Have you read a book recently that had an impact on you, your life or the way you think? Let us know and check out some great responses from the community below.

Jessica Jená | Mom, Purpose Coach, Founder of the Jessica Jená Podcast, speaker and educator

One of my favorite books is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. This book made a huge impact on me because it reminded me that we each have a purpose and that nothing happens by happenstance. If pay attention to the “omens” we will end up exactly where we are meant to be when we are suppose to get there. Read more>>

Elizabeth Sumpter | Teacher & Photographer

Currently I am reading ‘Will’ by Will Smoth. The book is AMAZING! I do not read books often but received it for Christmas. I didn’t know that this book would be giving me insight on my life. In one of the first chapters, he talks about a wall he has to build with his brother. And he kept looking at this wall as this massive piece that he had to build. His dad told him to stop thinking about how big it is and worry about laying the small bricks. This is true in my career and life. I know I want to be successful, but I am not 100% there, yet. I can however, keep capturing photos for people, that will last a lifetime, and eventually, I will get where I want to be. Read more>>

TeMika Grooms | Illustrator, Muralist & Visual Storyteller

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho was given to me many years ago when I was navigating massive shifts in my personal life and career. This book showed up when I was at a cross-road, ready to make a choice, but unsure of which direction to choose. Santiago’s journey in this story changed my perception of how we interact with the world. Each of us is connected to one another and to our environment in ways that we may not perceive. This connection guides us on the path of our own “Hero’s Journey” if we are willing and open to say yes to the experience. Read more>>

Janelle Sy’mone | Musical Artist

I’m an avid reader, so I’m going to really enjoy answering this question. I’ve recently read “Punch Me Up To The Gods” by Brian Broome, and in it he details what it was like growing up different. I really resonated with him and how he just wanted to be love for all of who he was, especially by the people who mattered the most. When Brian wrote, “I wonder if God would take me in my condition”-I sobbed. I know how it feels ….to be told that you’re “incorrect”, that you’re not worthy or capable of being loved. So many of us are still searching for ourselves in the face of God—asking him are we here on purpose—with purpose. To this day, it’s still one of the most revelatory books I’ve ever read. Read more>>