A personal Reading Journey

What books helped you grow during your life?
Learn how to (re-)create your own Reading Journey, including 30+ prompts

When was the last time you got into a flow of productivity, got into doing and couldn’t stop until you were 100% finished with the project? Yeah, this rarely happens to me, too. But when I started to write about my own reading journey, I got nostalgic for a while, then felt like all those words were flowing into me from who-knows-where – so, without further ado:

Welcome to this REALLY lengthy article! And no, I am not sorry. Just keep in mind: I cannot remember all the books I read in my life (unfortunately), so these are just a few of those books that changed my life and left a lasting impression on me. Enjoy the ride!

You will find the prompts and guidance to recreate your own reading journey on the bottom of the article. Feel free to scroll down and skip my own path, although some of the books I mention are still personal favorites that I read with my daughter now. You can imagine the excitement!

Books mentioned in this article:

1. A Clockwork Orange – Anthony Burgess (1962)
2. Blitz, der wilde Mustang – Jo Pestum (1991)
3. Call of the Wild – Jack London (1903)
4. Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury (1953)
5. Flowers in the Attic – V.C. Andrews (1979)
6. Go as a river – Shelley Read (2023)
7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – J.K. Rowling (1998)
8. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling (1997)
9. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – J.K. Rowling (1999)
10. Holes – Louis Sachar (1998)
11. Im Schatten des Pferdemondes and Briefe von Felix– Not available in English
12. Lisey’s Story – Stephen King (2006)
13. Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck (1937)
14. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen (1813)
15. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Mark Haddon (2003)
16. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
17. Twilight – Stephenie Meyer (2005)
18. Märchenmond – Wolfgang Hohlbein’s works (particularly the fantasy series) – Various titles, ranging from the 1980s-2000s.
19. Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë (1847)

Early Beginnings: Reading as a bonding Adventure

Books and Stories were always more than just words for me—they are woven into the fabric of my earliest memories. Growing up, I was blessed with two grandmothers who read to me and told me stories of their own childhood (which were not all shiney, happy tales, because both lived through World War II in Germany), fueling my curiosity, empathy and love for stories. I do remember that we owned a lot of books and my mother loved to read a lot.

As a kid, I remember sitting on her lap while she read me the tales of a stuffed rabbit named Felix, who got lost at the airport and sent letters from around the world to his friend at home, who missed him a lot. I loved those, and now, my daughter does, too!

My kindergarten teacher gave our parents lists of books that were recommended for little kids, and my mom usually bought all of them. My second favorite after Felix was “the Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister, which I refer to a lot in my therapy practice for my clients, so I bet you can agree that this book has an impact even on my everyday life now. From as young as six, when I learned how to read on my own, with my first library card in hand, I would eagerly check out books and dive into adventures far beyond the small village I grew up in.

During one of my summer vacations with my sister of choice and her parents at beautiful lake Maggiore, Italy, her mother handed us Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets which nobody knew and cared about when it was first released back in 1998. Anne and I spent that vacation reading the book aloud to each, in our little room under the ceiling of a little hut her parents had rented. We’d take turns, reading aloud on bunk beds before heading out for a swim or some hiking (which was mandatory, not wanted), then coming back to get lost in the magic once again.

We finished both books in two weeks—a feat for two second graders reading aloud. I 100% would not read as fast as I do today without the reading lessons from the old days… because we both wanted to go faster, but reading aloud wouldn’t suffice. So we took turns reading for ourselves, while the other would listen to music or do whatever else was available. Whoever woke up first in the morning, would grab the book. I also remember that she was reading “Anne of Green Gables” – and if she did, I did, too, even though I don’t actually recall it”, while I read “Hanni and Nanni”. A very long series of twins who attend boarding school – which all its perks and challenges.

Even then, I found myself drawn to certain characters. While everyone adored Harry, I sympathized with Snape—a complex, misunderstood figure whose depth intrigued me. I admired Dumbledore for his wisdom and calm leadership, qualities I aspired to develop. And while Hermione Granger was an inspiring character for her intelligence and work ethic, I was never a fan of the drama she sometimes stirred up.

To this day, I prefer to stay away from unnecessary drama in my life, focusing instead on quiet growth… it’s just me, I guess. And if you could see my best friend now, she would wildly nod her head in agreement. My choice of favorite characters has always been… different. The books also poked at that ADHD sense of justice, when it came to Harry, Vernon, Petunia and Dudley. It took me years to figure out, that all great motherly figures in the Harry Potter series are named after flowers.

2. Finding Refuge in Stories: Navigating Life’s Changes

As life moved on, books became not just adventures but also my safe space. When my parents divorced during my preteen years, I turned to books for solace. Although it wasn’t an overly bitter or ugly split, it still had a profound impact on me, and I found myself drawn to longer, heavier reads that could hold me in their worlds. This is when I discovered Wolfgang Hohlbein, whose elaborate fantasy stories offered the perfect escape.

I’ll never forget the thrill of picking up Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban—a book I had saved up for by working for a family member. I stood in line outside the bookstore, eagerly anticipating my copy. The anticipation felt like part of the magic itself, and when I finally held it in my hands, I devoured the pages in three days. Books like these weren’t just entertainment; they were lifelines, anchors that gave me stability when everything else felt uncertain.

Around this time, since I was kind of caught in between that very serious, dreamy side of me and a very kind, childish side of me, I also found myself drawn to horse-themed novels like „Im Schatten des Pferdemondes“ and „The Black Stallion.“ Had you met me during those years, you’d seen a socially awkward, insecure girl, that did a lot of sports, reading and gaming. Through the books and  stories, I found a sense of adventure and confidence.

Horses, both in fiction and in real life, played a huge role in shaping who I was becoming. In fact, these stories even gave me the courage to overcome my fear of talking on the phone when my mother offered me a horseback riding vacation—but only if I made the calls to ask for further information and prizes. 42 calls later, I was a pro! Also, not to sound too delulu, but I love to reflect on “who taught me what about life”, and that’s been people (obviously), but also animals and fictional characters. There were summer days that I spend reading between the horses out on the. I’d sit there for hours and remember those days as blissful and relaxing. Helping on the horse ranch was a very welcome excuse to not be at home. And trust me, being taught about respect and leadership by an Icelandic stallion is one ride of a lesson!

High School: Classics, Growth, and New Discoveries

My later high school years brought a deeper love for classic literature and more introspective themes. In Latin class, we read the old Roman and Greek classics (Homers Ilias etc.). During an exchange program to Michigan, I found myself introduced to The Great Gatsby, Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, A Clockwork Orange, and Fahrenheit 451—books that made me reflect on society, identity, love and the darker aspects of human nature.

So, whatever our souls are made of… – sounds familiar? Yeah, trust me, it wasn’t Hardin who used the words first…It was a plus I guess, that I got to know a different culture over in the states and was forced to meet so many new people, since I HATED talking to anybody outside my family. I was just too shy and worried I would say something stupid and disturb someones peace.

Given all the elaborate ideas and stories in my mind, I was positively worried people would call me crazy (which has happened before, so don’t blame me!). Yes, call me a people pleaser from early on, the total opposite of the strong-willed characters I loved to read about.

But it wasn’t just the required school reading that shaped me. Back home, I found comfort in novels that tackled themes of loss, struggle, and personal growth.
One book that stands out from this time is „Lisey’s Story“ by Stephen King, which weirdly enough is named “LOVE” in Germany. The emotional depth and darkness in this story mirrored some of the internal battles I was facing as I transitioned into adulthood (at least, that’s what my therapist says) but most of all I fell for that death-defying idea of love between the main characters, making it one of my all-time favorites. And let’s not forget, that “some people just heal faster. They have to.” So just sowisa, babyluv – strap on whenever it seems appropriate.

It was also the first time, I had a fictional encounter with a mentally unstable character, who needed to “end the dingdongs for the freesias”… as you may have guessed by now, I re-read this book more than twice.

Another heart-shattering book was Shelley Reads novel “Go as a river”, which I had found in my mothers book cupboard in the basement. „There is a kind of sadness that transcends sadness, that runs like hot syrup into every crevice of your being.“ – this is another quote that is imprinted in my brain since then, just as much as a pin I found on pinterest, saying: “There are two tragedies in life. One is to loose your hearts desire, the other is to gain it.” Hell yes. I might not have gotten the full meaning behind it at the sweet age of 18, but I would come back to it too often in my 20s.

Adulthood: Growth Through Self-Help and Positive Psychology

After finishing school, I spent a year  in the states as an au pair, which gave me plenty of challenges and a ton of time to reflect and think about my future. During this time, I discovered self-help books and positive psychology, which changed the way I saw myself and the world around me. Books became less about escape and more about empowerment… and it was about time.
You are very welcome, 20 year old me.

Whether it was reading about resilience, addiction, mental health strategies, or productivity tools, these books gave me practical tools to grow. I started journaling, reflecting on my experiences, and integrating what I learned from my readings into my daily life. Which was a huge step towards better mental health, a happy family and, professionally speaking, a fulfilling career and a masters degree in Health Psychology, but I obviously didnt know that yet.

Books like Flowers in the Attic and Twilight (don’t judge me. This is a safe space!) were also part of my reading list during this phase, but they served more as entertainment while the heavier, more introspective reads shaped the path I was walking toward self-improvement. That sounds pretty heavy and it was at first. I’m beyond thankful for people like Malcom Gladwell, Kelly McGonigall and many others, who wrote about complex topics in a way even a non-native speaker could process it.

Present Day: Where Books and Personal Growth Meet

Now, as I look back, it’s clear to me that books didn’t just entertain or distract me—they made me. They inspired me to DO and not just READ and/or THINK (although I do that a lot, still). Every phase of my life was marked by the books I read, each one teaching me something new about the world or myself. From magical childhood adventures to profound reflections on human nature, books have been my constant companions.

And now, through GlimmerReads, I want to share that gift with you. Whether you’re looking for a book to help you escape, relax, reflect, or grow, I hope you’ll find the same kind of inspiration I did. Words have the power to transform us—page by page, chapter by chapter. Let’s continue the journey together!

If you are interested in any of the professional, non-fiction books I learned from and ground my everyday therapy work in, read on throughout the blog or feel welcome to join our Online Book Club, called GlimmerReads.

Now, Action! On to the tangible, hands-on prompting part:

If you want to sit down (or take a walk) and reflect on your own reading history throughout your life, I have listed a few prompts for you to use. Feel free to reach out and let me know about your favorite books, your journey and take-aways from must-read pages!

30+ Prompts to Recreate Your Own Reading Journey

1. What is the first book you remember being read to you as a child? Wo read it to you? How did it make you feel?
2. Do you still own a book from your childhood?
3. Think of a book that made you feel like you were traveling to a new world. What was the book, and where did it take you?
4. Was there a book that you read in school that you couldn’t put down? What drew you in?
5. What was the worst book for you that you had to read in school?
6. Did you even like reading in school, or when did you pick up on it?
7. Name a book that helped you through a difficult time in your life. How did it comfort or inspire you?
8. What’s a book you read during childhood that you still think about today? Why has it stuck with you?
9. Who is your favorite character from a book you read when you were young? How did they influence you?
10. What book did you re-read the most as a teenager? What was it about that book that resonated with you?
11. Can you recall a book you read that changed your perspective on a major issue? What was it, and what did you learn?
12. Think of a book that inspired you to take action in your life—whether it was a small change or something bigger. What was it?
13. Was there a book that made you feel understood during a period of loneliness or self-discovery?
14. Which book from your teenage years do you feel helped shape your sense of identity? How so?
15. Describe a book that made you cry. What emotions did it bring up, and why?
16. What is a book that introduced you to a new way of thinking? What did you learn from it?
17. Was there a book that made you see yourself in a character for the first time? How did that change your understanding of yourself?
18. Which fantasy or fictional world from a book do you wish you could live in? Why does it appeal to you?
19. What’s the most recent book that has profoundly impacted your life? How did it influence your thinking?
20. Think of a book that you struggled to read, but finished anyway. How did you feel about it afterward?
21. What book would you recommend to your younger self? Why would it have been important for you at that time?
22. Which author has had the greatest influence on your personal philosophy or outlook on life?
23. What was the first “big” book (in size or depth) you remember reading? How did you feel about tackling something that felt challenging?
24. Think of a book that made you see the world differently. What was the book, and what changed for you?
25. Was there a book that inspired your career path or life direction? How did it help you make that choice?
26. Which book has taught you the most about relationships—whether romantic, familial, or friendships?
27. What book made you question something you always believed to be true? How did it shape your thinking?
28. Name a book that you associate with a specific person in your life (e.g., a parent, grandparent, friend). Why do you connect that book to them?
29. What book did you turn to for comfort during a difficult time? What made it comforting?
30. Think of a time when a book helped you overcome a personal challenge or fear. How did the story or characters influence you?
31. Which non-fiction book has made the biggest impact on your personal growth? What lessons have stayed with you?
32. What’s the most surprising book you’ve ever read (in terms of genre, story, or lessons)? How did it differ from your usual reading habits?
33. If you could gift one book to someone to help them understand who you are, which one would it be, and why?
    
    If you find any of these prompts useful, or would love me to add another one to the list, please write it down in the comments.