5 Books That Changed My Life
Each month, writers, readers, book lovers and bloggers tell us about the books
that had an impact on their lives - and explain why.
AUGUST 2023
Raye from the Being Bookish Podcast
I'm Raye. I don't want to say that my entire identity is books, but I've been an avid reader since before I started school.
In 2019 I discovered an interest in podcasting and started a podcast with a friend that was essentially us talking about romance books. However, during the pandemic I realised I wanted to change things up a bit and we went our separate ways. So, in September 2020 I began my solo project, and Being Bookish (formerly Not Before Coffee!) was born. You can check out the Being Bookish website HERE.
Outside of reading and the podcast I also like to crochet and knit, though I'm not very good at either.
Book One: The Changeover by Margaret Mahy
This is the first book I ever bought for myself. It has acccompanied me on almost every holiday and was the only book I took in hand luggage when I moved to Austria at 18.
Book Two: Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie
This is actually a book I have yet to read, but is the last gift I bought for my dad before he died. I spent over 20 years trying to find out the title, because all that I had was a vague idea of the cover. However, it is my memory of giving him an Agatha Christie that started me reading them.
Book Three: Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkein
The book my Great Uncle encouraged me to read one summer and I was just hooked. It was the first book that truly challenged me.
Book Four: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
This was the first chapter book I was given by my Granny. It holds a fond place in my heart because it got me through the boredom of chicken pox and pulled me out of a funk.
Book Five: A Room With a View by EM Forster
Back when GCSEs were new we had to do a summer essay and we could choose our own books. I fell in love with Italy and the story of George and Lucy the moment I opened the book and still read my copy from 1987 every year to remind myself that there is so much beauty to be found in unexpected places.
My thanks to Raye for sharing her life-changing books this month.
You can follow Raye and find out more about her fantastic podcast here...
Instagram and Threads: @beingbookishpod
Twitter [X]: @being_bookish