Books can affect your perspective. Reading is the one thing that you can do on your own and it doesn’t cost anything, except the book. But you can also go to the library to check out lots of books. The following are titles that I have read and like.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a wonderful book based on generosity and unconditional love. This young, happy boy finds a tree that always gives without asking for anything in return from the little boy. As time flies, the boy grows older into an old man; during that time, he comes in for periods of time, and the tree gives to him. This book has been a childhood favorite of mine and still is to this day. It gives me a sense of always remembering to be grateful for the things you have and ask for, because a simple “Thank you” goes a long way.
Another lovely book is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, which gives you a glimpse on people’s personal court cases. It shows how the justice system would take advantage of those innocent souls and use that as leverage. Stevenson dedicates his work to those people and sets them free, and helps those who were waiting on death row. Unequal justice, racial bias, and anger are written all over this book. I personally recommend this book to those thinking of becoming lawyers or listen to podcasts about these topics. This is by far my favorite book because it’s not sugar-coated and gives you horrific details on how innocent people are being treated by the so-called “Equal Justice System.”
Last but certainly not least, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is an incredible book for learning about a group of firemen whose task is to burn books that have knowledge because society doesn’t want people to be smart. A fireman named Guy Montag fights against this and questions his role in why burning knowledge and not teaching it is important. I chose this book because it shows the importance of learning and it is always good to question the system. People should not feed into what society tells you because they’re scared you’ll rebel against them and overpower. But it’s not about overthrowing them, it’s about knowing what’s right for you and showing who you are.
