The Books That Changed My Life

Books have always been a vital part of my existence. Growing up they afforded a massive extension to the childhood imagination, and helped shape that imagination further, providing direction, and a helping hand. There have been many books in my life over the years, but some keep returning to mind and hand - either as pure favourites, or standing out as milestones in thought, the key that opened a new direction, the discovery of a new path for the mind to explore.

As the years have gone by my love for books has never waned, and although my life, needs, thoughts and experiences have changed and grown; the potential of books, and the delight in new and old stories, ideas and dreams has never diminished. So many times, in so many disparate situations I realise I'm relying on a strength of character garnered from a book read long ago. The lessons are often the same, it amazes me how long it can take to truly learn something we first read of in childhood; but as long as the books are there - in memory and on my shelf - the lessons can be learnt again.

Life is learning, and books are one of the best starts. I still continue to find books that teach, but lessons are everywhere if you look. I'm glad to say I continue to find new lessons to appreciate in new, and old, books that I enjoy.

Here, showing no particular favouritism, are those that mean most to me...

The book that set me free. I read this and realised I wasn't happy in my job, I wasn't happy working at all; I needed space, experience, excitement. This is the tale of free-wheeling fun across America during the beat generation. Semi-autobiographical, we tail Sal Paradise through road trips and disaffection, coast to coast in a land full of opportunity, hardship, drugs, and the great wealth to be found at all ends of society. On The Road gave me the bug, and the courage to follow those bug dreams. I quit my job, bought a ticket round the world, and have never looked back. In the words of Dean Moriarty (read the book - you'll like him) "Yes! Yes! Yes!!"

A monumental book in every sense. I found it in my local library, having exhausted all the fantasy in the children's section, trawling the shelves of adult fiction judging by covers. There was a giant hardback copy of The Fellowship of the Ring, itself looking like some magical tome, and easily bigger than my 9yr old lap. I was instantly transported to this endless Middle Earth of hobbits and elves, quests and adventure. I demanded the remaining books for my next birthday and read solidly for a week after. I've read them almost every year since, at least once, and they continue to be as exciting, as vast in scope and as rich in imagery, characterisation and ideals as ever. This Christmas marked my 26th reading, yet I found myself appreciating the stories all over again. A book that grows with you.

Disenchanted in a new job after some years of travelling, I found this tome on the concepts of meritocracy and personal freedom. Based on Rand's philosophy of Objectivism, it champions those of talent who work for the betterment of themselves and society, and demonises those that live on the talent of others. John Galt, a mysterious reclusive genius, begins to steal away the true pillars of industry in order to demonstrate to the remaining world how much their lives depend on these few of worth, and how little thought and effort they truly make for themselves. A worthy (if long) read for those who feel their boss never does anything, and the whole department would fall apart without you. It taught me to value my own worth, and that of others - when merited; and ultimately led to me becoming self-employed.

A beautiful story of a simple childhood, a glimpse into a precious lifestyle and all that threatens it. Dahl's truth, imagery and typical dark humour keeps this book at once idealist and immoral. It introduced me to self-belief, the understanding of deeper truths behind thought and action. Sometimes the rules are not right, which leaves you with only your own certainty and moral code. The courage and conviction that affords you was as liberating for me as it is for Danny. Repeatedly, as I realised the concept again and again, different situations bringing me back to that same lesson learnt from the quiet conviction of Danny's father. Not bad for a whimsical children's book. There is also a beautifully sympathetic film version, all terribly British, which I would thoroughly recommend.

A work of true anarchic genius, a handbook for all those who want to push all the buttons, try everything and to hell with the consequences. It follows a mind-blowing weekend in Vegas for a gonzo sports journalist and his Samoan 'attorney', and has become the benchmark for any true debauchery. A definite must for anyone who's life has become stale, dull, and routine; a reminder of how to really let go, how far you can really fly if you try hard enough. I must also say it's not one to be reading while still handling the effects of a Fear and Loathing style weekend; the adrenochrome scene on top of a monumental hangover during transit on an international flight nearly ended me. The book is also a fantastic film with Johnny Depp.

A child is conceived on a manned mission to Mars, and is born on the planet. He is raised there by Martians, beings of higher thought than humans, who imbue Martian values and training. Years later the Man From Mars returns, bringing Martian philosophy and some exceptional skills with him, and begins his impact on society. Beautiful in conception, this book opens your mind to the possibilities outside our normal thought, and introduction to a simpler way of thinking. Idealistic, difficult to realise in a world we know, but a state to hope for. It was originally banned because of its stance on organised religion - it offers a very much more personal spiritual philosophy with a bit of free love thrown in; and its themes of rebellion and self-empowerment. For those reasons, along with a great story, and for introducing me to the concept of 'grokking', I heartily recommend it.

These 5 books - Over Sea, Under Stone; The Dark Is Rising; Greenwitch; The Grey King; and Silver On The Tree - entranced me as a child, and again as an adult. They weave Blyton-esque childhood holidays with Arthurian legend, olde English magic, leading to the battle between Dark and Light in which everyone has a role. The first, Over Sea, Under Stone, is almost 4 go mad in Cornwall; but once you join Will Stanton - last of the Old Ones - as he comes into his powers in the Dark Is Rising; you are hooked, and the following books fly by. The scenery is lovingly realised, from the deep English roots of Buckinghamshire, through the myth laden backdrops of Cornwall and Wales, to the sad faerie splendour of the Lost Land. You will feel for the characters, and feel your own inner child rise to join them, believing once again that magic does exist. The Dark Is Rising has recently been made into a film, with the inevitable Americanism of the main character. Stick to the books, and truly, believe in Light vs. Dark. Stand by to play your part, it's up to us now.

This is of course a tiny, tiny list compared to the true count of titles that have influenced my thinking, and smaller still than the full list of even good books I have read. I hope there is perhaps one here you haven't tried, and will. If not, there's a comments section below, I'd be more than interested in your suggestions.