The Impact of Book Genres on My Life Journey

Throughout my life, I have been drawn to different genres of books that have influenced my perspective, my aspirations, and my daily life. Today, I'll share my journey with you, exploring how genres such as Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Self-Help have impacted me.

Science Fiction: A Lifelong Passion

Science Fiction has been a consistent companion throughout my life. Ever since I saw The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, I became fascinated with the genre. By the time I was around 15 years old, I began to dive into more classic science fiction works, such as those by Edmund Cooper. I love the way it combines imagination and reality, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

While I occasionally dabble in horror, I have found it difficult to fully embrace fantasy. In a way, fantasy allows us to explore the fantastical elements that exist within our real world. In George R R Martin's words, 'The best fantasy is written in the language of dreams. It is alive as dreams are alive, more real than real … for a moment at least … that long magic moment before we wake.' Fantasy enriches our understanding of the real world by allowing us to see it through a lens of wonder and possibility.

Fantasy: A Window to Our Lives

Fantasy is a genre that allows us to explore the realities of our lives through the lens of the impossible. It helps us appreciate the magic and beauty of the world around us. In his blog post, George R R Martin beautifully captures the essence of fantasy, describing it as a 'silver and scarlet indigo and azure obsidian veined with gold and lapis lazuli,' compared to the mundane reality of 'plywood and plastic done up in mud brown and olive drab'. Fantasy tastes like 'habaneros and honey cinnamon and cloves rare red meat and wines as sweet as summer,' while reality is 'beans and tofu and ashes at the end.'

Fantasy transports us to worlds like Middle Earth and Gormenghast, where the impossible becomes the norm. It offers us a chance to dream and believe in the extraordinary. When I die, I’d sooner go to Middle Earth, rather than heaven, as George R R Martin puts it.

Financial Independence Self-Help: Navigating The Modern World

As I enter a more mature phase of life, I find myself drawn towards genres that offer practical guidance on navigating the complexities of modern life. Books on financial independence, literacy, and investing have become more influential to me. Some works that I have absolutely loved and always return to are:

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason, which provides timeless advice on wealth management. Money Master the Game by Anthony Robbins, which offers insights on how to achieve financial success. Flipping Burgers to Flipping Millions by Bernard Kelly, which gives practical tips on converting humble beginnings into significant wealth.

In addition, my love for running has been enriched by a collection of books that have impacted me deeply. These include:

Zen and the Art of Running by Larry Shapiro, which explores the spiritual aspects of running. Running with the Mind of Meditation by Sakhyong Mipham, which combines running with mindfulness practices. Running and Being by Dr. George Sheehan, which delves into the philosophical and emotional aspects of running.

Lastly, self-help books have played a significant role in shaping my mindset and personal growth. Books like these reveal that at certain points in our lives, certain genres of books can call to us. If we surrender to that urge, life may take a path that we wouldn't have dreamed of.

So, whether you’re into science fiction for its imaginative realm, fantasy for its enchanting realism, or self-help for its practical guidance, there is a genre out there that can speak directly to your soul.