The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Submitted by: Anonymous

Generally, what inspires you to read?
I am a bibliophile.

At what age did you first read The Great Gatsby?
In college.

How did you come to read this book?
I do not remember.

Why has this book inspired you?
It deals with possibilities that never happen.

In reading this book, how has your life been influenced?
It made me want my dreams to true.

Driven From Within by Michael Jordan and Mark Vancil

Submitted by: Anonymous

Generally, what inspires you to read?
The thrill of learning something new.

At what age did you first read Driven From Within?
22 years old.

How did you come to read this book?
I don't remember.

Why has this book inspired you?
It shows what it takes to reach your goals and to push yourself.

In reading this book, how has your life been influenced?
It has made me more determined to reach my personal goals and to be the best I can be.

A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer

Submitted by: Anonymous

Generally, what inspires you to read?
It is relaxing to read.

At what age did you first read A Child Called "It"?
45 years old.

How did you come to read this book?
A friend told me about it.

Why has this book inspired you?
It was a true story about how a mother could mistreat a child.

In reading this book, how has your life been influenced?
To never mistreat a child.

Cartoon History of the United States by Larry Gonick

Submitted by: Anonymous

Generally, what inspires you to read?
Magazine Covers.

At what age did you first read Cartoon History of the United States?
28 years old.

How did you come to read this book?
Interested in U.S. history.

Why has this book inspired you?
U.S. history is so simple and disorganized.

In reading this book, how has your life been influenced?
I feel the need to be more proactive in life.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Submitted by: Sarah Snyder

Generally, what inspires you to read?
A good series.

At what age did you first read The Art of War?
20 years old.

How did you come to read this book?
Given to me by my brother who is in the navy.

Why has this book inspired you?
It makes me try harder to fulfill my dreams.

In reading this book, how has your life been influenced?
It helps to give you confidence and strength to achieve your goals.

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn

Submitted by: John Santhew

Generally, what inspires you to read?
Gaining new insights or interesting subject matter.

At what age did you first read Ishmael?
21 years old.

How did you come to read this book?
Recommendation by a friend.

Why has this book inspired you?
It gives a new perspective on the world we live in, and it makes you think.

In reading this book, how has your life been influenced?
It's really made me think about how I've been living and how I can change my life to live less selfishly and think more about the planet than myself.

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

Submitted by: Nigel Spudes

Generally, what inspires you to read?
A book's uniqueness and deviation from normality.

At what age did you first read A Clockwork Orange?
Sixteen.

How did you come to read this book?
Recommendation from a friend.

Why has this book inspired you?
It made me think differently about language and morality.

In reading this book, how has your life been influenced?
It has shown me the disconnect between the youth and the elders and the dangers of ignorance of that.