I was thinking about the knowledge I've carried with me throughout the years and realized there were a handful of books that planted a seed. The information sprouted little bits at a time which helped me overcome many challenging situations. Here is my list of '5 Books That Changed My Life for Good':

#5 - Chicken Soup for the Soul Series

Visit their website <here>.

I remember sitting at home after another long day of unsuccessfully(5) avoiding bullies and sinking myself into the stories of hope, inspiration, and positive perspective. Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, when I was 12-15, brought a comfort to my life I can't fully explain. They have many collections all meant to build up the soul.

#4 - Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

Visit the website <here>.

This book... where do I start?

I have 4 lines written on my arm that became my life motto after reading 'Tuesdays With Morrie' in Grade 9. It was a required reading assignment which inspired a poem in the heart of a 15 year old girl.

You Cannot Win if You Think You Will Lose

You Cannot Change What You Cannot Choose

Hearts Will Get Broken and Tears Will Fall

But You Cannot Live Without Feeling It All

~ Kelsey Hoople, Grade 9 - Age 15

I had the opportunity in 2016-2018 to understand the lessons on a deeper level when my Uncle became my life teacher. It was amazing to live out a book that changed my life and allow the affects of another's life and lessons become a beacon through your own storm. I highly recommend this book. It warms, enlightens, and comforts.

#3 - Night by Elie Wiesel

Short Summary and Review by Minute Book Reports <here>. <<*spoiler alert*

Once again, I believe this was a reading assignment in school, history class to be more precise. I am fortunate enough to not see mental pictures but this book affected my soul. To know this was a memoir of a man who survived the concentration camps in Nazi Germany during World War II when he was just a boy... broke my heart. But it also brought an overwhelming appreciation for the human spirit and a realization of how the world has changed since those days. We have the choice to not repeat history by learning from it. This book will take you on a journey to make you appreciate your life a whole lot more.

#2 - How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

Wikipedia Outline <here>.

I was consumed with worry. To be honest, I don't even remember how old I was when I picked up this book ...early 20's for sure. I talk about little seeds being planted. Most of the information in this book didn't really sink in until I sit here years later realizing it changed my life. I had to read this section by section to let each part really sink in. I remember my Dad talking very highly about Dale Carnegie's first book 'How to Win Friends and Influence People', so when I came across this, I instantly flocked to it. At the time, I didn't care so much to be an 'influencer', I needed relief from my own mind. The words contained on these pages are GOLD... patience, practice, and consistency the key.

#1 - The Holy Man by Susan Trott

Follow along with me <here> as I read this book to pay tribute to the influence it has brought to my life. All rights to the Author, thank you for this golden tale.

After many years caught in alcohol addiction, ridden with self-hatred, and burdened in guilt... this book brought an air of understanding. I read it in one day which is a major feat for my attention span and also for my comprehension. I find it hard to absorb concepts all at once but 'The Holy Man' was laid out in beautiful way. It offered introspection with a story-line. Susan, the author, studied Buddhism and struggled with insomnia so she developed an alternative to counting sheep, a concept of counting a line of people waiting to see a Holy Man. Each person is ridden with something they would like to overcome in their life and outlines different ways of life. This book opened my eyes to not only my own personality but also a forgiveness to those around me.

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Please let me know what you think of any of these books listed above.

Also, I would love to hear about any that changed your life for good in the comments below, perhaps I will read them and share my thoughts. 🙂

As always... be well, treat each other well, and continue learning.

🌹 Take care all and much love.

~ Kelsey ❤