Books have always been more than entertainment for me. The right book arrives at the right time and leaves a mark that lasts far beyond the final page. Looking back, there are three that fundamentally changed the way I see the world and myself.

The first is The Lord of the Rings. My mother shared these stories with me when I was very young, and they’ve been part of my life ever since. What began as a childhood love of adventure grew into a lifelong fascination with Tolkien’s world. Over the years I’ve even learned a little Sindarin, the language of the Elves, and collected several Tolkien-inspired tattoos, including Tolkien’s monogram. The stories taught me about courage, friendship, sacrifice, and the quiet strength found in ordinary people.

The second is Watchmen. It was the first graphic novel I ever read, back in high school, and it completely changed my perception of what comics could be. Until then, I had never considered the medium capable of telling stories with that level of complexity and depth. It opened the door to a lifelong love of comic books and graphic storytelling, showing me that some of the most profound ideas can be found in unexpected places.

The third is Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham. A girl I was dating gave me a copy, and at the time I had no idea how influential that gift would become. The book sparked a journey of self-discovery that led me to explore spirituality, personal practice, and different ways of understanding the world. That path eventually evolved into a blend of witchcraft and Buddhist philosophy that continues to inform my life today.

Each of these books entered my life during a different chapter, but all three helped shape the person I became. They’re reminders that sometimes a book isn’t just something you read—it’s something that changes the direction of your story.

Stay safe

Bc