Underrated and Unforgettable: Reads that Reshaped My Views

Daily writing prompt

List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?

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• Clemence McLaren – Aphrodite’s Blessings
• Lisa Scott – Office Flirts! 5 Romantic Short Stories “Office Prank”
• James Hurst – The Scarlet Ibis

I first read Aphrodite’s Blessings in my first year in high school. Back then, I was new on so many accounts, from school life to being a resident of a big city. My only solace was the library on the second floor. I studied, read manga, and shelved books in my free time, but mostly, I kept to myself. When I came across Aphrodite’s Blessings, I found it different from the typical romance stories I loved to read. The stories were based on Greek myths with a feminine twist. It was my first time reading a romance where the heroine(s) yearned for independence. This book sparked my inner critic regarding strong female characters, even if I didn’t know it then. I remember feeling a mix of admiration and inspiration as I read about these independent heroines, and it was a turning point in my understanding of gender roles and expectations.

Second, Office Prank was an iconic office-tricksters-turned-lovers book on my list. This book introduced me to love outside of myths and fairy tales. Real-world passion and problems. I found Jenny relatable on many levels, and I often saw the issues surrounding her in myself. Her struggles with work-life balance, her desire for personal growth, and her journey to find love in unexpected places resonated deeply with me. Watching Jenny muddle through her troubles to find happiness gave me hope.

I could pinpoint when I was given The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst during my early high school years to read as an assignment. Hurst skillfully explores themes of love, pride, and the complexities of sibling relationships; however, the resolution of The Scarlet Ibis is what opened my mind. My lips were sore from how many times I bit them to keep from crying in front of my classmates. I won’t spoil the story by hand-delivering the ending, but it made me want to be a better sibling. One whose love outweighed her ego. This realization led me to make a conscious effort to be more understanding and supportive of my siblings.