A handful of Thoughts, Words and Book Recommendations
contributed by a Compassionate Community.
COMMUNITY:
1 : a unified body of
individuals
b : the people with
common interests living in a particular area; broadly: the area itself <the problems of a large
community>
c : an interacting
population of various kinds of individuals (as species) in a common location
d: a group of people
with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger
society
{[(ONE)]}
Anthony (Phoenix, Burton Barr Central Library)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
The Brothers Karamazov by
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fear and Trembling by
Soren Kierkegaard
Closer by Dennis
Cooper
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
Fear and Trembling by Soren Kierkegaard
https://www.amazon.com/Trembling-Penguin-Classics-Soren-Kierkegaard/dp/0140444491
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
It's about finding your own belief and being happy with the
absurdities of believing.
4) How old were you when you read it?
22 years old.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
I just graduated college in Boulder CO. and was preparing
for graduate school.
6) How did it impact your life then?
It made me more comfortable with the idea of myself, my
knowledge, and allowed me to investigate the world around me.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message
of hope within the cover the book?
If you truly believe in something, trust it.
“If there were no eternal consciousness in a man, if at the bottom of everything there were only a wild ferment, a power that twisting in dark passions produced everything great or inconsequential; if an unfathomable, insatiable emptiness lay hid beneath everything, what would life be but despair?”
― Søren Kierkegaard, Fear and Trembling
{[(TWO)]}
Jeannie (Christian Science Center)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
Science and Health by
Mary Baker Eddy
A Century of Christian Science Healing by Christian Science Publishing
Healing Spiritually by
Christian Science Publishing
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy
https://www.amazon.com/Science-Health-Key-Scriptures-Authorized/dp/0879520000
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
It's the teaching of how Jesus healed.
4) How old were you when you read it?
8 years old the first time and several more times throughout
my life.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
I was in Phoenix, my father had moved my family from Hawaii
after WWII.
6) How did it impact your life then?
I knew that I had protection at all times and didn't have to
be afraid of the world around me.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message
of hope within the cover the book?
No problem is too big for God.
“When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts.”
― Mary Baker Eddy, Poems by Mary Baker Eddy
{[(THREE)]}
Sergio (HKS Inc. Architecture Firm)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
Of Mice and Men by
John Steinbeck
Don Quixote by Miguel
de Cervantes
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
https://www.amazon.com/Don-Quixote-Miguel-Cervantes/dp/0060934344
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
A depiction of a man’s decay and fantastical delusions.
4) How old were you when you read it?
16 years old.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
Trying to figure out the next step of my life and trying to
define myself.
6) How did it impact your life then?
It taught me to follow my ambition regardless of what those
around you say.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message
of hope within the cover the book?
No man's personal quest is foolish.
“When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies? Perhaps to be too practical is madness. To surrender dreams — this may be madness. Too much sanity may be madness — and maddest of all: to see life as it is, and not as it should be!”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote
{[(4)]}
Jesse (Laborer/Messenger/Night Watchman)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
Maus: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman
Art and Physics: Parallel Visions in Space, Time, and Light by Leonard Shlain,
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
Nathaniel's Nutmeg: Or the True and Incredible Adventures of the Spice Trader Who Changed the Course of History by Giles Milton
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
https://www.amazon.com/Chocolate-War-Robert-Cormier/dp/0375829873
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are sharing it with?
It’s about a young man rebelling against a corrupt system of things that has been forced upon him.
4) How old were you when you read it?
I was 13 years old, give or take a year.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
I was in Jr High, living in California saddened, angry and disillusioned with the hurt, injustice and divisiveness in the world.
6) How did it influence your life then?
It let me know that I wasn’t alone. That you can stand up for yourself and beliefs. Moreover, in doing so, you might just discover a wellspring of inner strength and communal support.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message of hope within the cover the book?
“There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent, or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox
{[(FIVE)]}
Parsons (Coast Guard Recruiter)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
It's Your Ship by
Captain D. Michael Abrashoff
An Uphill Climb by
Dave Sargent
The Ashley Book of Knots by
Clifford W. Ashley
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
An Uphill Climb by Dave Sargent
https://www.amazon.com/Uphill-Climb-Dave-Sargent/dp/1567630006
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
A biography of a kid who grew up in Arkansas, raised on a
farm, who joined and found success in the military.
4) How old were you when you read it?
16 years old.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
I was in High School in Arkansas.
6) How did it impact your life then?
I was able to relate with the author and being from
Arkansas.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message
of hope within the cover the book?
You can still be successful even though hard times happen.
“Show me an organization/government/religion in which employees/citizens/the faithful take ownership, and I will show you one that beats its competitors.”
― D. Michael Abrashoff
{[(SIX)]}
Mary (McClelland Irish Library)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
The Little Red Chairs by
Edna O'Brien
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibí
Room by Emma Donoghue
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
Room by Emma Donoghue
https://www.amazon.com/Room-Emma-Donoghue/dp/0316098329
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
How being a prisoner is more a state of mind than the chains
that bind you.
4) How old were you when you read it?
Recently.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
I was enjoying reading Irish women authors.
6) How did it impact your life then?
It impressed on me that every person has had their struggles
and should not look to another as a scapegoat. Rather we should look to the
positive and strengths we gain from the adversity we face with others.
7) What would you add
as a word of encouragement or message of hope within the cover the book?
There is a future for you.
“Scared is what you're feeling. Brave is what you're doing.”
― Emma Donoghue, Room
{[(SEVEN)]}
Johnathan (CASS, "Gift from God")
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
Open Your Mind to Receive by Catherine Ponder
Emotions and the Enneagram: Working Through Your Shadow Life
Script by Margaret Frings Keyes
The Bible by GOD
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
Open Your Mind to Receive by Catherine Ponder
https://www.amazon.com/Open-Your-Mind-Receive-UPDATED/dp/0875168280
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
It is the best gift you can give to yourself.
4) How old were you when you read it?
40
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
I was homeless and wrapped in a mental cocoon.
6) How did it impact your life then?
It was the spark that ignited my mental gasoline and a
sharpening tool for the sword of my life.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message
of hope within the cover the book?
Shock and defeat fear from your life.
“Whatever you notice, you are inviting into your life.
Whatever you talk about, you are inviting into your life.
Whatever you identify with in your thoughts, words, and actions, you are inviting into your life.”
― Catherine Ponder
{[(EIGHT)]}
Ryan (Phoenix, Burton Barr Central Library)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Miguel Ruiz
God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
by Miguel Ruiz
https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
It contains four guidelines to living a happy and fulfilling
live.
4) How old were you when you read it?
27 Years Old.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
I was a frustrated High School teacher.
6) How did it impact your life then?
It brings awareness of self to wherever you are in your
life.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message
of hope within the cover the book?
Wherever you are in your life this book will speak to you
and help guide you.
“The Four Agreements
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best. ”
― Miguel Ruiz
{[(NINE)]}
Marcus Brown (Bank One Ballpark)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
Anna Karenina by Leo
Tolstoy
Coyote Waits by Tony
Hillerman
Fifty Shades of Grey by
E. L. James
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Karenina-Leo-Tolstoy/dp/0143035002
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
A romantic drama set in aristocratic Russia.
4) How old were you when you read it?
18 years old.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
I was a freshman at ASU, coming from a small Indian
reservation where I had lived my whole life.
6) How did it impact your life then?
It helped me get in tuned with the mix of societies and
culture at ASU.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message
of hope within the cover the book?
Your own unique culture is special and the key to your
survival.
“Rummaging in our souls, we often dig up something that ought to have lain there unnoticed. ”
― Leo Tolstoy
{[(TEN)]}
Brandi (Phoenix, Burton Barr Central Library)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
The Skin I’m In by
Sharon G. Flake
Bring on the Blessings by
Beverly Jenkins
The Poet by Michael
Connelly
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
The Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake
https://www.amazon.com/Skin-Im-Sharon-Flake/dp/1423103858
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
It’s a self-help book about being happy and comfortable with
who you are.
4) How old were you when you read it?
A teen in High School.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
My Aunt gave it to me as a teen. I was at a stage in my life
where I wanted to fit in.
6) How did it impact your life then?
It made me stronger and more confident.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message
of hope within the cover the book?
Don’t be afraid to be different. Embrace who you are.
“I took a lot of wrong turns to find out who I really was. You will, too. (Page 19)”
― Sharon G. Flake
{[(ELEVEN)]}
Sean (Carpenter)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
The Sun Also Rises by
Ernest Hemingway
The Circle by Dave
Eggers
The Wonder Spot by
Melissa Bank
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Also-Rises-Ernest-Hemingway/dp/0743297334
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
Bulls, blood and bulls. The book is set in Spain during the
running of the bulls.
4) How old were you when you read it?
16 years old.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
High School with not a lot going on.
6) How did it impact your life then?
It got me really interested in travel.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message
of hope within the cover the book?
"Sit tall in the saddle, Hold your head up high
Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky
And live like you ain't afraid to die
And don't be scared, just enjoy your ride" Chris LeDoux
{[(TWELVE)]}
Ray (Native American,
Artist)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
Cat in the Hat by Dr.
Seuss’
The Raven by Edgar
Allan Poe
The Werewolf of Fever Swamp by R.L. Stine
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe.
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
A man’s subconscious drives
him mad.
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Poe-Tell-Tale-Amontillado-Others/dp/1580493874
4) How old were you when you read it?
13 years old.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
I was in Middle School. My parents had just divorced and
they split my brothers and me up to live with relatives. I was sent to my Grandmothers.
6) How did it impact your life then?
I didn’t get it at
the time, but it stuck with me. I’m Native American and ravens are symbolic and
seen as both good and bad spirits and omens.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message
of hope within the cover the book?
The only way you can get evil spirits or negative emotions
off you back is to stand up to them.
“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.”
― Edgar Allan Poe
{[(iIIX)]}
Stephen A (St. Vincent de Paul)
1) Please, share three books that have made a lasting impression on your life.
The Eye of the World by
Robert Jordan
The Stand by Stephen
King
The Sword of Shannara by
Terry Brooks
2) Which one of the three would you choose to give as a gift
to a distant friend or long lost loved one?
The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
https://www.amazon.com/Sword-Shannara-Terry-Brooks/dp/0345314255
3) How would you summarize the book to the person you are
sharing it with?
A Tolkienesque fantasy. An average person rises up to
challenge the evil Warlock Lord with the Sword of Truth.
4) How old were you when you read it?
11 years old.
5) Where were you at in your life, during that time?
I was attending a catholic school in Connecticut;
experiencing a troubled youth.
6) How did it impact your life then?
It was my friend and escape from the world around me.
7) What would you add as a word of encouragement or message
of hope within the cover the book?
Sometimes the Magic does work.
“It's better to die in pursuit of your dreams than to live a life without hope.”
― Terry Brooks
