I’ve read hundreds of books that have impacted me with profound teachings, inspired me to be a better person, and encouraged me in my walk with God. The following five books changed my life, and these are listed in chronological order.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This was my favorite book as a girl and it still takes me to a historical setting. At the mention of the title, I’m sitting around a warm crackling fire with Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. From Alcott’s book, I learned about faith and family, wants and needs. I saw how varied personalities and differences of opinion are good. I appreciated the book’s emphasis on love and the meaning of sacrifice. Like Jo, I decided then I wanted to one day be a writer and eventually adopt boys. And I did both.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Until I read this book, I had no idea of Black America’s plight during the era of slavery. Stowe ignited emotions of passion and justice for those trapped by culture and tradition. Upon reading this novel, I made a decision to never judge a person by race, color, or beliefs. One of my favorite quotes is from Abraham Lincoln who allegedly said upon meeting Harriet Beecher Stowe, “So you’re the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war.”
Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
Blackaby’s book and subsequent Bible study and devotional journal opened my eyes to God’s will for my life. I cherished the thought of God extending an invitation for me to come aboard God’s train bound for eternity. This life-long spiritual pursuit of experiencing God touched my heart like none other since the Bible.
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
I can’t imagine anyone not being touched by the power of God in this grace-filled book. Each devotion moved me to walk in Jesus’ footsteps and mirror His love and compassion to others. One Christmas, I gave Jesus Calling to immediate family members so we could walk through Young’s anointed words together. This is a book to reread often.
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Voskamp’s insight opened my eyes to the many ways God blesses me. This sounds a little selfish, but I opened the book during a time when I thought my life should be taking a more generous route. Instead, I was working harder and not sure why. Voskamp’s writings challenged me to list 1000 gifts. As I listed each item, I grew spiritually and became more aware of God’s provision. The easy-to-list gifts filled me with joy, and the unpleasant ones laid the groundwork for spiritual growth.
DiAnn Mills
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is codirector of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiAnnMills, Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills, or any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
