The Books That Inspired Me
Books can inspire us; they can shape who we are and who we become. In this article, I’ll list some of the stories that sparked my imagination, fuelled my passion for writing, and taught me about the magic words can hold…
1: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Published in 1937, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien introduces readers to the world of Middle-earth. It tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is thrust into an epic adventure to reclaim a treasure guarded by a fearsome dragon.
“I have found that it is the small everyday deed of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”
My first experience with The Hobbit was in an Intensive Care Unit when I was eight. I listened to the BBC’s dramatized audiobook version on a cassette player (I know! Cassette player!). Although I must admit, it probably wasn’t the best choice of book considering the circumstances. To this day, I still get shivers down my spine every time I listen to the audiobook and hear the music.
Tolkien’s work is very important to me. To read a more in-depth essay on why this is, click here.
“On the surface, [Tolkien’s stories] may be about slaying dragons or reclaiming lost kingdoms, but they are also about not giving in to despair, about overcoming the odds, and about being afraid but going on anyway.”
2: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
(Technically, this is three books. Forgive me!)
The Lord of the Rings trilogy was written between 1937 and 1949 and published in three volumes from 1954 to 1955. It follows Frodo Baggins and his companions on their quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron.
“‘I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.’
‘So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.’”
Of all the books I’ll mention in this article, The Lord of the Rings is probably the one that has had the most impact on me. Tolkien creates such a vivid world full of virtue and character that I get swept away every time I read it. It has also given me a love of Viking and Anglo-Saxon literature, which were major influences on Tolkien.
3: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
This comedic science fiction series began as a radio show in 1978 before becoming a novel in 1979. It follows Arthur Dent, a bewildered human, as he travels the galaxy after Earth’s destruction, armed with only his wits and a helpful guidebook.
“Don’t Panic.”
I love this series! If you haven’t read it, I definitely recommend it. Marvin the Paranoid Android is one of my favourite characters of all time. (to find out why I love him so, click here).
4: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
First published in 1943, this poetic novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry tells the story of an aeroplane pilot stranded in a desert and a young prince.
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
This book taught me the beauty in simplicity. How, in life, we often take things for granted. To me, it is far more than a story about meeting a stranger in a desert. It’s a reminder of the things we often forget as we grow up. It changed how I see the world, and it is what made me want to write Children’s stories.
5: On Writing by Stephen King
Published in 2000, this part memoir, part writing guide from Stephen King is jam-packed full of practical advice for writers.
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”
Stephen King’s practical advice and personal anecdotes helped me begin my writing journey. The book is straight-talking and to the point — the perfect guidebook. I’d recommend this book to any aspiring writer.
6: Art Matters by Neil Gaiman
Published in 2018, this inspiring collection of Neil Gaiman’s thoughts on creativity, writing, and the importance of art is a rallying cry for creators everywhere.
“It is easy to pretend that nobody can change anything, that society is huge and the individual is less than nothing. But the truth is individuals make the future, and they do it by imagining that things can be different.”
This little book is a big reminder to keep creating. Neil Gaiman’s words reignite my love for storytelling whenever I read them. To any artist out there, I’d highly recommend reading this book.
And finally, I’ll leave you with one last quote from Neil Gaiman’s Art Matters…
“Now go, and make interesting mistakes. Make Interesting. Mistakes. Make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for you being here. Make good art.”
