As an author who writes across multiple genres—science fiction, fantasy romance, philosophy, and children's STEM books—I'm often asked: "What books influenced your writing?"
The truth is, great books transcend genre boundaries. A children's book can teach profound lessons about curiosity. A fantasy novel can explore deep philosophical questions. A science fiction story can reveal truths about human connection.
Today, I want to share 10 books that fundamentally changed how I think about reality, love, learning, and storytelling. These aren't just books I enjoyed—they're books that shifted my perspective and influenced the stories I write.
Science Fiction & Philosophy
1. "Permutation City" by Greg Egan
If you've ever wondered about the nature of consciousness and reality, this book will blow your mind. Egan explores what it means to exist in a simulated reality with such rigor and imagination that you'll question your own existence.
Why it matters: This book directly inspired my own exploration of consciousness in The Observer-Reality Nexus. The questions Egan raises about identity, continuity of consciousness, and the nature of reality are endlessly fascinating.
2. "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
Le Guin's masterpiece isn't just great science fiction—it's a profound meditation on gender, culture, and what it means to be human. Set on a planet where inhabitants can change gender, the story challenges our assumptions about identity and relationships.
Why it matters: Le Guin taught me that science fiction is the perfect vehicle for exploring social and philosophical questions. Her elegant prose and deep empathy for her characters set a standard I aspire to in my own work.
3. "Gödel, Escher, Bach" by Douglas Hofstadter
This isn't a novel—it's a journey through consciousness, mathematics, art, and music. Hofstadter weaves together seemingly disparate threads to explore the nature of mind and meaning.
Why it matters: This book shaped how I think about patterns, recursion, and emergence—themes that appear throughout my philosophy books like The Universal Mind.
Fantasy Romance
4. "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas
This book reminded me why I fell in love with fantasy in the first place. Maas creates a world that's both dangerous and enchanting, with characters who feel real despite the magical setting.
Why it matters: The way Maas balances romance, action, and world-building influenced how I approached my own Crown of Shadows series. She proves that "romantasy" can be both swoon-worthy and substantive.
5. "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
Morgenstern's prose is pure magic. Every sentence is crafted with care, creating an atmosphere so vivid you can smell the caramel and smoke of the circus.
Why it matters: This book taught me the power of atmosphere and sensory detail. Fantasy isn't just about plot—it's about creating a world readers want to live in.
6. "Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
Dark, morally complex, and utterly addictive. Black's faerie world is beautiful and brutal, with characters who make questionable choices that somehow feel completely justified.
Why it matters: Black showed me that readers crave complexity. Heroes don't have to be perfect, and villains don't have to be purely evil. The gray areas are where the best stories live.
Children's Books & STEM
7. "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown
A robot stranded on an island learns to survive and connect with nature. It's a children's book, but it explores profound questions about consciousness, belonging, and what it means to be alive.
Why it matters: This book inspired my approach to Zara's Robot Friend. Brown proves that children's books can tackle big ideas while remaining accessible and fun.
8. "Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty
A picture book about a girl who loves to invent, even when her creations fail. The message—that failure is part of the creative process—is one every child (and adult) needs to hear.
Why it matters: This book reinforced my belief that STEM education should celebrate curiosity and resilience, not just right answers. That philosophy runs through all my children's books, including Lilypad: A Coding Adventure.
Memoir & Inspiration
9. "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott
This isn't just a book about writing—it's a book about life, creativity, and finding meaning in the chaos. Lamott's humor and honesty make it a joy to read.
Why it matters: Every time I face writer's block or self-doubt, I return to this book. Lamott reminds me why I write: not for perfection, but for connection and truth.
10. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl
Frankl's account of surviving the Holocaust and his development of logotherapy—the idea that meaning is central to human existence—is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Why it matters: This book shaped my understanding of resilience and purpose. It's why I wrote Against All Odds: Resilience and Triumph—to explore how we find meaning in the face of adversity.
What These Books Taught Me
Looking at this list, I see patterns emerging:
- Great books ask big questions – Whether it's about consciousness, identity, or purpose, the best books make us think.
- Genre is just a tool – Science fiction, fantasy, memoir—these are just different lenses for exploring what it means to be human.
- Emotion and intellect aren't opposites – The most powerful books engage both our hearts and our minds.
- Stories shape how we see the world – Every book we read changes us, even in small ways.
Your Turn
These are the books that shaped me as a reader and writer. But everyone's list is different—and that's what makes reading so magical.
What books changed how you think? I'd love to hear your recommendations in the comments or on social media!
And if you're looking for your next read, I hope you'll check out my books:
- Science Fiction & Philosophy: The Observer-Reality Nexus, The Quantum Frontier
- Fantasy Romance: Crown of Shadows series
- Children's STEM: Zara's Robot Friend, Lilypad: A Coding Adventure
- Memoir: Against All Odds: Resilience and Triumph
Happy reading! 📚✨