Books have always been a part of my life. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t reading. I didn’t always read as much as I do now, especially in my 30s when life just got so overwhelming for me. But even when I wasn’t reading, I was still surrounding myself with books.

Books of all types have had major influences in my life. Some have simply moved me to tears or made me laugh, others have made me really think about who I am. These are some of those books.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book came into my life at a time when I was facing a crossroads. While I couldn’t escape on a journey across the world to find myself, it helped me to understand that I didn’t have to try to fit myself into the mold created for me by my family and those around me. I started exploring my spirituality and trying new and different things.

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

Another book that found it’s way to me at the right time, I read this book during a point in my life where I was questioning my sexuality. I had been questioning for a few years at this point, and it was reading this book and relating to Leah as a bisexual character that helped me to accept that I am bisexual.

I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman

While I have always related to characters for one reason or another while reading, this is the first time that I truly saw myself on the page. Specifically through Nathaniel in the scene on the bridge, iykyk.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

This is another story where I very closely related to a character. In many ways, reading about Finch’s experiences helped me to deal with my own depression a little better.

Feel the Fire by Annabeth Albert

Before reading this book, I did not have the words to truly explain myself. One of the main characters is demisexual, and through connecting with him, the last piece of the puzzle clicked into place for me.