Do all the books you read become who you are?

I once heard an author say, “Everyone remembers the first book they ever read.”
I want us all to take a moment right now and remember the first story that pulled you in?

If you have got it? Well I am jealous of you. I can’t do it!

I recently asked a few of my students, if they could remember “that” book! The One, and most of them had an answer. Some were silly but others were confidently chosen.

I am still thinking of that question myself? Alas, without an answer.

I do remember in grade school: going into the library, I remember the smell, I remember competing with a friend to finish all of the Nancy Drew books. I do remember that each mystery would come to me faster and faster. I remember choosing the book each day, I remember the yellow spine color and can probably tell you a few moments that I enjoyed, but in truth they all blur together.

As many of you also do- is I devour books! Like a junkie, I can’t stop myself. When I have a break from teaching, I can kill and entire series of books. I love the escape and I love language.

The question is? Did I take anything with me? Was it just a way to pass the time?

I don’t think so!

I believe, the truth is, all of this- becomes a part of you.
All of those moments became part of my subconscious. It all played an important role in creating who I am!

Books have power!

There is that fabulous quote by Cassandra Clare, “One must be careful with books and what is inside them, for words, above all things have a power to change us!”

That is kind of unnerving. I guess it really backs up the old saying, “Garbage in, garbage out!”

Subconscious is a scary thing. It defines us more than I think we even realize.

In The Pendant Saga, I really put this theory to the test. In the story the main character finds a power that creates worlds based on his subconscious. Can you imagine if the things that were inside of you came out in real form?

I believe this idea is what drew me to write my own book.
As a teacher I am fully aware what my kids are reading, especially my Middle-Schoolers. Most of the time, I will read them also, not only to stay hip and in the know, but to just see what they are in to.

I can’t say I am always happy. Most series are heavy, heavy in the ways that I never wanted to be at that age. Adults who write these stories don’t realize the emotional disconnect. The love triangles and passions I feel are misrepresented. Family is always an after thought.

I would have strong opinions about these books and I found that most of them never sat well with me. One day, I realized that having an opinion is easy but to ever counter balance something you find too dark, you must produce some light.

The Pendant Saga is a three book series. Its full of adventure, sibling love, scary moments and even death. (which I believe is an eternal constant) but it wont leave you with any psychological damage.

I am hoping by reading my books your subconscious will be fed with all of the right things. I want to inspire and implore you to bring out your light.

Be wary of what you read, because it will become a part of you.

One last quote,
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in; their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”
-Elizabeth Kubler Ross