"You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend"

The title of this post expresses a feeling that I have experienced many times; when I have truly loved a book I am always sad to finish it and it takes me a little while to be able to start another. I thought it was an apt title for this post as it coincides with the week during which World Book Day falls, and will focus on books that have inspired both me and my friends.

The Oxford Dictionary definition of the word 'inspire' is "To fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something…" It is always useful to have a dictionary definition, however if you were to ask each person what 'inspire' means to them, there would be many variations. When I asked this question of my friends and fellow readers, I received the following responses:

"Makes you feel like you want to or can do anything; it gives you hope"

"Encourages you to try harder/be better. Makes you want to achieve"

"Something that changes my outlook on life usually by giving me an insight into something I don't tend to come across on a day to day basis"

"Inspire means to recognise what's achievable through another's achievements"

For me it can mean a number of things: something that encourages you to make a change; a message that stays with you, giving you the will to make a difference and to speak up when you know that something isn't right.

Usually I would provide a synopsis of each book mentioned within the blog, however I have decided not to do this so much this time. I am hoping that the words of other readers will be enough to encourage you to read the inspiring stories mentioned, if you haven't already done so.

There are so many books that have inspired me; books that have stayed with me long after I've finished the last page. It has been difficult to settle upon just one for the purposes of this post, but I am sure that those of you that have read my chosen book will agree that it has a lasting effect on the reader. I have chosen The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

"When she came to write her story, she would wonder when the books and the words started to mean not just something, but everything"
Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

I will only tell you two key details about The Book Thief; it is set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death. This probably gives the impression that the story is going to be a rather bleak one, and elements of it must be given the time during which it is set, however it is also beautifully written and uplifting. We are introduced to many inspirational characters throughout the book, however for me Hans Hubermann is the hero throughout, quietly exerting a positive influence and inspiration on those around him. For me, The Book Thief portrays three key ideals; that a small act of kindness can give someone a reason to live; the importance of friendship; and, where we see injustice we should speak up and not simply be bystanders to it. Words can be as powerful as any physical act, and it is important that we are therefore careful about how we use them, and equally as careful as to how we interpret and use the words of others.

That is enough from me…below are some thoughts from friends about the books that have inspired them and why (in some cases I have added a very brief synopsis):


"You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I'm grateful"
John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars tells the story of two teenagers, Hazel and Augustus, who meet at a cancer support group. Hazel has terminal cancer and Augustus is a cancer survivor. The story focuses on their developing relationship, whilst also providing a realistic insight into the impact of their illness on themselves, each other and those around them.

"It has inspired me to not waste time on problems, but to find solutions, to love life to the full and to embrace new opportunities".


"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it"
Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

"It is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. It makes you realise that everyone is equal and deserves a chance. The quote above is so true to everyday life and something I always try to remember when I go to judge someone before taking time to know them."

"I love how it's written from the perspective of a child. The simplicity and innocence of how everything is described makes it all the more powerful when as a reader you interpret the meaning behind things and realise what is actually going on. The book deals with many themes including racial injustice, class, loss of innocence, gender roles, understanding and compassion. Of all the themes within the story, the one that stands out for me the most is the idea that people aren't always what they seem to be. A person may be better, worse, just different or could have redeeming characteristics that offset other less pleasant aspects of their personality. This is something that has always stuck with me and an idea that I'm sure everyone can relate to or had some experience with." 

"I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives"
Jane Austen, Persuasion

"It is set in Autumn in Bath, is beautifully written and I love it because it's about second chances, love and loss. Anne Elliott is my heroine because she's able to rise above what is naturally expected and get what she wants…I always think how impossible it seems that an 18th century very poor woman could have time to even write a book, let alone get it published and then stand the test of time. Jane Austen was a genius no question but she was also doggedly determined - and that makes me think how could I ever say I 'couldn't' do something when she did that…not that I think I could do what she did, but her determination inspires me to think that potentially I could and should do what's important to me, and not stop for anything."

"Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst and unsurprised by anything in between"
Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

"It has without a doubt inspired me although I can't really pinpoint how. It is the autobiographical work of Maya Angelou and at 16 I must have studied every line of the book. Growing up in Neath I honestly can't say I ever came across racism and the book is so raw in its account of what growing up in Southern America was like for a young girl in the 1930s that even at 16 it made me think how incredibly lucky I was in my life and my upbringing. It's so hard to believe that one person made it through everything that Maya Angelou did and at the end turned turned out to not just be normal but truly inspirational."

"None of us ever know all the possible courses our lives could have and maybe should have taken. It's probably just as well. Some secrets are meant to stay secret forever. Just ask Pandora".
Liane Moriarty, The Husband's Secret

The story centres around Cecilia and a letter that she finds addressed to herself, written by her husband and only to be opened upon his death. Needless to say that Cecilia reads the letter, and throughout the book we see the consequences of that decision for both her and the other women whose lives it has altered.

"The Husband's Secret has inspired me with the premise that one moment can determine our entire lives. It reminds me that actions have consequences and that you should always try to be your best self."


I hope that you have enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing and researching it. I hope that it reflects a love of reading and if nothing else encourages you to read one of the books mentioned, or prompts you to revisit a book that has inspired you.

I did say I wouldn't name names but I must say thank you to the friends that have contributed to this blog…their words have inspired me and their writing ability has certainly put mine to shame…you know who you are!