Mary Ann
The Week is a magazine that features a wide range of topics like other news magazine; however, The Weekpresents many points of views on any given subject. It is a very interesting publication, and you can easily stay abreast of current events in the country, the world, and popular culture. Although it is a bit pricey, it will keep you well-informed.
In their book section, The Week will highlight a particular author and have him or her share 6 books that have influenced his or her life. It is always fun to see if I have ever read any of the books. Of course, I have started my 6 most influential book list. I need to be ready when I become famous. Actually, there are only four books, so I have room to grow.
The first book that I treasure is Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. Frankl was a psychologist and Holocaust survivor. He found while he was incarcerated in the death camps that humans had common principals that were fundamental to the human condition. In a nutshell, Frankl said that people need purpose, people need love, and people will all have challenging times, and it how they decide to handle them that will determine their happiness. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen this book quoted in other books and articles. It is all about attitude, and Frankl said it in just a few words.
The second book is (The) 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. The habits include Be Proactive; Begin with the End in Mind; Put First Things First; Think Win/ Win; Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood; and Synergize. The seventh habit is Sharpen the Saw that advocates leading a balance life of self-renewal. Even though this is a 30-year-old book, it is relevant today. These principles can determine the quality of your life. I return to this book time and time again for guidance. Covey has also written a leadership book and a book for teens that incorporates his principals.
To Kill A Mockingbird is my third book. This work of fiction is a favorite because it is a story about a man, lawyer Atticus Finch, who does the right thing despite his personal beliefs. What a lesson for today! I read this in 9th grade – Thank you, Mrs. Thomas – and I reread it as an adult. It was more meaningful when I was older. Some of the language is inappropriate for today – I totally agree, but if you go deeper, there are lessons for us all.
Anything by Anne Lamott is my fourth selection. I just love what she says and how she says it. She is a funny lady who coins phrases that sticks with you. She has written many works of fiction and nonfiction about her life – she has had many challenges as most of us have had. Her collections of 7 small books of essays are my favorite. You can read one or two essays a day and let her words percolates through your soul. Her latest book is Somehow with essays about love. Dusk, Night, Dawn; Help, Thanks, and Wow; Almost Everything; Small Victories; Stitches; and Grace are the remaining six volumes. I have read this series twice and plan to read them again next year. I always garner some nuggets of wisdom with each reading. Thank you, Anne Lamott.
Now, I have read many, many great books both fiction and nonfiction. I think what sets these books apart from all the other books is that I reread them and refer to them frequently. They are part of me. However, I do look forward to finding the other two books to round out my six most influential books. You never know when I will become famous!
Silver Sage Sisters 