The Book that Changed Everything

Prompts

Describe your ‘one book’ that changed everything for you as a reader

There wasn’t just one book that changed everything for me as a reader, it was an entire series. Growing up, the Goosebumps series from the 1990s played a huge role in shaping my relationship with books. Those stories were exciting and spooky, and they made reading feel fun rather than like a chore. They showed me that books could pull me into another world and keep me turning pages because I wanted to know what happened next. That sense of curiosity and excitement stayed with me, even during times when I wasn’t reading much.

How do you feel about reading? Tell me about it

For a long time, I didn’t really enjoy reading. It felt more like something I had to do rather than something I wanted to do. About five years ago, that completely changed. I started discovering books that actually interested me, and reading became something I looked forward to. Since then, I’ve explored several different genres, including comedy, fantasy, and true stories. Fantasy has become especially important to me. It’s now my favorite genre. Reading has turned into a way to relax, escape, and connect with ideas and emotions in a way I didn’t experience before.

What Types of Books do you like to read?

I mostly enjoy reading fantasy now. I love stories that allow me to step away from the real world and completely lose myself in another place. Books with strong world-building, meaningful characters, and a sense of wonder really draw me in. Fantasy gives me a mental break from everyday life while still offering depth, creativity, and emotional connection.

List some hobbies and things you like to do outside of school

Outside of school, I stay very busy. I coach Special Olympics bocce and bowling, which is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy writing music and playing my violin, both of which give me a creative outlet. Spending time with my daughters is extremely important to me, and I try to make the most of that time whenever I can. Recently, I also joined a book club, which has been a great way to stay motivated to read and to connect with others who enjoy books as much as I do.

Who are your favourite authors?

I don’t really have favourite authors anymore. Instead, I focus more on individual books and the experiences they give me. I enjoy discovering new voices and styles, and I’m always open to recommendations. I like letting the story speak for itself rather than following one author exclusively.

Tell me a bit about the last book you read that you really enjoyed

One of the last books I really enjoyed was Mountain of Souls by Marcus Lee. At the same time, I was also reading The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune.

Both books stood out to me in different ways, offering strong emotional depth and memorable characters. They were the kind of stories that stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading, which is something I really value in a book.    

Tell me a bit about what you have been doing since last semester during your winter break. How have you been spending your time?

During my winter break, I spent most of my time with my family, which was incredibly meaningful to me. A big part of my break was filled with theatre. Before Christmas, I attended all four performances of the Elf Jr. production, which was especially special because both of my daughters were in it. Watching them perform on stage was an amazing experience and something I’m very proud of. Seeing their hard work and confidence come through in the performance made it even more memorable.

Theatre continued to be a highlight of my break when I attended the New Year’s Eve Gala of Oliver! at the Key City Theatre. It was an amazing night, made even more special because my youngest daughter is also in that production. Being able to support her and watch her perform on such a meaningful night was unforgettable.

In addition to theatre, I also spent time enjoying live music with family and friends. We went to see Barenaked Ladies perform for the Holiday Train, which was a great experience and a fun way to celebrate the season together.

Overall, my winter break was centered around family, the arts, and shared experiences, making it both busy and incredibly rewarding.      

What subjects or topics do you like learning about?

I enjoy learning about religious history and the way belief systems, traditions, and faith have shaped cultures and societies over time. I’m especially interested in learning more about my own church and its history, as it helps me better understand my beliefs and where they come from. I find it fascinating to explore how religion influences human behaviour, storytelling, and moral values, both historically and in the modern world. Learning about these topics gives me a deeper sense of connection, perspective, and meaning.

If you could read a book about one thing, what would that be?

If I could read a book about one thing, it would be a deeply immersive story that blends fantasy with history or mythology. Something that explores belief systems, meaning, and humanity while still allowing me to escape into another world. A book like that would combine my love of fantasy with my interest in religious and historical themes, making the reading experience both engaging and thought-provoking. Resources Bright, Robin. Sometimes Reading Is Hard. Pembroke Publishers, 2021. https://i.etsystatic.com/25040796/r/il/1db2f6/4039621748/il_1080xN.4039621748_gad1.jpg The Mountain of Souls (The Chosen, #1) by Marcus Lee | Goodreads The House In The Cerulean Sea Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary Wild Theatre (10) Facebook