Story Within a Story

My dear friend and blogger, Vicky, challenged me to make a list of ten books that have impacted my life in some way. It didn't take long to form this list and it sent me on a trip down memory lane while doing so.

It took me back to first grade, reading Frog and Toad books in Mr. Dooher's class and to my bedroom where my my mom would read Love You Forever before turning my lamp off and tucking me in for the night. I remembered myself sitting in my desk as I was reading Charlotte's Web and I was reminded what I learned by reading So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore.

We read words on pages and when there are no more pages to turn, we think we are done. We either enjoyed the book or not, so we put it on a shelf (to be an obstacle when dusting) or rave about it to our friends and lend it to them as they MUST read it.

After we have closed the book, we are only beginning to start another story about the story just read. The characters, the plot, the teachable moments that strike us with importance and value and depth. Those things stay with us long after the last word is read; the last tear has dropped; the last "just one more chapter" has been spoken because we have made connections and memories in some way to those black letters on white pages.

Here is my list of the ten books that have been meaningful, in some way, in my life. Three of these books remedied heartache. One of these books ignited my adventurous side. One of these books added to my interest in learning about the Holocaust. Three of these books deepened my faith. Three of these books were with me while I was in overalls and pigtails. One of these books taught me about Down Syndrome. One of these books reminded me that nothing is going to get done unless I'm a do-er.

1. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

2. The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

3. Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist

4. Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist

5. Bloom by Kelle Hampton

6. So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore

7. Love Does by Bob Goff

8. Charlotte's Web by E.B White

9. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

10. Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel 

P.S. What books would be on your list and what story do you have to go along with them? Comment below.