Lately I’ve been thinking about books more than I normally do. Of course, if you know me, you know that I’ve always loved books. Books are not only my primary method of decoration in my room, but I’d say they might even have the top spot on my list of enjoyable recreational activities.

Someone recently asked me via Facebook to share 10 books that have impacted me and stuck with me over the years. They didn’t have to be my favorite books of all time, but ones that have kept me thinking, ones I’ve gone back to.

I loved the moments that followed as I sifted through my mental library, turning pages in my mind, reliving adventures of my fictional friends and remembering the beautiful, and even difficult, things about life books have taught me.

It was significantly more worthwhile and impactful than I anticipated the simple Facebook post to be.

Why?

I took time to stop and think and remember things I’ve learned and held dear. Those books formed who I am. By sharing that with others, I was able to connect on new levels with people who had read the same books before me. I’m always amazed at how some words printed on pages bring people together in very deep and meaningful ways.

Now, you see, this is the point where I could try and turn this into a Buzzfeed-esque column of 27 reasons why you should read books, but I don’t think I’m going to go there.

Instead, I would simply encourage you to go back to the crumpled paperbacks, the illustrated children’s books, the memoirs, the biographies or the works of fiction that have shaped you. Think about them, make a list, share it with others, and see how it connects you.

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering what in the world my list of books was, and if you weren’t wondering, too bad because here it is anyway.

1. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen (always and forever number one in my heart, but really just read it and you’ll know)
2. “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” by Donald Miller
3. “Til We Have Faces” by C.S. Lewis
4. “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” by Katherine Boo
5. “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseni
6. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
7. “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith
8. “Love Does” by Bob Goff
9. The first 200 pages of “Les Mis” (still haven’t finished) by Victor Hugo
10. “Blue Like Jazz” by Donald Miller

Happy reading.