1. "Braving the Wilderness: The Quest For True Belonging And The Courage To Stand Alone" by Brené Brown

This book is one that was recommended to me and it has changed my life completely. I've always struggled with the concept of "fitting in" or "daring to be myself and showing my vulnerability." Brown speaks on both of these concepts, and her insights on these categories are life changing. I actually have a few pages full of notes/annotations that I wrote from reading this book.

2. "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert (the same woman who wrote "Eat, Pray, Love")

I just recently finished reading this book and I was completely blown away not only by how much I could relate to what she was writing about, but I found this book about creativity and inspiration incredibly inspirational. Her talk about the big magic in living a creative life was the gentle kick in the rear that I needed to get myself started on the path of the creativity that I've wanted to lead for the entirety of my life, so far.

3. "You Are A Badass" by Jen Sincero

This book is another creative, gentle-but-firm, kick-in-the-rear kind of read. I've re-read this book a couple of times, and every time I read Sincero's book, I'm left with different things to think about and reflect on.

4. "Hummingbird Heart" by Brittany Morgan 

**(By the way, I'm really not trying to come off as conceited or self-absorbed by including my first book in this list.)**

This was the first book that I'd ever written and the experience of getting all of my emotions out on paper and no longer giving them the power to live inside of me was intensely cathartic. This process was also necessary for me to rise above everything that I've ever been through. (If you want to know the dirt on the unpleasant things I've gone through, some of my other articles get brutally honest about those life events.) In all honesty, writing this first poetry collection helped me to start the process of growing into the woman I'm still working to become.

5. "The Dogs I Have Kissed" by Trista Mateer

This small book is hands-down my favorite poetry book of all time. My copy remains well-loved, well annotated, and well worn. This book is incredibly gripping, honest, and full of constant expressions of raw emotion—exactly the way that I believe good poetry should be.

6. "Mouthful of Forevers" by Clementine von Radics

This book is another one of my favorite poetry collections, and von Radics really captures the intensely human connections and emotions that are often left unsaid and unspoken about. I devoured this book, figuratively speaking.

7. "The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One" by Amanda Lovelace

This book was another one that has had a profound effect on my life; I devoured this one as well. This poetry collection is full of empowerment, raw emotions, unabashed honesty, and leaves you feeling like you understand both Lovelace and yourself better, after reading it.

8. "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed

This book-turned-hit-movie chronicles Strayed's own journey hiking the Pacific Coast Trail to become the kind of woman that her deceased mother wanted her to be. It's an incredibly powerful read and serves as a reminder that every single one of us has the power to change his or her own lives, and that it is never too soon or too late in life to become the person that you want to be. This was another book of mine that has been well-loved and well annotated.

9. "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning a classic work that has greatly influenced my life and my worldview. Lee's classic novel about the American south during the trying times of the Civil Rights movement and the dangers of racism and hate, as seen through a young girl's eyes, is one that I still find moving to this day. My copy of Lee's book has been well-worn and well-loved. This book will always remain a staple in my personal library.

10. "Looking For Alaska" by John Green

This book was and still is my favorite Young Adult novel of all time. I carried around my personal copy of Green's book for quite a few years. I fell in love with this book because I once saw myself in the teenager shoes, and after the main plot event of the novel occurs, I used to see bits and pieces of myself in the character of Pudge, too. I still have integral quotes of this novel memorized, and I honestly feel that when you begin to memorize quotes from your favorite books, the books become a part of you. This book and its quotes are still a part of who I am, and how I view life.