by Theresa Conti
Every week we interview one of our writers on what books have changed their lives. Today is Theresa Conti‘s turn- is a Certified Life Coach, Energy Healing Practitioner, Workshop Facilitator and Author with more than 25 years’ experience.
A Book I’m Currently Reading
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. It’s not my typical genre, but I was inspired to learn more about Hamilton (one of the Founding Father’s of the Untied States) after watching Hamilton, an American musical which is set to rap, hip-hop and classical theatrical numbers, and features a mainly all-black and brown cast. I saw the musical on the Disney Channel (sadly, missed the Broadway show), however the show was taped live with the original cast and was captivating. The book is described as an “grand-scale biography at its best,” by David McCullough, one of the book’s reviewers, and is a full 731 pages. I’ve only just begun, but thus far, it’s a fun, interesting and engaging read.
The Book That Changed My Life
There were several when I was in my early teens, including Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee about the slaughter of approximately 150–300 Lakota Indians by United States Army troops in the area of Wounded Knee Creek in southwestern South Dakota. It broke my heart open and deepened my compassion, not only for American Indians, but for people everywhere who suffer displacement and injustice. Another early read was The Winds of War, by Herman Wouk, an historical novel about World War II, which provided me with real-life facts about war and its effects, not only on those who are on the battlefield, but on the repercussions of society and across relationships.
The book that changed my life in a real-life way, however, was Pulling Your Own Strings by Wayne Dyer. It was my first self-help book, and one I read in my early 20’s shortly after separating from my ex-husband and moving back to New York with my 11-month old son. It was an empowering read and helped me take control of my life and set the course for my personal and professional growth.
The Book I Wish I Had Written
I’ve written two books, thus far: I Am the Treasure, a little book of inspirational poetry, and Alphabet Affirmations: Transform Your Life and Love Yourself, both available on Amazon. I am currently working on my third, and have another in the hopper, so my wishes are coming true.
The Book That Had The Greatest Influence On Me
I’d have to reiterate what I wrote about Pulling Your Own Strings, by Wayne Dyer, which, while I didn’t know it at the time, set me on the course to become a professional Life Coach and help others fulfill their dreams, and become empowered.
The Book I Couldn’t Finish
I feel a bit embarrassed saying this, given where I live, but it’s Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere, by Jan Morris. I found it dry and couldn’t get into it, even though I gave it several tries, and know others love and have praised it. Perhaps it will resonate in the future. (Sorry Jan!)
The Book I Give As a Gift
I’ve given away several copies of Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, by Susan Jeffers, Ph.D.- another read which supported my own my own journey of personal and spiritual growth, and one I wanted to share with friends and clients. It’s filled with helpful exercises that lead us into living more courageous lives. I met Dr. Jeffers in New York and got her permission to use some of the material in her book in my own workshops. She was a wonderful woman with a beautiful soul and am grateful for her contributions.
My Comfort Read
Two of my comfort reads are The Five People You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom, which follows the life and death of a ride mechanic who’s killed in an amusement park accident and sent to heaven where he meets five people who had a significant impact on his life.
Another is The Prayer Chest, by August Gold and Joel Fotinas, a beautiful and inspiring story about a man who finds a mysterious wooden box in his attic and a secret that changes his life.
