Every writer begins as a reader. The books we pick up along the way leave fingerprints on our hearts, shaping how we see the world and the kinds of stories we long to tell. Some books move us with tenderness; others haunt us with darkness—but all of them stay. These are five books that shaped my love for storytelling and continue to inspire me as both a reader and a writer.
The Stand by Stephen King
A sprawling epic about a devastating plague that wipes out most of humanity, leaving survivors caught in a battle between good and evil. This was my introduction to sweeping apocalypse stories with unforgettable characters who still stand the test of time.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
A grumpy but loveable old man finds unexpected friendship and healing when new neighbors disrupt his rigid routine.I love this book because it highlights a deeply flawed person who still captures your heartstrings.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
When a dead man arrives at a peculiar tea shop that serves as a waystation to the afterlife, he discovers love, healing, and second chances. I connected to this one for many of the same reasons as Ove—it reveals how even imperfect characters can transform and move us.
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Two retired Texas Rangers embark on one last cattle drive, facing both the harsh realities of the frontier and the complexities of human relationships. The incredible character development drew in me—these people feel real, and they stay with you long after the last page.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
A lone astronaut wakes up on a desperate mission to save humanity—only to discover he’s not as alone in the universe as he thought. I adore this story for its surprising and beautiful found friendship, proving that connection matters even in the darkest reaches of space.
Each of these books shaped me in different ways—teaching me that stories can heal, stories can haunt, and the best ones often do both. They remind me why I read and why I write: to step into other lives, to explore what it means to be human, and to create characters who linger long after I turn the final page.
Which books have shaped your love of storytelling? I’d love to hear your list.