Ali's definition of a "FAVORITE BOOK"- A book that changes the course of your life, your thought process, makes you a better person and inspires you to do great things, and ultimately teaches you TRUTH
Drum roll.......Here is my "Top 10"....it was hard to narrow it down. They are in order of when I read them, youngest to oldest.....
(This post is a long time coming, I didn't do this in one sitting....You may need to pull up a chair to get through this one)
The Giving Tree
by Shel Silverstein
Age I read this book- I can't remember, but I have pretty vivid memories reading this with my mom and older brother Chet, so I couldn't have been more than 3 or 4. Chet gave me a copy of this book a few years ago and I cherish it. This is a favorite with my kids too.
Why I love this book- The tree loved the boy with such a deep and genuine love, and was willing to give everything she had to make the boy happy. I could feel the truth and wisdom between the lines at a young age. 
Age when I read this book-27
There is a Boy in the Girls Bathroom
by Louis Sachar
Age I read this book-12. My teacher Mrs. Francy read this book to the class in the 6th grade and I have read it many times since.
Why I love this book- This is a story about Bradley Chalkers a fifth grader who nobody likes. He is a bully and a trouble maker, he lies and picks on other kids. Bradley's parents don't care too much, and his teacher thinks he is a terrible burden. The other kids in school don't want to be his friend. After much getting in trouble he meets the new school counselor..... who he hates. Anyways this counselor truly cares about bradley (inspite of his initial hatred of her), and believes in Bradley when the whole world has given up on him. This book made me laugh and cry, and I still regard it as one of my favorites. It helped me realize that inspiring and loving ALL people (regardless of what they do, look like, act like etc.) is the ticket to true happiness.
The Book of Mormon
Age I read this book-20
If you are not Mormon you probably have your suspicions about the Book of Mormon. There is much controversy surrounding this book. Doesn't surprise me one bit. Truth has NEVER been accepted easily or been popular throughout history. Some of my favorite people who declared truth, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther, Wycliffe, Tyndale, Ghandi, Nelson Mandella, The Apostles of old, Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ were persecuted spat on..... and many gave their lives for the cause of truth.
So don't be too shocked when you get to heaven and find out that there was a book on the earth that contained the fulness of the Gospel, that declared truth and taught of God's plan. Because it's here and you can read it....... But your not going to see it on the N.Y. Times Bestseller list?
Why I love this book- This book is a compilation of records written down by ancient prophets on the American continents. It testifies of Jesus Christ and is another witness (along with the Bible) that he Lives, and that he is the son of God! Mormon was the prophet who compiled these teachings (inspired by the Lord) and passed them down to his son Moroni. Moroni saw the eventual destruction of his people because of their wickedness, and before his death he buried the plates deep in the earth (which would come forth in the last days). The Book of Mormon is a pure record that teaches of God's plan, and how to be happy and find peace, it is also a "voice of warning" to all the people on the American continent to remember their God, to be humble and faithful.
This book changed my life. Ultimately I learned of God's love for me and my purpose here. I have a great respect for the people and stories contained in this book.
This is the most important, and life changing book I have ever read.
When Joseph Smith restored the Gospel to the earth he told the six members that this work would roll forth and fill every nation, it would go forth to every kindred, tongue and people, before the Second Coming of the Lord (this was in a log cabin in 1830). Today over 176 MILLION copies of the Book of Mormon have been printed and there are Stakes and wards and Temples on every continent in the world! People cannot figure out why a religion where nobody gets paid, everyone volunteers their time and the work moves forward and is filling the whole earth...because it's true! People feel passionately about something if they know it is true. Every concept that I have learned from wise people throughout history is taught in this book. The concept of truth, Love, faith, the power of intention, hope, the law of the harvest, governments and their corruption, the true nature of spirit, our eternal existence, I always go back to the Book of Mormon it is the most powerful book of TRUTH I have ever read.
If you would like a copy I will personally send you one just email me at (Ali) alieis8@yahoo.com
Power Vs. Force
David Hawkins
Age when I read this book-26
This book was recommended by a dear friend Connie Hayes. I love the principles of truth taught in this book.
Why I love this book-This is a life changing book! it introduces the different fields of consciousness. Dr. Hawkins explains how the actions and consequences of our lives are determined by our focus and our consciousness (basically you reap what you sow, love begets love....fear begets fear etc.). Sound confusing? Just read the book (there is one chapter that goes really into depth about the science, if you get stuck skip it and keep reading). You will be introduced to the map of consciousness and understand how powerful people, music, art, everything rates on the map of consciousness...you will want to surround yourself with inspiring things, inspiring people, inspiring art, music etc, that rate high on the scale. If you are a deep thinker this is a good one!
The Power of Now
Eckhart Tolle
Age when I read this book-27
I cannot remember how I stumbled across this book? But it is a great book. Ultimately the title says it all. This is a story of this man's awakening and enlightenment to life, he went from the deepest, depressing, existence to one of pure joy and bliss. This book contains many powerful spiritual insights and the great truth that your power rests in the NOW. Spending time worrying about the past, or having fear or stress about the future is powerless (yet that is where most of society spends their time). All your power, the power to change, the power to do great things and the power to experience true JOY is in the NOW! Read the book.
After I had read the Power of Now I was wanting another book that would inspire me. I was looking through different books one day at Borders and this older man said "Hey what are you looking for, I have read every book in this section". Anyways we go to talking and he recommended this book, he was a wise old man (I should have got his name).
Why I love this book- This book is a really easy read. It is in story format and tells the tale of a young boy and his life experience. He meets wise people along the way that teach him powerful truths. If you have never read any books in the New age spiritual thought category, this is a good one to start with.
None Dare Call it Conspiracy
Gary Allen
Age when I read this book- 28
This is a book that I believe every American should read. Ezra Taft Benson felt the same way because his recommendation is on the back cover. Benson worked closely with many high ranking officials in the government and saw first hand the threat to our inspired constitution and God-given rights! He was not afraid to speak his mind and stand up for truth although many times it was unpopular. This book exposes the agenda of the elite, the world bankers, the CFR, The Trilateral commission and more.
This book is very enlightening. I would highly recommend it. I am very passionate about the cause of freedom. I don't want to get to heaven and meet men like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and say "Sorry I was too busy living the good life to care about the Constitution and our freedoms that you fought so hard to obtain?" We have been told over and over that it is our DUTY to defend the Constitution, it IS an inspired document and I can't take that lightly. Call me crazy.......but I'd rather be crazy than a pacifist?
Night
Elie Wiesel
Age when I read this book-29 (3 months ago)
So we have a fun little book club here in Fort Collins and when I admitted that I wasn't a big "Fiction" reader my friend Jess asked if I had ever read this book. I had never heard of it. Supposedly it is a required read in high school? I must have slept through that class? My public school education was fun, but I don't think I learned too much?
Why I love this book- This is a personal account of a man that survived the Holocaust. I am humbled even thinking about the sacrifices and hardships he faced. This is a very personal real-life account that makes you think (Isn't that the goal). He saw every member in his family die, and everything was taken from him. I couldn't help but want to cheer him on......to not give up (although giving up was the easier choice). What a hero. Let us not forget.................
You can Heal Your Life
Louise Hay
I happened upon this book at the "Good Will" (My favorite store) and I LOVED it!
This book will help you understand why you should give up being the" victim". Quit blaming others for your problems and put your big girl and boy panties on and DEAL with it (she doesn't actually say that but I thought I would throw it in for effect)........ swallow your pride, give it up. Any emotional baggage that you are dealing with will in fact show up in your life as a physical ailment. Yes emotional issues show up in your life as health problems (it makes good sense, medical science knows that stress leads to disease., and a happy peaceful state of mind leads to wellness. Interesting book. Read it when you get a minute.
A Thomas Jefferson Education
Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-First Century
Oliver DeMille
Age when I read this book- 29 (This week)
This is one of those books that will change your perspectives about thinking, learning and education. It is super enlightening and I absolutely will instill these values in my children. This will definitely challenge your belief system about education and make you think. If you have kids you need to read this book.
So there you go....that was extremely long winded. Hopefully I've inspired you to read at least one of these books. Let me know how you like them. Happy Reading!
Ali
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