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Reading a book

We asked Globe readers  to share the book that made a dramatic impact in their lives. Here's what you said:


"I moved from Halifax to Toronto in 2007, my first time leaving my parents. A friend who knew how homesick I felt gave me The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, and having moved alone, I identified with the character, and the book brought some positivity to my mind."
-Christina Copp

"I, Tina, by Tina Turner, and Black and Blue, by Anna Quindlen. I was in an abusive marriage and they inspired me."
- Wendy Usher

"A Prayer for Owen Meaney, by John Irving, struck a chord in such a lasting way for me. It's one of the few books I've read over and over again. It's a beautiful and simple story of friendship that is laugh-out-loud funny one moment and reduces you to tears the next."
- Karen Mason-Bennett

"The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell, is the most fascinating and convincing book I've read about the relationship between diet and disease. Everyone on the planet should read this one."
- Caroline June 

"The Book of Negroes, by Lawrence Hill, puts it all in perspective. Our lives are so easy compared to everyone else's."
- Kristina Gale

"The Holy Bible and the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Both have saved my life on more than one occasion and both restore me to sanity in an insane world."
- Margaret Gutthardt

"Eat Pray Love helped me realize that it was time…"
- Janet Parker-Ferno

"Tuesdays with Morrie. Why? I can't put that into words. If you've read it you know why. If not you must read it."
- Alyssa Nicole MacDougall

"A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. Taught me that no matter what is thrown at you in life, we all have a will to survive....And of course the written words of this man - beautiful!"
- Debbie Arseneau

"Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen. I read it during a time I was trying to move forward and the story gave me strength despite the fact that he lost his parents but yet ended up in a place with more sadness but he was able to change that in the end."
- Johannes Terry

"James Herriot, is and always will be my favourite author. Always good for a laugh, a cry and a little faith in humanity. Not to mention a mental vacation to a land of rolling hills, bleating sheep and raw bliss!"
- James Lamoureux

Share the book that saved your life here

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