Looking back, I wish I’d read more books when I was younger. In high school, I mostly did just enough to get by. It’s funny, though, because I later ended up teaching English and Literature—subjects I struggled with back then. Now, I can’t help but think that some of those novels might have helped me better understand the world or even become a better person. These three novels, in particular, stand out as ones that could have truly shaped my perspective.
To Kill a Mockingbird
This book is filled with life lessons I wish I had learned earlier. We all knew a Boo Radley in some form. I was someone who always wanted to make a difference and improve the world, much like Atticus. Jem and Scout represented innocence, but were exposed to the harsh realities around them. My favorite line from the book is, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view […] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” This quote would have been so helpful in my arrogant, cocky, and judgmental late teens and early 20s.
The Great Gatsby
Reading The Great Gatsby taught me the importance of keeping ambition in check and learning to focus on what truly matters. Through Nick Carraway’s eyes, we see the lavish Gatsby parties and the desire to have it all. But as the story unfolds, Nick is left disappointed, showing how the American Dream isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Moby Dick
I’ll admit, I was intimidated by the size and complexity of Moby Dick when I first encountered it. But I’ll never forget my teacher’s passion when reading the first line, “Call me Ishmael.” Later in life, I read the book during multiple beach trips and was amazed by the symbolism. Symbolism matters, but the real lesson is that obsession can destroy well-being and relationships.
Each of these novels explores different themes and stories. But they all connect to this Buddha quote: “In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.