1445 followers

Follow

Follow

Follow

1/7

3 saved

5

12

Books that shaped me!

Posted this on TikTok also! #books 📚#lemon8bookclub #Lemon8Diary #shareyourthoughts

2025/3/5 Edited to

Books hold a unique power to shape our beliefs, values, and experiences. They can transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new ideas, and allow us to connect with diverse perspectives. In this article, I share a selection of books from various stages of my life that have played significant roles in my personal development. Starting from beloved childhood books like 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle and 'Strega Nona' by Tomie dePaola, these stories not only entertain but teach valuable lessons about life, friendship, and empathy. Transitioning to middle school, series like 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins and 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' by Lemony Snicket fueled my love for adventurous narratives and complex characters. In high school, literary works such as 'The Virgin Suicides' by Jeffrey Eugenides and 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt introduced me to a deeper understanding of social dynamics and human psychology. These narratives challenged my understanding of morality and the intricacies of human relationships. As I ventured into adulthood, books such as 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh and 'Daisy Jones & The Six' by Taylor Jenkins Reid highlighted contemporary themes of identity, mental health, and the search for fulfillment in modern society. These stories resonate with many readers today, reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Ultimately, the beauty of literature lies in its ability to connect us across generations and cultures. I invite you to explore your own literary journey and discover which books have shaped you. What are your all-time favorites? Let's share our thoughts and continue this important conversation.

12 comments

🎀 lorraine + lorelei 🎀

I remember a bad case of stripes from when I was really little. I used to LOVE it!!

Omg Strega Nona!! Will always be my fav

Related posts

Books that taught me more than an MBA degree

An MBA is great, don't get me wrong, but it was these dog-eared paperbacks that *really* shaped me 📚💼 I'm talking about the kind of books that make you rethink everything you thought you know about business. The ones that stay with you long after you've turned the final page. They ta

842 likes

books that shaped me 📚📖🌸

this trend literally made me SOB with nostalgia. looking back at old pictures and these books I almost forgot existed was so bittersweet. I started reading super early because I was trying to keep up with my two older sisters, and I ended up falling in love with it. I had a lull in high school,

740 likes

A witchy aesthetic setup featuring two lit candles, a dark hand-shaped object, and other mystical decor. Text overlays read "Witchy books you must read" and "BOOKS That shaped me" with five stars, suggesting recommended reading.

Witchy books 📚

#witchybooks #practicalmagic #witchyaesthetic

187 likes

Books that shaped me ✨📚

I haven’t read a new book in so long, but I fear I’ll never find a series better than these.🤌🏻 #reading📖 #books 🫶🏼 #read📚 #book recommendations #booklover

14 likes

A collage of four images showcasing a person's lean and shaped stomach and waist from different angles. The central text overlay reads, 'How I keep my stomach lean and shaped.'

A white screen with black text listing 'Workout influencers on YouTube I love and follow!' including Lily Sabri, Gabriella Whited, and Vicky Justiz. A large black arrow points right, indicating to swipe.

A YouTube video screenshot titled 'How To Reduce Your Waist With My New 10 Day Workout Challenge' by Funfitt with Susana Yábar. The thumbnail shows a woman's midsection with hands on her stomach.

How I keep my stomach lean and shaped

First thing genetics plays a big role in the shape of my waist. There’s workouts you can do to maintain it and get definition but it won’t change your bone structure. What I did was first do a lot of cardio and did a calorie deficit. I ran on the treadmill everyday and in the beginning was only

51.6K likes

Books that shaped me 📚

Please comment some of your own! I am always looking for more to read:) #books #BookReview #bookrecommendation #bookwormsoflemon8 #book recommendations #bookclub #whattoread

88 likes

A stack of five books on a wooden surface, with text overlays "BOOKS THAT Shaped me" and "Goodreads Rating 4.01". Book titles include "The Cello Suites" and "Women on Women".

A close-up of the book "I Love Me More" by Jenna Banks, subtitled "How to Find Happiness & Success Through Self-Love", featuring a fingerprint heart design.

A close-up of the book "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins, described as "A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About", with a green and white cover.

Books that shaped me

Let me know in the comments if you have any recommendations!! #booksthatchangedmylife #selfhelpbooks #reading📚 #books 📚 #mindset

49 likes

🤯📚🌎 Books that changed how I view the world 🌎📚🤯

These books shaped me and continue to shape me. They all gave me some insight, or new perspective, that altered how I view the world. Amazing, life changing books if you really listen to their message. What are some books that changed your perspective/view of the world? - #lemon8bookclub #l

891 likes

A statue of a woman with arms raised, draped in fabric, with text overlays "I'm just a girl" and "Books about strong women for strong women."

Four book covers: 'The Third Gilmore Girl' by Kelly Bishop, 'Venus and Aphrodite' by Bettany Hughes, 'Young & Damned & Fair' by Gareth Russell, and 'I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself' by Glynnis MacNicol.

Three book covers: 'The Missing Thread: A Women's History of the Ancient World' by Daisy Dunn, 'Lilith' by Nikki Marmery, and 'Cleopatra: A Life' by Stacy Schiff.

Books for Strong Women 🩰

For all my strong women out there who need to be reminded just how strong they are 💪🏻🫀🫶🏻 #womenthatread #lemon8bookclub #womenauthors #embracevulnerability #womensupportingwomen

4733 likes

Books That Shaped Me📚✨

I’ve always been a reader, I have my mom to thank for that. 😊 I LOVE books though. What books did you read as a kid? Any of mine match with what you remember? What books do you recommend? #childhoodbooks #books 🫶🏼 #lemon8bookclub #bookrecommendations #BookReview

8 likes

Books that left me questioning life itself

There are some books that don't just tell a story, they leave a mark on your soul. I've stumbled upon a few that did just that, turning my world upside down and making me question everything I thought I knew. One book took me on a raw and emotional journey, forcing me to confront the har

687 likes

Two women in graduation gowns are surrounded by book covers including 'Junie B. Jones,' 'The Mistake,' 'Mockingjay,' 'It Ends With Us,' 'A Thousand Broken Pieces,' and 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before,' with text 'THE BOOKS THAT MADE ME.'

A childhood photo of a young girl is surrounded by book covers like 'Magic Tree House,' 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid,' and 'Junie B. Jones,' with the text 'Elementary' indicating books from that period.

A cutout photo of a young woman is surrounded by book covers including 'Firegirl,' 'The Hunger Games,' and 'The Rules of Survival,' with the text 'Middle School' indicating books from that period.

Books That Shaped Me into Who I Am 📚

📚 The Books That Made Me From playgrounds to college dorms, and now into real-life routines—these are the books that shaped me. ❤️ ✨ Elementary Back when my biggest worry was returning my library books on time, stories were filled with magic, friendship, and imagination. These books taught me

228 likes

A person wearing glasses and a 'GOD IS GOOD' sweatshirt takes a mirror selfie, with text overlay '5 Christian Books that have shaped the way I think'.

A hand holds a Holy Bible with an abstract painted cover, resting on a fluffy white surface. Text indicates it's '1. THE BIBLE OF COURSE' and 'THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL'.

A hand holds the book 'Relational Intelligence' by Dr. Dharius Daniels, featuring a green and black circle design. Text states '2. RELATIONAL INTELLIGENCE' and describes its impact on viewing relationships.

5 Christian books that have shaped the way I think

#christianbooks #christianbookstudy #christian #lemon8christian

190 likes

A hand holds the red cover of George Orwell's book "1984," featuring a large eye illustration and the author's name. The text mentions its insights on power and control.

A hand holds the book "Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office" by Lois P. Frankel, PhD, with the subtitle "Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers."

Books that Altered my Brain Chemistry 📖

Reading has always been more than just a pastime for me—it’s shaped how I think, approach life, and interact with others. Here are a few books that changed the way I see the world: 1. 1984 by George Orwell This book made me realize just how much power and truth can shape society. Its dark warni

746 likes

5 romance books that changed me in 2025! 💘🫶🏻📚

📚 5 Books That Changed Me in 2025 These aren’t just books I read, they’re books that stuck with me, shaped how I think about love, timing, and stories I crave!! ✨ The Seven Year Slip: Ashley Poston Reminded me that love and grief aren’t linear. Some things arrive exactly when you’re ready.

20 likes

books that shaped me 📚

here’s my contribution to book8 !! which is what i’ll be calling lemon8’s version of booktok lmao. all jokes aside this series really is in my top 3 easilyyyy just because of how much it changed my brain chemistry the first time i read it. me and nathan literally rewatch the movie’s multiple times

39 likes

A collection of eight books laid out on a wooden surface, including 'Push' by Sapphire, 'The Shards' and 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis, 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison, 'Lady Sings the Blues' by Billie Holiday, 'Salvation' by bell hooks, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, and 'Wonder Bread and Ecstasy' by Charles Isherwood.

📚 The Books That Shaped Me — As a Writer, Creative

From Beloved to American Psycho, this collection is as complex, provocative, and unapologetic as my voice. These stories taught me about pain, power, race, love, sex, and survival. They’re not just books — they’re blueprints for storytelling that disrupts, reveals, and reclaims. This is the lite

8 likes

✨childhood books that shaped me & my writing✨

I was skimming through The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, and I realized something. That poor bunny thinks the same way the MC of my WIP does. It made me emotional to recognize that 8 year old Kali felt so moved by a story that, almost a decade later, she’d pull from

5 likes

A person with red hair and glasses, with red paint on their hand, is framed against a background of blue flowers. Overlay text reads "Swipe LEFTIST BOOKS That shaped me" with five stars.

The book cover for "WILD FAITH HOW THE CHRISTIAN RIGHT IS TAKING OVER AMERICA" by Talia Lavin. The title features a red snake design.

The book cover for "1491 NEW REVELATIONS OF THE AMERICAS BEFORE COLUMBUS" by Charles C. Mann, featuring a small illustration of a circular settlement.

My reads for 2025 absolutely changed so much about what I already knew and helped me grow more as a Leftist 📚🌱 #Books #Growth #Leftism #holocaustbook #leftistlogic

7 likes

Books that will change your mindset ✨🥰

As a single mom, discipline is my superpower. Atomic Habits and The Power of Habit taught me that consistency beats perfection—every single time. I’m building the life we deserve, one intentional habit at a time. 📚🫶🏾😍 #readwhatyouown #readingmom #bookstagram #growthmindset🦋🌱 #disciplinedw

57 likes

A stack of five non-fiction books related to forensics and mortality, including 'Body of Work,' 'All That Remains,' '18 Tiny Deaths,' 'Forensics,' and 'Death's Acre,' with 'It's time to Read' and 'My current reads Day 01' overlaid.

A hand holds 'Body of Work' by Christine Montross, a book about meditations on mortality from the human anatomy lab, described as facing mortality beautifully.

A hand holds 'All That Remains' by Sue Black, a book by a forensic scientist on death, mortality, and solving crimes, featuring a skeleton illustration on the cover.

Books books books!

Hey there! Let me share some books that have shaped my thinking in regards to my career. I love to read and I love to learn and I honestly don’t see non-fiction books in relation to a career or multiple disciple track. But, first, some background. My love of reading began with Nancy Drew bo

156 likes

Books that shaped me 🌸📚

Early childhood Haunted Canada Smile by Raina Telgemeier Charlottes Web by B.White City of ember by Jeanne DuPrau witches by roald dahl Middle school a liars truth by internetpistol Four years by lettersinpetals Frankenstein‘s monster by starbeyy sinners by anonymous —> (During mi

8 likes

Books that shaped me 📚📖🌸

As you can probably tell I'm an avid reader through and through so I guess you can take the reader out of me what's your favorite books you've grown up with? #reading📖 #books 🫶🏼 #📚books #lemon8bookclub

14 likes

3 Habits That Shaped my Routine ✨

1. 🥗 Whole, Balanced Meals Focusing on meals that include a good balance of protein, carbs, and veggies. 2. 🌿 More Walks Getting outside for more walks and hikes 3. 🧘‍♀️ Listening to My Body Focusing on strength and recovery in my workouts, and adjusting it based on how I feel! • • •

168 likes

The red book cover for "Sell or Be Sold: How to Get Your Way in Business and in Life" by Grant Cardone, featuring white text and arrows, is displayed as a book that shaped the author's business mindset.

The book cover for "Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents" by Rod Dreher, featuring an orange and black design with a stylized figure holding a staff, is shown as a book that inspired strong personal values.

The book cover for "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It" by Chris Voss, featuring a yellow and red design with a torn paper effect, is presented as a book that sharpened negotiation skills.

Books That Shaped Me 📚 Sales, Freedom & Mindset

These powerful reads changed how I think about business, money, and life. Sell or Be Sold by Grant Cardone taught me confidence in sales, while Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss sharpened my negotiation skills. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss opened my eyes to passive income and freed

1 like

Three books, 'Smart Money Habits', 'Attached', and 'Atomic Habits', are stacked on a white blanket. An overlay reads 'Books that got me through my early 20s' with a sun icon.

An open book, 'Attached', shows pages 96-97 with a section titled 'If You're Anxious, You Should Be Dating Someone Secure Because:'. An overlay says 'FOR THE ONES TRYING TO FIGURE OUT RELATIONSHIPS'.

An open book, 'Attached', displays pages 158-159 detailing 'The Anxious-Avoidant Trap' with a diagram illustrating emotional distance and activation/deactivation between avoidant and anxious individuals.

Books that got me through me early 20s

Looking back on my early 20s I am so proud of younger me for deciding to better myself. I decided to break generational curses and really face my mental health and personal issues head on. I am so thankful I did because it built the foundation I stand on in my everyday life years later. What bo

31 likes

The books that made me ❤️

Lately, I’ve been loving The Books That Made Me trend, so I had to jump on in! These are the stories that shaped me at every stage of life. These books sparked my imagination and fueled my love for storytelling. I'm still very much obsessed with them ✨📚 From the picture books that made me fa

48 likes

✨Books That Shaped Me✨

Although I did not get back into reading until about three years ago, i still remember the #booksthatmademe who I am today! In my childhood i remember going to library class and loving getting a new book every week! Especially a Goosebumps book, if you did not know I was always obsessed with hor

22 likes

Books that shaped the woman I’m becoming

These are the books I didn’t just read… I learned from. I took the lessons, applied them, and let them shift the way I think, move, and show up in my life. Because reading alone doesn’t change you. Understanding does. But applying it… that’s what transforms you. This is the kind of growt

12 likes

🤝🏻 books anthro students secretly love

✨📚 Not assigned reading, but always on the syllabus in spirit: Healing Emotions, Hate You Don't Leave Me, Like Water for Chocolate, Untamed, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and Catalogue of Unabashed Gratitude. These books speak to the questions anthropology students return to again and

18 likes

A stack of books, including titles like 'The Happy Ever After Playlist' and 'Happy Place,' rests on a bed of pink and white tulips. The image has a text overlay that reads 'Self Help Reading'.

The book '101 ESSAYS that will CHANGE the way YOU THINK' by Brianna Wiest is displayed open on a light-colored, rumpled sheet.

A hand holds the book 'WHEN YOU'RE READY THIS IS HOW YOU HEAL' by Brianna Wiest against a plain light background.

Self Help Books

101 Essays to Change the Way You Think Summary: Brianna Wiest explores the interplay between your thoughts, your perceptions, and the way you experience life. She argues that unwanted life circumstances aren't to blame for your bad feelings—only your thoughts about these circumstances are.

414 likes

A person with dreadlocks sits on a bookstore floor, holding Stephen King's 'The Mist' and Franz Kafka's 'Metamorphosis.' Overlay text reads 'Books That Made Me.'

A hand holds the bright green cover of 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein, featuring a tree, an apple, and a boy. Overlay text says 'The Giving Tree.'

A hand holds the gray cover of 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' by Shel Silverstein, illustrated with children and a dog. Overlay text says 'Where The Sidewalk Ends.'

✨📚 Childhood Books That Taught Me Life Lessons🥰✨

✨Growing up, my mom always encouraged me to read (which I LOVE to do), so I enjoyed getting my hands on a fresh book! My favorite day of the week would be Saturday, not because school was out, but because we’d go to the local library and we’d spend about 2-3 hours in there🥰. Because of this consist

52 likes

Books that shaped me

#lemon8bookclub #NewYearNewMe #letthemtheory #mindbodyconnection #fyp

2 likes

Books I want to read

47 likes

Books that shaped my life 📚

“Prompt to Grow” by Isabelle McGee is officially here! If you're ready to dig deeper, reflect honestly, and become the best version of yourself—this is your moment. 📖 Grab your copy today on Amazon and start your journey inward. Because the best investment you'll ever make... is in you.

6 likes

A floral background with orange and grey flowers frames the title 'BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY FAITH' in blue text, indicating a list of influential books.

The book cover for Lysa TerKeurst's 'It's Not Supposed to Be This Way' is shown, featuring a person hanging upside down. A quote below describes it as a comfort during a hard time.

The book cover for Kristen LaValley's 'Even If He Doesn't' displays intricate blue and green patterns. A quote explains it helped the reader understand God's unanswered prayers.

BOOK THAT CHANGED MY FAITH

1. It’s Not Supposed to be This Way. This was such a comfort during a current and ongoing rough season in my life. 2. Even if He Doesn’t. Helped me to make peace with God not answering my prayers a certain way. 3. Captivating. Blew apart everything I ever believed about myself and how God made me

436 likes

A young woman lies smiling amidst green plants, with text overlay "BOOKS THAT SHAPED ME" and "lemon8 @_s00ph_".

A collage of Pre-K/Kindergarten book covers like "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Knuffle Bunny" surrounds a child sticking out their tongue.

A collage of 1st-3rd grade book covers including "The Rainbow Fish" and "Amelia Bedelia" surrounds a smiling girl wearing glasses.

Books that shaped me through my life 🩷

#books #reading📖 Pre-K/Kindergarten Books: - Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess - Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems - Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney - Corduroy by Don Freeman - The Snow Day by Ezra Jack Keats - Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault 1st-3rd -

4 likes

✨Top 3 books for Tarot Lovers ✨

As a seasoned tarot reader and lover of all things occult, I decided to share with y’all my top 3 books I CONTINUOUSLY reach out towards in my growing library. They shaped the way I interpret and interact with tarot! These books are great for beginners who are just dipping their toes into the world

229 likes

Horror Books of 2026 👻

New year: New horror books. Which are you most excited for? #lemon8bookclub #lemon8bookworm #horrorbooks #horrorbookrecommendations #horrorbooktok

180 likes

The cover of 'The Latina Anti-Diet' by Dalina Soto, featuring a colorful illustration of food and kitchenware, with text 'Books to read this fall'.

An open book page with a motivational quote and a Lemon8 BookClub review ticket rating 'The Latina Anti-Diet' five stars as a healthy diet book.

The book's table of contents, showing 'BOOK SUMMARY' and sections like 'Las Dietas and You', 'Fundamentals of Intuitive Eating', and 'The CHULA Method'.

Your average Latina diet book. ⭐️Overall rating: 10/10 #books 🫶🏼 #latinas #lemon8bookclub #healthylifestyle #book recommendations

652 likes

6 Books that changed my life

Each of these books shaped a different part of my life — my mindset, peace, finances, and energy. When you study and apply what you read, your thoughts shift, your standards rise, and your world changes. Start with one. Highlight every line that challenges how you think. Then watch your re

187 likes

Books that shaped me✨

#reading📖 #blackgirlslemon8 #blackgirlreads

0 likes

Books that shaped me 📚✨

The book/series that started your love of reading ☀️ T•Witches series 🌙 I found Book 5: Don't Think Twice and Book 6: Double Jeopardy at my elementary school scholastic book fair in 4th grade. After that I fell in love with reading ever since. I eventually found the rest of the series

3 likes

Books that Shaped Me!

Y’all! These were my absolute FAVORITE books growing up! I really think this is where I get my humor from! #childhoodbooks #nostalgicbooks #funbooks #childrensliterature #lemon8bookclub Day 51/109 of Summer!

9 likes

Books that made me: 27 book recs 🍋

Hi friends 💘 I turned 27 this month! Feels crazy to say but what better way to celebrate than give yall 27 book recs that I’ve loved and that had shaped me into the reader I am today 📖📚 #birthdaybooks #lemon8bookclub #lemon8books #booksoflemon8 #summerbooks

25 likes

See more