When I was teaching high school writing and literature, I found myself re-reading the same books with my students year after year. Each time, those books seemed to shine a new light on something different, helping me gain a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. Every now and then, I’d throw in a new book or two, but I always came back to these three. They just had a way of sticking with me.
Tuesday’s with Morrie
This book has taught me so much over the years. As we grow older and gain more experience, wisdom really does evolve, and that’s so clear in Morrie’s reflections. His understanding of death and acceptance comes from a place of deep, lived experience. The way he’s so open about the last months of his life really hits home. His vulnerability, along with his thoughts on love, connection, and living with intention, reminds us all how important those things are.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Each time I read To Kill a Mockingbird, I find something new or relate to a character in a different way. Harper Lee paints a complex picture of human behavior, showing both its beauty and ugliness. Atticus evolves in his pursuit of justice, while Scout and Jem’s understanding of life changes dramatically as they witness racial prejudice and the treatment of people like Boo Radley. Even the secondary characters feel relatable, reflecting issues that are still relevant today.
Of Mice and Men
Of Mice and Men is one of the saddest books I’ve ever read, but it tells the powerful story of two migrant workers chasing a better life. George and Lennie dream of owning their own farm instead of working for others. George sacrifices his own dream, taking on the responsibility of caring for Lennie, which shows just how loyal he is. Set during the Great Depression, the novel shines a light on poverty and loneliness, making the characters’ struggles all the more real and heartbreaking.
These three books have stayed with me because they offer timeless lessons on humanity, love, and the struggles we all face. Whether it’s finding meaning in life, understanding the complexity of justice, or navigating the harsh realities of dreams, they continue to resonate and teach, no matter how many times I revisit them.
