What books have changed your life?

**Amanda W** · 10-19-2007, 09:56 AM

I recently finished Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan. It was such an eye opener for me. I can't imagine ever going back to cleaning my home with toxic chemicals.

The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs is another book that changed the way I look at things. I've read a lot about voluntary simplicity, but this is by far the most complete guide I've found. I plan on re-reading it every year. I've struggled a lot to find peace, and this book really calms my soul.

And although I'm not as hardcore Dave Ramsey fan as some of you on FV, The Total Money Makeover was huge for me too. When I realized the Joneses are broke, it was a huge breakthrough for me.

What books have caused a major change in your lives?

**Dancing Lotus** · 10-19-2007, 10:47 AM

The Seat of the Soul.

Thanks to this book I know who I am and how I want to live my life. Before I read it was just floundering around and let other tell me what to think.

I can now comfortably tell people that I don't believe in heaven or hell and that if I am wrong and when I die and I find there is a heaven God will still let me in. Becuase that is what "God" is supose to be forgiveing!

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 10-19-2007, 11:48 AM

Leo Buscalia's books and lectures had a great influance on my life. I learned to tell people that I love and care about them now! While they are here and can know.

Lurie in Bradenton

**starsapphire** · 10-19-2007, 03:05 PM

Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola-Estes and The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav (who also wrote Seat of the Soul). Holy cow that book blew my mind.

**fizzie** · 10-19-2007, 04:57 PM

Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle." Eating locally is good for our health, for disappearing plant and animal species, for farmers, for the environment (soil, air, water, everything).

**thriftstorequeen** · 10-19-2007, 06:01 PM

The Bible! When I starting reading it over 30yrs ago my whole life changed for the better. Everytime I read it I find something new! I love Psalms and Proverbs. My favorite verse is John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotted son, that whosoever beleiveth in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."

**ms. frugal kugel** · 10-20-2007, 11:25 AM

"How to be an Adult" by David Richo

It's fairly embarrassing to carry it around, but I refer to it all the time. A must read if you grew up in a less than ideal home. I really enjoy all his books

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 10-21-2007, 03:35 AM

"The Grapes of Wrath".

**Drgnfly423** · 10-21-2007, 01:13 PM

Ten Stupid things Women do to Mess Up Their Lives - Dr. Laura Schlessinger

Boy did that book change my life. It was like the kick in the pants I needed to get out of a horrible relationship and realize what life really had to offer me.

**momofslg** · 10-27-2007, 10:26 PM

The 5 people you meet in Heaven.

You never know which people you meet will have the most influence on the person you become.

Very easy read too.

**baxjul** · 10-28-2007, 10:22 AM

The Tightwad Gazette, Penny Pinchers Almanac, Frugal Living for Dummies those are my favorite, and I'm rereading them now for inspiration.

**crr38095** · 10-28-2007, 10:26 AM

I have 3 books that have totally changed my life:
The 1st is The Diary of Anne Frank: I can't even explain properly how that book made me feel in 6th grade when the teacher "made" us read it. But I know it made me more compassionate and more aware of the world as a whole. It also helped me realize (and still does when I reread it today) that no matter how bad I may think things are in my life I am truly incredibly lucky. It makes me feel blessed.

The Tightwad Gazettes: I dont use alot of the ideas and frankly think some of them are gross, tacky, etc. but its the frame of mind it gives me, that helps me look outside he box. Be creative. It broadened my thinking and I look at being frugal as a lifestyle thats fun (most days).

The Erma Bombeck books: parenting and marriage is exasperating, exhilirating, a responsibility. Its chaotic, and loud, and messy. And its ok to have FUN and laugh while you do it. I love her for teaching me its ok to not be a perfect mother and still be a darn good one! I love her for teaching me that marriage and parenting are something to laugh at and with and its ok .

**bikerscars** · 10-28-2007, 10:50 AM

quite a coincidence since a movie version was just released...

'into the wild' helped me realize i wasn't the only one who thought the important things in life really are free and that it is important to be true to yourself and not sellout to conventional wisdom on how to live your life...

btw the movie was as good as the book (i've never said that before)

**TreasureFinder** · 10-28-2007, 11:07 AM

Books by Barbara Sher, especially "Refuse to Choose". They led me to figure out what I want to do with my life, and how I want to do it as well.

Her first book, "Wishcraft", had a delayed effect on me. I didn't find what I was looking for until about 8-10 years after I read it, but because I had read the book, I recognized the value of what I had found.

**eyrehead** · 11-11-2007, 01:51 AM

The Diary of Anne Frank: can't tell you how this book continues to affect me!

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald