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

Reading has always been a significant part of my life, offering windows into different worlds and perspectives. Among the many books that have influenced me, three stand out for their profound impact on my personal growth and view of the world. Here, I share my experiences with Norwegian Wood, Cien años de soledad, and The Legend of the Condor Heroes.

1. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

If there’s an author who has significantly influenced my life, it’s Haruki Murakami. My journey with Murakami’s works began in high school, thanks to a classmate who was a big fan. This shared interest formed the foundation of a deep friendship. Norwegian Wood was the first Murakami book I read, and it remains the one I have revisited the most.

The novel’s protagonist, Watanabe Toru, reflects on his youth at 37, a perspective I’ve appreciated more deeply as I’ve aged. When I first read it at 16, it felt like tasting forbidden fruit. My friend and I were both curious and puzzled by the complex relationships depicted. The pervasive sadness and sense of powerlessness resonated with me, highlighting that love isn’t a panacea for life’s challenges.

As I grew older, I found myself identifying more with the solitude and existential themes in Murakami’s work. By the time I turned 37, I felt a profound connection to Watanabe’s reflections. A business trip coincided with my birthday, and a message from my friend about Norwegian Wood triggered a powerful wave of nostalgia. Time had flown, and I was no longer the young boy who first discovered Murakami’s world, but a middle-aged man shaped by similar feelings of solitude and introspection.

2. Cien años de soledad by Gabriel García Márquez

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez is another book that has left an indelible mark on me. The magical realism that permeates the story captured my imagination from the very first line: “Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.”

This opening sentence has inspired my own writing, particularly when crafting stories with flashback elements. The life of Colonel Aureliano Buendía and the intricate, magical narrative of the Buendía family drew me in completely. Whether viewed as a standalone story or as a reflection of Latin America’s dramatic changes, the book is unforgettable.

While I may have forgotten some details of Colonel Aureliano’s life, the powerful imagery and themes of the book remain with me. Márquez’s other works, such as Love in the Time of Cholera and Chronicle of a Death Foretold, have also played significant roles in my reading experience, but One Hundred Years of Solitude stands out for its magical and enduring impact.

3. The Legend of the Condor Heroes by Louis Cha Leung-yung

Growing up in China, martial arts novels held a special place in my heart. Louis Cha Leung-yung (Jin Yong) is my favorite author in this genre, and The Legend of the Condor Heroes is my top pick. I fell in love with martial arts novels in junior middle school, drawn in by their immersive plots of revenge, treasure hunting, and war.

However, Louis Cha’s works are more than just entertaining stories. As a historian, he skillfully blends real historical events with fictional characters, giving his novels a depth that goes beyond typical martial arts tales. In The Legend of the Condor Heroes, Cha creates an expansive narrative that intertwines martial arts with themes of patriotism and cultural integration.

Cha’s portrayal of chivalry and his characters’ dedication to serving their country and people resonated with me deeply. This novel not only entertained me but also instilled values of justice and honor that have influenced my life.

Honorable Mentions

While these three books have had the most profound impact on me, many others have shaped my thoughts and experiences. The Great Gatsby and Der Zauberberg were extensions of my Murakami phase, recommended by him through his characters. L’Amant and The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter offered insights into the minds of women and the complexities of human emotions. On the Road provided a sense of adventure and freedom, while The Story of the Stone revealed the depth of Chinese classics through a historian’s lens. Lastly, Les Misérables inspired me with its powerful themes of justice and humanity.

Each of these books has played a crucial role in my life, contributing to my growth and understanding of the world. They are more than stories; they are companions that have guided me through different phases of my journey.