Books and Life competition.Win 100 HBD and a secret surprise

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At first, we want to thank you for this wonderful open-hearted gesture, Lady Mary.
I remember all of the chats that we had in the past, and I am very glad to see that you are now safe and free. At periods in our lives, we get kicked in the face, and that Shackleton quote is very powerful. Your take on it as well, as it is indeed a solid truth, that getting up is the only choice. I want to add a bit to it, dust yourself off and get going again.

You have tagged some great names here on hive, that helped many of us and even if they were attacked at times, they have remained solid, and such is the way to be. Such is life, is my favorite saying, so we can only learn and move on.
May it be that the sun will light your road and that all darknesses will fade away from your memories. All freedom, love and happiness to you.

Thank you kindly once again !LUV

Zac and Marian.

Glad to hear that you are in a safe place and gained so much from books. This is a lovely idea 😍

This is absolutely beautful, thoughtful, and very kind of you. I think it is an interesting contest, and there will be fascinating stories to read. Like you, I am all about heart in context.

I have a question, though. I need some clarity on how to making an entry. I get that one can simply make a comment here. What if someone chooses to make a post about it—regarding this contest—and then share the link right here, would that count as an entry to compete for a share in the 500 HBD prize pool? Or that would only count for "the surprise for the best long post?"

I look forward to enjoying this contest and reading beautful stories. You have a heart of gold for doing this.

Hello @creativemary, do we have to stop exactly at 800?
And Can I tag you instead in the comment section of my entry to this contest to mange my word count????

*pardon me, I always have this kind of hardship with word count lol

What a wonderful initiative! Your decision to give back to the Hive community through the Books and Life annual competition is truly heartwarming. The emphasis on sharing authentic, soul-stirring stories is a beautiful way to celebrate the transformative power of literature. Thank you for creating a space where genuine experiences and perspectives can shine.

I would love to check those your reviews on Youtube, and you look pretty too😀

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Here is my story.

I still remember how lost I felt before I started my diploma program a while back. I was wandering through life without much sense of purpose or direction. Hard as I tried to chart my own course, I just felt confused and doubtful about which way to go.

Eventually I started talking to my therapist about this. She could see I needed something more to anchor me. One day she hands me this book - "Finding God's Purpose for Your Life" by Joyce Meyer. I'll admit I was skeptical at first when I started reading it. But Meyer's approach really clicked with me.

The idea that stuck out was that I didn't need to stress about finding my one "lightning bolt" purpose. Instead, it was about putting one foot in front of the other, trusting that God guides us to where we need to be if we walk hand-in-hand with Him. That lesson lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. It freed me up to take chances on new paths without worrying if each little choice was some ultimate destiny thing.

I can't say I have everything mapped out now. But leaning into that faith has this way of untangling all the uncertainty. Bit by bit, things feel more clear. More meaning seeps through. So I just keep on, opening myself to God lighting the way ahead. Because as Meyer put it, “If we are willing to do what God asks us to do, we will end up where He wants us to be.” And right now, that feels right where I should be.

❤️ I will reply to this at greater length at a later time. This is super-generous from you, a life changing amount for some people out (t)here. Big hug 😘

Oh wow
This is something really interesting and cool.

I have a question here, I have a book which I can write about but that isn't in English, can I still write about it or is there any language barrier when it comes to telling about the book and the author

Regards

Berserk by Kentaro Miura. Berserk is a story about a character who puts on a badass, cool and tough ,,mask'' on despite suffering insane trauma and having the worst possible life. He tries to avoid getting close to other people because in the past it ended REALLY badly and he is afraid that history will repeat itself. A story about friendship, love, betrayal and revenge. Despite living the worst life main character keeps on struggling with seemingly impossible challenges. Berserk thought me many lessons. To chase my dreams. To cherish what I have because I might lose it all. To believe in myself and my chosen path. To remember that no matter what your circumstance are someone else is in even worse situation. It gave me the courage to pursue my passions: My art, let's plays and blogging here on Hive. In real life my life was no where near as bad as that of main character of Berserk. With that being said like him I also have barely any friends. The only family member I still have is my mother. For me it is really hard to interact with people and I rarely let anyone close to myself. But at the same time at times I feel lonely. I chose to do what makes me happy in life. Being an artist or a blogger definitely is not the most common or most profitable paths of life. At times I have doubts of myself and my art because I have little luck selling it. I gifted way more art pieces than I sold and I still have a mountain of unsold pieces. But despite this I keep on struggling and hoping that future will be brighter.

He died doing what he wanted, no matter what Right? I bet he was Happy.

This is a wonderful initiative.

Hello, I am back again and this is my entry @creativemary

https://ecency.com/hive-180164/@quduus1/my-child-my-pride-a

This is very beautiful. I know of the people you've mentioned above. They are interesting individuals whose post always resonate with me. I'll publish a post on this. Thank you 😊.

very important

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OMG I am so lucky to have found this and re-bloging right away so others can benefit as well. Thanks Alot @creativemary

My Storyline

Book tittle: The Ultimate Life
Author: Jim Stovall

This book is practically about a young man who inherited his billionaire's grandfather's wealth and got the another great Gift as a wedding tip passed on to him by his late grandfather. The journals and DVD videos where about his grandfather's life experience and struggles including some advices on how to as well succeed in his marriage being a good husband. It was emotional and a heart lifting experience for him and as well the chauffeur who got to share this story. The information changed his perspective towards life.

At the point of stumbling into this book was a very tragedic moment for me as I was struggling with life and all emotions tied up together. I had a 1-year program and I was promised to get help with a house that I needn't worry about a roof over my head but the day of my arrival I couldn't reach out to my friend and was stranded since the money I was left with could only go for two days paying for hotel. What will happen to me if I use my last money for hotel and she still doesn't get back to me in an unfamiliar state? Long ago my family helped her when she was having issues at home and got chased away from where she once called a home by her stepfather, so I really trusted her when she said she was really going to help me stay with her for the one year I needed.

This situation was very critical for me as I was meant to commence my internship in 2 weeks time and yet the person that led me to relocating refused to pick up my calls nor respond to my messages. I'd arrived in the late night hours on a Friday and was stranded that I had to Lodge for the night. On Saturday morning knowing my payment for the hotel was going to expired by 12:00 noon I decided to step out early in the morning trying to come up with a solution when I bumped into a young lady who was actually in a hurry going for hiking. Her greeting was friendly so i asked her if I could join her and she was okay with it. This led us to practically going together and joining others along the line. From there we started talking throughout our hiking hours and got to know each other within a short period of time. With everything being communicated, she offered to help me for at least some days while I try to get help/solution. (I dropped tears after hearing her say I could stay with her)

When I got to her house I sighted this book titled "The ultimate life" I asked her if she is through with it and she replied "No, not yet" I didn't want to think too much about my situationship so I decided to pick up the book to read keeping myself busy with some storyline for a distraction. How sad? I finished the book in less than a week. So quick right? Yeah I did finished it.

What got to me so much from this book was not the fact that the young man inherited such a wealth from his billionaire grandfather, but the fact that his billionaire grandfather had to pass through hell to get to the position he was known for. (After every struggle) It made me understood that the situation I was passing through at that moment which got me so scared crying throughout that Friday night with no hope of help was some sort of experience to make me stronger and wiser. (In terms of putting my trust in people 100%, and having to take off a journey without having enough funds with me) Never again.

Another thing that got to me so much is about the writer and how he narrated the story and became a successful man. Seeing how successful he later became as he was just a chauffeur as of then encouraged me. Who would have thought he will write a book that will forever be remembered? I understood right then that the stage of life I was in was just a phase I was going to get through. I understood no matter the situation be it a difficulty or rosy, I needn't worried because everything will fall into places. I learnt the knowledge of process (Not a day job)

Quote

Problems can only be avoided by exercising good judgment. Good judgment can only be gained by experiencing life’s problems.

This is so so good just like you I have also received some goodies from hive and am also thinking of what I will do for them just to say thank you for the good work you people are doing in a global scale I so much appreciate your time and kind gesture in bring this offer and rewards to all hiveans who is willing to participate in the context.
THANKS YOU VERY MUCH

You are actually making me fall in love with reading books. I’m so glad to know that you have gained so much from reading books
Nice one!

Wow this contest is calling because I actually have a special book that did a whole lot in my life, let me hit my keyboard and write

One of the earliest books that greatly impacted my life was a religious book, 'Battlefield of the Mind' by the Preacher Joyce Meyer.

I had just finished high school and was about entering college. That book was my philosophy and still is to this day through the trails and tribulations entering adulthood. I've battled health issues, financial ruin, job loss, heartbreak(s) and my dad has been bed ridden with stroke for 5 years now. It can be overwhelming sometimes, but I always turn to the mindset this book shaped my head with.

My favourite quote is "Your mind can either be a Junkyard or a Treasure Chest, you alone have the power to decide what it is".

Thanks for making me reflect on this. I'd write a longer post if should I muster up the energy

This. Is my own story about a book that really helped me out.

I am the type that love reading novel a lot and the type that always caught my attention is action packed novel and suspense including crime fiction, atimes I will forget food just to finish the novel that am reading or I will be eating with one hand while the other one is holding a novel this started the moment I learn to read .

I have read many novels like nick Carter and James hardly chase this one is my favorite because it gives me what I need in terms of action,crime and suspense.
Titles like :the vulture is a patient bird,miss shawnway wave a wand, strictly for cash, you are dead without money, the dead stay dumb, the way the cookies crumble, what men do , hippie on the highway ,there is always a price tag,you are lonely when you are dead, you find him I,ll fix him.

This novels though fiction thought me many things about life which I can't easily forget,one is about trust
Sometimes it's easy to put our trust in someone at the end of it all we will be betrayed by that same person which can easily break our hearts another thing is that what we are anxiously pursuing can lead us into many trouble that we may regret in the future ,the ability of the agents assigned to each crime is something else.

THE NOVEL THAT MOVED ME
IT'S true that I love this a for mention novels but the one that truly shape me is the one written by a man named Steve Martin.
I collected this from a friend and kept it for a long time as it have to do with court room stage so I thought that it may not give me what I want so I dumped it and continue with the one that caught my fancy.
One day when I ran short of what to read I said let me give this book a try and I must say I hardly drop it because the action there compelled me to read on till the end.

The book is about a man who is wealthy and married many wife's something lead to the other and they all left him and tha man's name is Ben potter, unable to control his libido he falls in love with another lady called Talia.
Now Talia didn't love him truly from the heart 💜❤️ she was only after her wealth she tried all she could to see that Ben is out of the way so she can claim his money and houses when her plans failed she taught of another means to get this done.
So she cornived with a criminal whom she have as a boyfriend inorder to actualize her dream.
They plan on how to execute this .
And the best way is to kill Ben and make it look like suicide.
They later succeed in killing Ben .
Now the news somehow got out that Ben potter is dead and a hunt for the killer began as they leave no clue behind.
To get hold of the killer a detective was sent.
And he sure did his job in nailing the two culprits and brought them to book.

HOW THIS BOOK TOUCH ME

After reading this novel I totally changed what I want to pursue as a profession.

Initially I wanted to be an accountant in a banking sector but after going through this book I changed to becoming a detective because I was impressed by the way the agents assigned to the case quickly make their move ,the questions they ask the places they visited and how cautious they are about the people they spoke with.

The one that interest me most is how they always paid laptop attention to a suspect when interrogating him or her and that is how they caught Talia and her partner in crime.

I have applied for this so many times but got turned down because of one reason or the other but I will keep on pushing until I get to where I want to be because despite the time that have passed I still have that feeling in my mind.

As I can't easily forget this world c.d.d.d.d.s which means chronic dissociative dysfunctional dangling dick syndrome

which is what Ben potter is suffering that read to his death as he can't control himself over woman .
So to stay alive one need to have control over himself or herself and what he or she wish for in life.

THANKS FOR THIS CONTEXT I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR EFFORT 🙏🌹

Dear Mary, congratulations of winning the contest & thank you for deciding to generously share 600 HBD. It is definitely not a small amount & surely will mean a lot to some of us here.
Anyway, I like the initiative & the instructions of the contest cause I have read some number of books that really made an impact on me & made my life change. It is even hard to choose the one that made such a significant impact that I remember cause it passed a lot of time & than other outer numerous stimulus kept on influencing me...
I would dare to mention the book Swami Vivekananda: Vedanta. Vedanta means "Truth". Swami never was writing. He was only talking wisdom. Channelizing. His disciples were writing down the lessons.
I remember how while I was reading this book, it was momentarily erasing all of mine mind constructions which made me behave in certain ways, it was erasing my firm beliefs of how the life in this world functions & I was feeling instantly lighter & enlightened. I remember I felt bliss & euphoria. I felt like this book is reprogramming my brain like it was really a computer & I'm installing a new system program on it. I also remember that some pages were so difficult to read & comprehend that I need to read them multiple times to really understand what I'm reading. But also, nevertheless, how difficult some pages were, as a whole the book was so light & came into me so easy. After that my view on this physical reality was never the same & I was interacting differently with everything.
At the moment I got that book in my hands, I was seeking for the Truth, like I always am. That is the reason why the book came into my hands. Cause I was yearning for it! If I remember correctly, I was kind of lost before I got the book. I was in the moment of change. Now, years after I read it, I believe I am on my spiritual path where I do not stick too hard to any object or desire. I try to observe myself in the interaction with the rest of the physical world around my body, seeing the true self captured in my body, being conscious of passing of time & all physical things. Being conscious of my everlasting & everchanging Soul which came into this dimension only as a temporarily user who will pass into other dimensions when the time comes.
A quote from the book:
Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves and every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone.

first of all, great contest, and i will take part in both sub-contests let's say. I will upload the post during the next 2 days though, note that there might be similarities with what i am about to write now so you may find it a bit boring!

The book that changed my life and still helps me a lot consciously and unconsciously, which is why i consider it life-changing, is called The Art of Always Being Right by the one and only Arthur Schopenhauer.

Now this book is pretty much about the art of persuasive argumentation like a guide if you wish, with a collection of different debate formulas based on what Schopenhauer knew, saw and read. Note that we are talking about 1891, not 2023 something that makes the book even greater.

i received that book when i was 19-20 years old i think as a gift for my birthday. I have already read it at least 4-5 times and i always tend to forget something or earn something new. I have created bookmarks for parts that consider important and that i need to remind myself. In general, at first glance, it might seem as a book that it can help you gain the upper hand in debates which it can definitely help you with, but that's not only it.

When we are younger we tend to act mostly based on our emotions, can be manipulated way easier by others and in general can be here and there regarding our friends and family. This book helped me in so many different aspects that defined my life and keep doing so. Except for the fact that as i mentioned a while ago, i can win some debates a bit more easily and in general argue better than others i can also understand when others are trying to use these methods on me or us (as people).

I mentioned when i started this comment that this book is so much more than it seems and that is was written in 1891. The fascinating thing is that these different techniques that were used back then for the purpose of winning arguments and manipulating the masses are still happening today, exactly using the same techniques by many people like most politicians for example. I can pretty much identify some of these techniques when coming out of them and can easily understand what type of people are. The same applies to others as well but the point is that with the knowledge i received from this book i can understand when someone is trying to manipulate me and in general only thinking for himself and not let's say the common good for example.

Let me give you some examples that you might have faced in your lives as well:

1. Make Your Opponent Angry: Even if you are completely right if someone manages to make you angry by provoking you even with false statements, you may end up with cloudy judgment and say something you don't mean. Even if you try to explain yourself in the eyes of the audience based on your impulse and how you reacted you will be deemed in the wrong, even if your opponent said countless illogical things before you.

2. Interrupt: How common is it that you watch let's say a panel with 3-4 different candidates for the upcoming elections. Mostly they will interrupt each other and you may thing what the hell is wrong with these people. Sometimes the reason they are doing it, is not because they can't have a civilize talk, but when someone uses an argument that will most likely make them look bad in the eyes of the audience they will interrupt, dispute, and divert in order to avoid "defeat".

3. Appeal to Authority: Ah this is one of my favorites and quite common as well. Except for the fact the people change the meaning or the words of an authority something that i can see to be commonly used by politicians is the following. Let's say that a statistical authority that is very well-known says that the income of the country has increased 20% in 2023. The political will use it for his benefit. At the same time though the same authority may have published another graph that shows that the actual income adding the inflation has dropped 25% in 2023. Do you see where i am getting at?

I will further analyze it in my post, but in conclusion, this book made me enhance my persuasive skills, appreciate the magnificence of philosophers, and realize that we people haven't changed as much as we like to believe or say and above everything made me develop critical thinking. Reading books can make us believe in ourselves, be more romantic, use our imagination, get out of stressful or toxic situations, start dreaming again and so on. That doesn't mean though that we won't fall victim to toxic behavior, lose our way, get manipulated etc etc. If we develop critical thinking, especially at a young age, we can manage not only to make our lives better but to make the whole world better even if that sounds like another utopia in some book. We would identify for instance people that are trying to manipulate us and cast them aside.

Thus, by developing critical thinking and all the above i mentioned, i managed to build relations with people who most likely will never betray me, and would be there for me, i managed to easily spot others that many want to harm me or my family and friends and in general, my life is a bit more relaxing, with more love and close to no toxicity around me!

i just hope if anyone reads the whole thing, to not tire or bore you!

Favorite quote: “there are very few who can think, but every man wants to have an opinion; and what remains but to take it ready-made from others, instead of forming opinions for himself?" Arthur Schopenhauer

!LADY

I love this contest and I decided to create a long post on the topic, here is my entry @creativemary
https://ecency.com/hive-148441/@beauty197/this-book-saved-my-life

Wow ..... this is big move to give so lot back , I hope soon we have here lot Book ideas up :)
I must go and read something fast :))

There is a difference between being poor and being broke. Broke is temporary. Poor is eternal.

Sometime back my uncle called me and asked me how my financial world was going and i mentioned bad, I explained how things were with me and he recommended this book titled Rich Dad Poor Dad to me.

Source

After going through the book I found out a lot of errors and one of them was proper planning and taking risk, during thay time i spent money on only food and nice places, I didn't think i was gonna go broken.

Though i was very young aside then so i wasn't really scared of anything since i have my parents to give me sometimes, but after reading the book i realized that all rich dad ever wanted was to make them business owners and not staffs why poor dad had same thought like my dad.

I also learnt that one of the reasons my family was giving me was because they wanted me to complete school and get a job that'll pay me, get married and have kids hense putting and keeping me in the rat race.

The rat race is a race where the poor gets to go to school, get a job and work for pay when they get fired they repeat the process, I didn't want that so i changed my way of thinking and started planning hard.

The world is a tough place and trust me only the wise and strong survives the weak get used, i became mentally strong after reading that book now i can proudly make financial decisions without being affected by any errors.

Thank you for this opportunity, ma'am. Here is my response.

https://peakd.com/hive-180164/@iskawrites/if-theres-any-addiction-i-suffered-as-a-child-its-reading

Bravo! I feel really happy after seeing your mention of Shackleton (guess i'll have to write about another book?) -- yes, it's among one of my favorites too! Have you read the Kon-Tiki Expedition? Another great "boating" book xD

I'll come up with a long post soon about a 3rd "boating" book that's shapped who Mr.P is.

What a lovely post thanks for the opportunity!

My entry: https://peakd.com/hive-180164/@ayamihaya/the-tale-of-true-lovers-or-books-can-change-the-perspective-of-life

This is really an awesome contest that brings everyone together to participate in sharing amazing books that touches lives and am excited as well to share mine and participate.

My Entry

Book title: No Excuses
Author: Brian Tracy

This book talks about self discipline where you have to believe in yourself in what you do without giving excuses and going through the book have really made impact in my life to never give up in what I do but to keep pushing for better days.

Two years ago I wasn't myself because of the challenges I faced and this challenges surrounds the aim of achieving financial success. I graduated from school having the hope that I will use my certificate to secure a better job which I didn't then I had to gather money to start a business which also didn't work out and this made me feel like the world was against me as nothing was working fine until I reach out to a friend who advised me then introduce the book "No excuses" to me.

This book was just like a complete version of what I was facing because the way I reason and how I see people around me tells me that I need to put an end to such taught especially when you see people who are your mate doing well in what they do regardless how big or small their achievement is.

Self discipline is what will make that positive impact showcase and this requires consistent effort without giving up. Never blame anyone for your downfall because this is where most people pick their excuses from and it doesn't help.

This book have made me also to realize that accepting responsibility is a major way of eradicating excuses and attracting success. I have learnt that when your self disciplined, you will never have the mindset to give up easily in what you do instead in keep on striving to eradicate your fears.

It motivates you to have the mindset of doing something positive everyday no matter how little or challenging it might be and the truth is when you have no excuses there is no room for regrets.

         **Qoute**

Success can be achieved through self discipline and self discipline requires patience

I'll go with:

The Brain That Changes Itself,

by Norman Doidge

The book is trying to summarize the (at the time) state of neuro-science.
It's separated into different anecdotes.
Considering the magnitude of knowledge it includes, it's an easy read.
It's mainly about the concept of 'neuro plasticity'.

The book changed my life in many ways...

At the time, I was chilling in a hippy village, for almost 9 weeks.
I spent my days sitting in the community tent, talking to people, playing chess, whittling and reading.
I never planned on staying there for a long time... It just happened.
I never planned on reading that book, I just stumbled upon it, in a 'free stuff' shelf.

I was in the perfect setting to let the contents 'sink in' and immediately apply some of the lessons it contained for me;
I had a lot of time to reflect on my life and all sorts of things, and this book gave me new tools to analyze behaviors and to understand how learning works in general.

I have since used this new set of tools to learn new things, condition myself differently, help others progress on their journey to improve themselves.

It has the power to change the way you see yourself and others.
One main message (though never explicitly stated within): You are not your thoughts.
You can change your thoughts, your patterns, your viewpoint.
It really helped me in many ways and still does.

EDIT: my favorite quote from the book:
"If you don't use it, you'll lose it"
It explains a critical concept of how neuronal networks (in the brain) work, but also (more broadly speaking) applies to skills and other things you have learned.

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That was 244 words, but I feel like, I should do it more justice by dedicating a blog post to it. The above was off the cuff and I didn't really try to re-read it.
I think I might have written a post about it in the past, but I'd have to search...

I tried hosting a similar contest, with higher prize money even, and got very few participants. It can be frustrating.

I recommend you include tagging other people as condition.
Then again, even though my contest had only 1 single rule, people still disqualified themselves.
It all goes back to people not reading... but that is another debate...

Thanks for hosting the contest, I hope it goes well.
If you need a script (bot) to handle the replies, don't hesitate to contact me. I make tools for Hive.
Followed your account for good measure.

Good day again. Here's my link.

https://ecency.com/hive-180164/@balikis95/faceless-a-ghetto-life-inspired?referral=balikis95

I was reading "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, when I did a language summer camp in Bulgaria when I still was a student. Our teacher gave as the book in Bulgarian translation and we had to read it back then and discuss it in class. Reading books in a foreign language is a life changer, because it really helps you learn a language in a natural way. You encounter so many new words and phrases, some you can understand from context others you have to look up in the dictionary and there was no internet dictionary at that time. Reading a book can therefore be both fun and educational.

We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.

Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Hi @creativemary, first of all, I'm delighted that this contest has allowed me to discover your account and all the articles you've shared here more or less recently ! I'm happy also to find here another person who has such a deep love of art and literature.

I've always been a voracious reader. At first, I thought it was going to be difficult to find a book to choose from all those that had passed through my hands. But I have to say that it took me no more than a minute's thought to work out which was the most special of all the books that had made a lasting impression on me. It was Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude, a book that was an obvious choice. It's a classic for a good reason : it's simply brilliant in so many ways.

Picture that I took just today in Paris

At the time I discovered this book in my parents' rather extensive bookshelves, I was 13 years old and going through a fairly acute phase of depression, due as much to family problems as to the questioning of early adolescence. I was asking myself all sorts of big metaphysical questions, and as reading is an activity that requires solitude, I also had a lot of time to ask myself these questions and continue these reflections.

The story, which you may already know, is about the Buendia family in an unnamed country in South America - probably the author's country of origin. We are at the dawn of modernity, which is moving from the cities towards the mountains and the remotest corners of the countryside. At one point, a child accompanies his grandfather to fetch native ice for refrigerating food. A few years later, the first fridges arrive.

As the title suggests, this family's story spans a century. So there are many generations in succession, with uncles, aunts and all the cousins crossing paths and having adventures. That alone is brilliant.

But what struck me most was the way time is stretched out, like concentric loops or circles on the water of time, intersecting at pivotal moments. Gabriel Garcia Marquez is also known as one of the leading authors of magic realism, a movement that brings magic into fiction. Strange and fantastic things happen over and over again, but we are still in a realistic setting and not in a fantasy or a fairytale. The story is so full and so full of events that I couldn't really tell you more here... or I'd go over the 800-word limit ^^ !

But let's go back to the context of my life when I read this book and what it changed in me. On the one hand, this was a very special moment in my life, because in this book I found answers to the very questions I was asking myself. But if that's all it took... To tell you the truth, I already knew that I loved books and stories, but this one in particular had a totally more powerful and lasting effect, the effects of which are still very much alive and well in me.

In fact, that's when I started writing, and since then I've been writing all kinds of texts, from short essays to poems, and more recently, several novels and short stories. In fact, I'm in the process of starting a new novel, and a few days before I came across your article, I was thinking about that book and thinking that I'd like to read it again... I didn't count, but I must have read it four or five times already !

Here's the mark this book has left on me, it's in a way the original book for me, the one that made me want to continue reading them of course, but more than that, to confront myself with the fact of writing them with all the pleasure and discipline that implies ! I plan to write a slightly longer article that will go into more detail about this particular story.

I can't thank you enough for this initiative, I think it has a very special meaning for me at this particular time to talk about this book. Thanks again and see you soon !

Oh, and here's the quote :

"Thus they continued to live in an elusive reality, momentarily held captive by words, but which would inevitably escape them without return once they forgot the very meaning of writing."

That's a classic book for sure! A generous idea.. hope lots of people join in. I'll have a think myself.

Thanks so much for this powerful contest. May God continue to reward you as have decided to give back to the community. Amen

Here is my entry link
https://peakd.com/hive-180164/@davidbright/the-book-that-changed-my-perspective-about-life

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to tell our story from the perspective of an inspiring book we have read.
This is the story of the book that touched my spirituality and will to endure and fight my battles.

BOOK: LEFT TO TELL (DISCOVERING GOD AMIDST THE RWANDA HOLOCAUST)
AUTHOR: IMMACULEE ILIBAGIZA

Immediately I figured that this book was about a young woman's struggle and the will of survival during the Rwanda genocide, this powerful memoir has in many ways shaped my perspective on my view of life and how to uphold whatever I believe in regardless of the situation.

The book is a story about the life and times of the Rwanda genocide where two tribes Ina country were at war with each other, the author with seven other women had to hide In a small tiny bathroom, cramped together for 91 days without food and water until they found a escape to a safety camp.

Hence, my favorite quote by the author was when she stated that "I realized that my battle to survive this war would have to be fought inside of me" through this I have come to realize that, no matter who you are there are battles both conscious and unconscious that must be fought by you and you alone, and it literally affects all areas of life not just war. No one would interfere or understand the pain and torment you are going true. Just like the author, life was going smoothly, everywhere was calm, the tutsis and the Hutsis in Uganda lived as one although there were tribal differences, but once an opportunity came to pour out their hatred, it took a big turn and destroyed everything as if hate has been buried deep in them.

In the context of this quote in the book, she had to rely only on God to fight for her because she knew that if her faith was lost, she olwouldnt be able to survive. Thus, put my hope in God and focusing on him is the best way to eradicate fear from overpowering me. The three basic elements need to survive this world are faith, hope and courage which keep me mentally strong and spiritual calm.

The second paragraph says it all, just like the Bible that your faith can move mountain if you believe

This is so relatable because one thing I dread the most is inter tribal wars. Currently I live in a community different from my tribe in the same country. A place where segregation and nepotism takes place even if I have lived almost all my life here. One time I applied for a job I needed so badly considering the economic and financial situations were so poor. Can you imagine that all the indigenes were selected but I was left out. It was so painful because I thought since I was born her and have lived over 25 years they would take me as their own but reverse was the Case as I knew, I was left alone to face my fears.

Another instance, where this quote comes in to shape the perspective of my life I trying times was, when I got admission for my masters degree, I was so happy but this was cut short when I was diagnosed with fibroids couple with the severe symptoms of anemia, headaches, menorrhagia, abdominal pain and all. I was admitted and treated but that was the beginning of my journey of pain and struggles. I had the mindset to utilize my academic year for my benefit and have fun, but this health battle changed that perspective.

At first I accepted the humiliation, pain, segregation, having to put a hold on my life, having to miss important events, having to deal with the stress of been weak, fragile and pale. Just like the author found spirituality amidst the women who had almost lost hope, cramped in that tiny bathroom in what she believed in, as a catholic too I took that step Of faith to uphold my spirituality and not be afraid of it. Now, I meditate and reflect wholeheartedly, I don't question the situation or blame anyone. I am also of the belief that my battles can be worn silently by me alone if I want to survive the torment in the world where everyone is dealing with their issues, as I do not like to be a burden. Her story inspired me that no matter what I am facing, my faith and resilience is very important to uplift my soul from the bondage of fear.

It has indeed been different ever since, although I am not entirely free but its way better than before, the will to fight and not give in to failure, trusting in God for my health and healing while subscribing to heabs and natural healing has been a great deal. I HAVE FOUGHT, I AM STILL FIGHTING AND I WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT TILL MY BATTLES ARE OVER BECAUSE ONLY I WILL BE LEFT TO TELL THE STORY.

"If Tomorrow Comes." by Sidney Sheldon was the book I came across almost a year ago. I was coming out of a bad relationship, jobless with two kids and no support system. It was the story of a young woman, Tracy Whitney who had all the odds in the world stacked against her.

Her mother was scammed and then committed suicide, Tracy was framed for a robbery and sent to jail. She was abandoned by her fiance and lost her baby. I connected well with her while reading the book. Though I didn't lose a child or experience half of what happened to her, I could relate exactly to the way she felt. I was lonely, I felt abandoned by everyone and I had to pick up the scraps and start over again. I lost so much, and I know firsthand the feeling of loss.

One other part of the book I can strongly relate to is that you can never really count on anyone. It is the people closest to you that ditch you at your worst hour. Tracy thought her fiance was going to come through for her, but she ended up getting disappointed. I know how it must have felt, I didn't have anyone, and the people I thought I had, left me to it.

At times, you find help where you least expect it, so don't be so quick to cancel humanity. People eventually came through for Tracy, in the last place she expected, prison. People who had no ties to me also came through for me and I was speechless. At the end of the day, everyone needs a little help along the way, no one is an island. Despite the disappointing human nature, you should never write anyone off. Don't forget to render help to others too while you are at it.

I didn't know what I was going to do like Tracy didn't too after leaving prison, but somehow, I handled it. She handled her issues too, in a different way and came out okay in the end.

It's been over a year since my terrible experience, and I can proudly say, I did it. I have grown from that lonely, sad, jobless, depressed mother to the opposite of everything I mentioned. I didn't think I could do it, matter of fact, I don't know how I did. I initially thought I was going to cave under pressure, but mercy and grace said no, which leads me to my favorite quote in the book,

Quote
"God will never throw anything at you that you can't handle. Just take it one step at a time."

On wow, just stumbled on this and I must say it is very nice. can't wait to make and entry and spread the word as well for others to come join, This is a hit that I can't afford to miss.

Wow, this is very inspiring, I just learnt about this content now, I will surely drop my link, thank you so much.

This is my entry link.

https://ecency.com/hive-180164/@ijebest/books-and-life-competition-win link.

here is the post as well. Hope it's not that tiresome!

https://hive.blog/hive-180164/@filotasriza3/a-book-that-changed-my-life-the-art-of-always-being-right

I really like this contest, it is inspiring and deep, it invites you to reflect. A very good way to share what we have grown up with. Thank you very much for making it possible. This is my publication: https://hive.blog/hive-180164/@jemima1996/books-and-life-competitive-empowering-me-with-knowledge-esp-eng

Hugs 🤗

Thank you for this awesome initiative @creativemary

This is my book entry

https://peakd.com/hive-180164/@loveah/dealing-with-uncertainties-in-life

Ugh, I love this challenge because just like you, books represent one of my biggest passions even though I never created content with this purpose on my blog. Either way, as exciting as it is, as hard will be to only pick one since each of the books I've read had a contribution to me in one way or another.

Either way, I think the most recent one is the most suggestive based on all the mixed feelings I have lately. It's called PS: I love you and it's written by Cecelia Ahern. I bet this sounds very familiar for many who've seen the movie with the same name because I also watched that when I was a kid but only found out about the books last year when I received them as a Christmas gift from my aunt.

There are 2 volumes, the first one showing all the process a lady has to go through after losing her husband because of an incurable disease but who left 10 letters to be read by his wife that will help her move on and continue her life. The 2nd book shows the life she has after she moved on and this is the volume I'm currently reading but no doubt the first one touched my heart more especially since for a bit over a year I had lots of ups and downs in my relationship almost breaking up with just 2 days before our 5 years long anniversary.

Even though we've been through a lot during this period, sometimes we tend to forget that we both grow up at the same time and just like the branches of a tree, sometimes we take curves and follow different paths but that doesn't necessarily mean we have to break up unless we support each other and keep learning to love one another the way we are. Happily, we had nothing in common with the book speaking by the illness the husband had, but their love for each other even when life separated them made us appreciate more what we have, be more tolerant, and never stop rediscovering each other and sharing what we have the most precious: LOVE.

So, based on this book that represented a rollercoaster of emotions just like my relationship was lately, it opened my eyes and made me see things from some new perspectives and angles that proved it's not the time yet to leave but keep going stronger than ever.

Don't ever be afraid to fall in love again. Open up your heart and chase it wherever it will take you... and don't forget, always aim for the moon...
PS: I love you...

This is the quote that impressed me the most which is also the last letter the girl received from her husband that encouraged her to continue her life without him 😟

Hey there Mary, you have me thinking now what book to review that changed me as a person. I love reading myself. Great contest. As Arnie says "I'll Be Back"

Greetings.

In advance, thank you very much for the initiative you have created, it is a great opportunity to talk about tastes in particular, besides encouraging us to look for new titles to read through the recommendations of other Hivers. Also, I'm glad you are overcoming those hard stages that are just around the corner for all of us, waiting to mistreat us a little and of course waiting to give us the opportunity to be reborn. Gotta keep going in the best possible spirits.

---

Going into a bit more detail regarding the initiative. A book, which had an impact on me and which I inevitably relate it to how we as a society develop. It is the book of the Hunger Games, to be more specific I am talking about its second book, Catching Fire. Although, the idea that I take away and want to share with you can be found in all three books.

The Hunger Games are 3 books written by the author Suzanne Collins. The first book is called The Hunger Games, the second is called Catching Fire and the third is called Mockingjay. As I was reminiscing some things from the books, I realized that there is a fourth book called Ballad of Songbirds And Serpents that I am already encouraged to look for to read.

These books show a world, we could say with a glimpse into the future, where what's left of the most important groups of society have settled in a location called Panem. Panem, as time went by, grew and in order to give it order, it has been divided into 13 districts. All these are led by the capitol, a place where aristocrats make life, where all the best of society is established, technology, food, weapons...

But, as it usually happens, sometimes the excess of power makes the inequalities manifest themselves in the form of repudiation and discontent. The districts most allied to the capitol are in their favor and receive their favors. But, those who are not, could suffer the fateful fate of district 13, which had opposed it and was wiped off the face of the earth, as an example to the other districts, to prove the power of the capitol and the guts they could show. Regardless of whether there were children or women, the fate of everyone in the district was the same.

As if it was not enough, having been defeated, day after day humiliated and increasingly unhappy. The capitol, to commemorate the dark days and how they managed to prevail against the boldness of the rebel districts, decided to create a special day called The Hunger Games. For this special day, the remaining 12 districts were to select a pair of young people (boy and girl) between the ages of 12 and 18, to be known as tributes, each year. In order to fight to the death in an arena made by the capitol.

Only one tribute can win the Hunger Games and the other 11 will perish on the battlefield....

Why have I selected these books for this initiative?

To give a little context, I am from Venezuela and for most people it is no secret that we are living through extremely complex times. Currently the situation is improving, but not thanks to the government system but thanks to our fellow citizens who have emigrated and have allocated many salaries for their relatives and friends who stayed in the country.

Next year, it will be almost 10 years since a very delicate political moment in Venezuela that colloquially we call "Guarimbas" The world was attentive thanks to social networks, I remember that almost at the same time there was a civil battle in Ukraine. Those were times of battles (not war), but what we experienced was shocking.

Venezuelans were fighting for their freedom, from the most peaceful, which managed to bring tears to the eyes of the police officers who were there by orders of the state, to the most aggressive, where unfortunately there were deaths on both sides.

It was a time when the refuge I had were books, because social networks only made me depressed and angry. At that time, I started reading The Hunger Games, exactly the book Catching Fire. Every time I read it, I identified with what happened in the book. My reality, it was captured in that book, especially the injustices, the oppressions and the feelings.

Then events came to a standstill when some politicians who "represented the feelings of the people" became martyrs and told the government that if they messed with them again the people would back them up that way and put an end to the established government. We were used, people were hurt and died in vain and then hopelessness caused migration to increase disproportionately....

Already then I read Mockingjay, the third book and this very thing was told in the book, mainly about betrayal and hidden agendas of the powerful. The way, how we have treated each other as a species, seems to have a perfect guide to oppress us and to manipulate us. It is so much so, that it can bring up the same feelings for someone who is struggling, as well as someone who is just reading. It can be a sad thing indeed or a wonderful thing depending on which side you look at it.

This perspective over time, expanded to better analyze or at least have a more personal view on political and social issues. To do more research and try not to be so visceral about these issues. I am surprised that a novel, gave me this perspective. Of course, I am open to listen and understand what politicians want to share with me. But, now I take everything with a grain of salt.

I now know that there are two ways we think as a society. One, where I, or anyone else, can share their own thoughts and make their own decisions based on their personal experiences, a very individual way. An example of this is the way just over 100 people have shared in the comment box of this post their thoughts on books they treasure. And, there is the other option, where we think as a mass, where the loudest voices are the ones that echo in our heads and make us do crazy things, something that as individuals we would be incapable of thinking. An example of this is to think that a child has the maturity to face his sexuality and the decisions he wants to make about it....

Of course, this in the end are very personal thoughts and examples. But, that in the end I was learning with this impulse that these books gave me. I guess, most of my life, I lived like in a bubble where, what people say, is always true, where most politicians have desires to see their country better, where people can impose their own personal interests and benefit society. Then, I contrasted this in my personal experience with the Guarimbas, that this was a reality in other countries and it was a reality that was captured in a very good book.

There are many edges from which a great number of topics can be derived about these books. If you have any doubts or want to contribute a perspective, a comment, whether you agree or disagree with what I wrote. All your comments are more than welcome.

Happy Holidays to all!

Hi! really what a nice initiative thank you very much for believing it, especially of this beautiful topic as it is the case of books that have impacted us in one way or another to our lives, I wanted to participate but my entry was longer than expected for a comment so I did it in post, I hope you can see it💜.

https://peakd.com/hive-180164/@annacarstairs/books-and-life-competitivo-the-midnight-library

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

Author : Cal Newport

Deep Work matters to change the Perspective in life
“Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” is a best-selling book by Professor Cal Newport. In this book, the author discusses how to do the best work with skills. According to him deep concentration is required to perform a task properly. That is, while working, tasks should be completed efficiently by focusing.

The book is mainly divided into 2 parts. In the first part, the author shows how the best results can be obtained with deep work. In its second part, the author explains exactly how to do deep work and how to implement this practice in all activities of life.

Basically, this book will change the reader's perspective on work productivity. By reading this book a reader is able to get ahead in the workplace by improving his efficiency and punctuality. Which helps to increase a person's confidence and prowess.

BOOK ANALYSIS
Analyzing the book I have noted a total of Five important points. They are described below :-

• What Deep Work is
  Deep Work means performing a specific task efficiently without giving any attention to anything else while doing it. By doing a task in this way one can make maximum use of their mental abilities. This increases their work efficiency and creates sustainability. According to the author, people's ability to do deep work is disappearing nowadays. As a result, the demand for human skills is increasing day by day. So those who are used to do deep work are able to achieve great success in their personal life.

• Why Deep Work Valuable
  Maximum results can be achieved in a given time through deep work. Because deep work can be done with more concentration at a given time without any interruption. It basically revolves around one task. Multitasking reduces the value of work. To get complete success in a task it is necessary to complete it on time. Moreover, many people leave some remaining tasks for later while working. This basically reduces their performance towards the task and hinders it from being completed efficiently. This damages both work productivity and worker efficiency.

• Four Principles of Deep Work
  In analyzing Deep Work, the author focuses on 4 principles. They are –

1. A task must be done with deep attention.
2. Boredom has to be embraced while doing certain tasks.
3. Avoid using social media while working.
4. Work efficiently without doing shallow work unnecessarily.

• Routines to make Deep Work a habit
  The author wrote in his book, the key to creating habit of deep work is to create a daily routine suitable for deep concentration to work in the corporate life. As a result, work can be done normally without exerting any extra effort on oneself. Maybe creating a routine is difficult to maintain. But once it is mastered, it will be possible to complete all tasks efficiently and work productivity will increase. A person has to keep an eye on his efficiency, punctuality, discipline and technique in creating a routine.

• The Roosevelt Method
  In order to work productively, the author encourages readers to follow the method of former US President Roosevelt. In this case, among the daily tasks, one has to find a specific task which is more important than the other tasks. Then set a timer on their phone, computer or watch to fix specific deadlines for that task. It should be kept within sight so that the work can be completed within the specified time. This method is basically taken from Roosevelt's tactics of studying.

THE STATE OF MY LIFE WHEN I READ IT
I was very messy in my personal life. I had no daily routine. As a result I could not complete any work properly. At times I suffered from frustration with my lifestyle. I was not happy physically and emotionally. Also family members were not happy with me. I felt like a burden on society.

MY CURRENT STATE AFTER READING THIS BOOK
My elder brother suggested me to read this book after seeing the state of my personal life. I always preferred his advice. So I read this book completely. After reading the book I took a little break from my messy life. I created a daily routine by timing myself. In order not to waste my time and to complete my tasks properly, I used a yearly diary to record daily tasks the day before. Then I slowly built up my potential. Currently I am in final year of my education and have secured first class in results. Again, before entering the workplace in the future, I am developing several skills that will give me some advantages in the workplace. All in all, reading the book "Deep Work" I discovered a new me, which was much needed for my successful life.

• Short Quote from this book that I love most

To learn hard things quickly, you must focus intensely without distraction. To learn, in other words, is an act of deep work.