10 Most Influential Books

okay, i have loved reading my entire life. it did take a back seat during undergrad and grad school, but i'm back in prime form. yesterday was super dreary in houston so i spent a lot of time in Barnes and Noble (and then I went to the library and got the books I was interested in there!) this made me think about the most loved books that i have read so far. it is difficult to come up with a list and i haven't thought about it too long....this is what I have so far. they are listed in no specific order.

1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

This is my favorite book from early high school. It is a coming of age story that, in my opinion, is not rivaled by any other book. If you are going to read it, remember that it is a little slow initially as there is a lot of character development!

2. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

This might not have made the list last year, but after seeing where she hid out, I'm forever moved. It is a simple, honest description from a young girl in one of the worst times in history. Also, you should read Night by Elie Wiesel.
3. The Challenge of Missions by Oswald J. Smith

Every list should have something by an Oswald! This small book was given to me during college by a World Opportunities Week speaker. I cannot tell you how many times I have read it. The simple truths but huge challenges continue to push me.

4. Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder

This is a biography about Dr. Paul Farmer, a physician and public health guru. He goes to some of the poorest areas of the worlds and implements low-cost lifesaving medical practices.

5. The White Man's Burden by William Easterly

Again, you might be seeing a trend here. I cannot find my copy of this book and it bums me out. This was a challenging read because it was written from an economics perspective. It is a study on the unequal distribution of wealth around the world.
6. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

This is a simple, but profound description of Christianity. It took me a number of tries to get through this---probably just because I tried to read it on the young side and before I appreciated the beauty of British writing!
7. A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

I have read this book three times in the past year. It is about the conflict in Sierra Leone and his experience through it. It is one of the most gripping books I have read in a long time. It also points out another civil war that went on without the world taking a second glance.

8. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

I'm surprised that this made my list. It was required reading for my senior year of high school. It is an unforgettable book and, although, very rough around the edges, it opened my eyes to the diversity of literature.

9. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

This is the book I relate to my childhood. I think it is important because it opens children up to fantasy and encourages imagination. We don't keep the ability to imagine long enough!

10. Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey

I read this book in college and a couple times since then. I think all people in medicine should read this, as well anyone with a chronic or terminal illness. It explains why we need pain is a gift from God and we need it to survive.

Okay, those are my current 10. If you haven't read them, pick up a good book! What are some of your favorite books? You might give me some ideas!