Five Book Quotes I Live my Life By

Since I’ve been reading from a young age, books have helped me realize who I am, what I value, and how I want to live my life. They give me the inspiration to do better and forgive myself for my shortcomings. In this article, I’m sharing five quotes from some of my favorite pieces of literature that have spoken to me on a deep level.

“Since then she has told a thousand stories, she has lived a hundred million lives. She is born again in every generation: Sappho. Hypatia. Scheherazade. Woolf. And all the rest unhailed, unnamed, erased. Returning and returning, she is the tale embodied. Long may she live, again.”

The Tenth Muse by Catherine Chung

I love this quote for various reasons. Firstly, it makes me feel unyielding like I can take on any challenge that I face. The words represent women from history that had stories to tell, whether they were remembered or not. Secondly, these words pay homage to my love of books because they’re a variation of a quote from George R.R. Martin, “I have lived a thousand lives….”

The rest of the book is just as beautiful as the quote you see above, and Catherine Chung does an amazing job of highlighting what we can accomplish if we focus and try our best. She also comments on not letting our goals get in the way of opportunities to live and love. Overall, this quote speaks to me on all levels, and it remains my favorite quote of all time.

“Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever.”

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer.

These words remind me of the value of experiences and how our lives are limited. I remember reading this book and taking this quote to heart because I was always afraid of missing opportunities. I know how to push past my hesitations and fear because there is so much joy and love out there for me.

The main character in this book is blind, so she sees with her hands, ears, and nose. The book takes place in France during World War II, and I found it fascinating to hear a story from someone who can’t see. I’m pr itepared to experience everything that life has to offer, the good and the bad. I don’t want to regret anything I’ve done.

“When I am with Fatima, what I feel is pure and good. I cannot imagine a god who hates anything that is love, in any way we find to take tender care of each other. I want you to find that same love, and I never want you to hate yourself for any love that is in you.”

Now I Rise by Kiersten White

I love the way this book explores religion and sexuality. In a few words, this quote deconstructs any notion that a higher power would shame and degrade you for who you love. I take from these words that you are not less worthy of love based on what gender that love is pointed towards.

This also resonates with me because of my own quoting of my sexuality and feeling like I don’t deserve love and affection. I am not a religious person, but I do think that faith is powerful. Another quote from this book's series that ties in nicely with this one is “Love is the highest form of faith.”

“It is the secret fear that we are unlovable that isolates us, but is it only because we are isolated that we think we are unlovable. Someday, you do not know when, you will be driving down a road. And someday, you do not know when, he, or indeed she, will be there. You will be loved because for the first time in your life, you will truly not be alone. You will have chose to not be alone.”

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

I used to think that no one can love me because I felt alone. I felt I was too complicated and picky. After reading this quote, I know now that I am not a special snowflake. People are complicated. Someone will choose you only if you let them in. I allow myself to feel all of the scary emotions because, for every emotion that makes me feel crappy, there’s another one down the line that makes me feel beautiful and alive.

A lot of times, we perpetuate our loneliness because we feel like that’s our only option. We don’t realize that if we open up our hearts, someone will occupy them. Don’t be afraid to feel deeply and tell the other person that you feel deeply. It’s not stupid or trivial. Your emotions are real and important.

“Nobody deserves anything,” Evelyn says. “It’s simply a matter of who’s willing to go and take it for themselves. And you, Monique, are a person who has proven to be willing to go out there and take what you want. So be honest about that. No one is just a victim or a victor. Everyone is somewhere in between. People who go around casting themselves as one or the other are not only kidding themselves, but they’re also painfully unoriginal.”

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

No one is going to 100% advocate for you. Sometimes, you have to take care of yourself and ensure that you get what you want. These words give me power and autonomy and encourage me to be honest with myself and others. There is selfishness in putting yourself first, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

People are complex, and there are no absolutes. Learning to accept people for that is important for me to root myself in reality. I don’t owe anyone anything, and I control my decisions. I read this quote periodically to remind myself of that.