Is there a book you still think about? Perhaps a book that made you challenge your beliefs, attitudes about life, work, politics or culture? Has there been a book that deepened your convictions or broadened your worldview? These are among the questions we asked some thoughtful members of our community recently and we’ve shared their responses below.

Joe Gergley | Artist & Owner of Strange Human Studios

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Its about a boy who follows his personal legend. I really enjoy this book for a number of reasons. However, the most important message withing the book is… “To realize ones Personal Legend is a persons only real obligation. All things are one” It has impacted me to always chase my dream. Regardless of the obstacles put in my way. Read more>>

Lindsay Martin | Energy Healer, Sound Bath Facilitator, Animal Communicator, Claircognizant Guide

So many to choose from! I used to work at Borders (RIP) and slowly transformed into a bibliophile. I would say that the book that had the biggest impact on me was, “Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior”, by Leonard Mlodinow. I honestly don’t know where to begin other than the reason this book caught my eye was the cover, which plays into what the book is conveying in the first place- how our subconscious is being influenced consistently. Read more>>

Jordan Yewey | Singer-songwriter

Not long after graduating college, I must’ve been 22 or 23, I found myself completely lost and more disconnected from myself than I’ve ever been. I had tried my luck at a run of the mill 9 to 5 but ended up parting with that job, I had just gotten out of a 2 year turbulent relationship that drained everything out of me, I rarely sat down to play my guitar and write, and to put it simply… I had no idea what the hell I was doing. It was at this lowest point in my life in which I stumbled upon the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and it would grow to become one of my all time favorites. Read more>>