe Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: One of the most influential books I've ever read

I wouldn’t consider myself a graduate yet of this organizing method, but I did follow a lot of the principles and guess what–it really was life changing!! No, I don’t think my socks have feelings, but I still fold them the Konmari way three years later. I’ve read dozens of books about organizing and simplifying, and this one continues to have the most impact on my life.

ย 8. Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter: One of the most influential books I've ever read

Yes, the This Blue Dress sisters are Potterheads. Any fellowย Gryffindors reading this post? Like many of my generation I’ve been mesmerized by Rowling’s complex and incredibly synchronized plots. I love a book that can make me laugh out loud, cry, and inspire me all in one chapter. Thank you Rowling for the hours of delight. And thank you Mom and Dad for always giving the oldest sibling first dibs to read each new release (that’s me:) ).

This series is also influential due to the many happy hours I spent reading aloud the whole series to my siblings.

ย 9. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: One of the most influential books I've ever read

Sharpen your saw. Begin with the end in mind. I need to read this again. The principles are so true and powerful.

ย 10. The Scarlet Pimpernel byย Baroness Orczy

The Scarlet Pimpernel: One of the most influential books I have ever read

You know that agonizing frustration when you’re reading a book or watching a movie, and two characters have a misunderstanding? You just wish they could both know what you know and everything would be alright. This book is the epitome of that feeling–and also an exciting and fun adventure. Once you get past the first chapter which was admittedly slow for me the first time I read it.

Very mild spoiler alert: This is one of the only books that truly surprised me with a plot twist, which might be the number one reason it has been influential.ย  ย ย 

I hope this list has inspired you to jump into an amazing book! I would love to hear about the most influential books you have read!

Maegan

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10 Books That Changed My Life