5 Books That Have Shaped Who I Am // A Bibliosmile Guest Post by Charis Rae

Welcome to The Bibliosmile Project, a series here on Novels & Waffles that aims to spotlight how books (+ the bookish community), has brought smiles, happiness, and positivity into our lives. Through an ongoing series of guest posts, different readers will share their stories of bookish happiness and spread some much-needed positivity, sunshine, and smiles with us all. Hopefully, reading about how books have brought a smile to their faces, it will bring one to yours as well. You can read more about this series in my introduction and catch up on previous guest posts here.

If you’re interested in writing a guest post as part of The Bibliosmile Project, then please contact me at my email, [email protected].

Charis Rae’s Bibliosmile Story

Hi, friends! I’m Charis, a book-obsessed Slytherin and resident blogger at Charis Rae. For starters, I want to thank Kat for letting me contribute to this amazing series. Our culture focuses so much on negativity and fear, which is why the BiblioSmile Project is a perfect way to spread positivity and bring people together. I’m honored to be part of it! :)

It took me a long time to decide what I wanted to write about. The book community is vast and diverse, from bookstagram and book blogging to library reading groups and book clubs. But none of this would be possible without the things that brought us together: books!

For my BiblioSmile Project, I want to highlight some books that have impacted my life. I wouldn’t be the person I am without them, and I most definitely wouldn’t be a book blogger!

1. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA

This beloved series encompasses my childhood. I remember huddling inside on a cold winter day, swallowed by fleece pajamas and piles of blankets, while reading The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. In the months following, I went on to read the entire series (in publication order XD). 

While I’ve always enjoyed books, The Chronicles of Narnia provided the perfect launchpad for the rest of my bibliophile journey. I recently watched the movie for the first time in many years, and I couldn’t help but remember what it was like to read these books for the first time. The magic of the series captivated me and left me hungry for more amazing books.

2. PERCY JACKSON

Every time I look back on my pre-teen years, I have to laugh. In short: I was obsessed with this series. All of my friends loved it too, and we constantly fangirled about it together. I even bought a Camp Halfblood t-shirt and dressed up as Annabeth Chase for Halloween one year.

Percy Jackson was a fun, entertaining read with a unique concept, meshing mythology and magic with a contemporary setting. It introduced me to middle grade and young adult literature, and it most definitely turned me into the fangirl I am today.

3. THE HUNGER GAMES

The Hunger Games stands as my favorite book of all time, but I almost didn’t read it. When I first heard about the book, I expected it to be like many other teen novels: violent, action-packed, and void of meaning. But once I finally decided to give it a try, I was blown away.

It’s honestly hard to explain how much I love this story. Watching Katniss Everdeen change from a girl trying to save her sister to a hero leading her country to freedom is incredible. She goes through immense suffering, and she loses nearly everyone she loves. But in the end, she’s able to create a free world that the children of the past weren’t able to have. Katniss finds healing, strength, love, and ultimately, a family she never dreamed of.

Out of all of the other books on this list, The Hunger Games has probably changed me the most. Both the books and movies have become such a huge part of my life. I remember exactly where I was when I started the series, and I’ve gone on to read the first book over 10 times. I’ve watched the movies more than I can count, and my family and I do a marathon a couple times every year. (I definitely did not write a fanfiction that made people cry.)

It’s hard to describe how The Hunger Games has changed me as a person. Katniss’s story is something that always leaves me in awe. Every time I read a certain line or hear the soundtrack, I get chills. This is truly one of my favorite stories of all time, and I know that it will always have a special place in my heart.

4. THE HOBBIT

I tried reading this book a long time ago, but I eventually gave up until the movies came out. I  then proceeded to watch all of the movies in the theatre and fall utterly in love with the story.

I know, I know, I can’t believe myself either. Watching a movie and THEN reading the books?? *gasps in horror*  I promise this isn’t a regular occurence.

Don’t worry, I ended up reading the book for a high school literature class and loved it. Despite already knowing how the story ended, I learned so much. I absolutely love Bilbo Baggins, the Company of dwarves, the gorgeous story, and the incredible world of Middle Earth. 

The Hobbit also represents my early teen and high school years. I’ve seen the movies over 10 times, and I’ve watched the movies and read the books with a bunch of my friends and family. I know it will always be a part of my life.

5. HARRY POTTER

For years, I went through the “rebel reader” phase and refused to read this book. Though in all honesty, it seemed rather dull, and I wasn’t very interested. I tried the first book years ago but ended up skimming until the end. 

Last summer, I finally decided to give it a try. My vacation home had a copy of book one, and since I’d read all the books I brought on our trip, I thought, “Why not?” 

Little did I know how big a role Harry Potter would play in my life. I fell in love with the rich, magical world of Hogwarts and the bittersweet story of a boy who saves the world while losing his innocence in the process.

Despite how much I talk about it, Harry Potter isn’t my favorite book of all time. But that doesn’t change how much it has impacted me. Rather than being a childhood favorite, Harry Potter is a story that I consider a pivotal part of my life as a young adult. In addition to having memories of reading (and watching) the stories with my family, Harry Potter has also affected who I am as a blogger. I’ve come to be known as a proud, outspoken Slytherin, which contributes to my blogging brand: who I am and what I love. In fact, a huge part of my blog design is Harry Potter-related.

All-in-all, I’m so glad I decided to read Harry Potter. The series gave me many fond memories, helped me discover things about myself (go Slytherin!), and contributed to how I express myself in the book blogging world. Not to mention the fact that I watch and read the stories every year and already have a nice merch collection in the works! XD

It’s hard for me to imagine where I’d be without books. They’re such a pivotal part of my life, and I’m so thankful for these stories that have fostered my love for literature and led me to the book blogging community. Once again, I want to thank Kat for this wonderful opportunity and to all of you for reading! Don’t forget to comment below and chat about the novels that have shaped who you are, too. :)  Tally ho, wizards!

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