5 After 5, Books that have changed you

There are books that are fun and books that instruct and then there are books that totally change the way you think about things.

This week, we're listing five that have done just that!

Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and purchase something, I'll receive a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting my efforts with this blog!


It's time for another round of 5 After 5!  In case you missed it, last week's list was favorite cookbooks and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here - then catch up on all the old editions here.

Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.

And this series is a link party, so be sure to scroll down and join in all the fun with us this week!

List 5 books that have changed you

It's pretty hard not to be changed by all the books I've read, but there are definitely several that have had a greater impact on the way I view the world.

This is another of those lists that could go on and on for me, but these titles really stand out. Many of these can be pretty controversial, but even if you don't agree with them, they'll make you stop and really come to terms with what you believe:

1. Velvet Elvis

Thought-provoking perspectives on faith from an outside-the-box pastor.

2. Blue Like Jazz

Another postmodern take on faith. This was also turned into a movie, which I could have done without seeing.

3. The Prodigal God

Uses the parable of the prodigal son to challenge you to see Christianity in a whole new way.

4. Same Kind of Different as Me

You'll never look at the homeless the same way again.

5. Plan B

This book helps you balance disappointment and suffering with faith in a loving God at those times when things don't work out the way you'd hoped.

Bonus Nonfiction: Sacred Pathways

Helps you better connect to God when you realize you don't fit into a cookie-cutter spirituality mold.

Bonus Fiction (Could have fit on this list, too):

The Caleb Collection

Wisdom Hunter & Jordan's Crossing

For next week:

List your favorite kid crafts

Favorites you made as a kid, that your child has presented you with, or that you've just seen online and think are cool. I can't wait to see what you share!

And now, here's this week's link party!  Another fabulous blogger has teamed up with me to create a list of five each week and we hope that you'll join us, too!

That's right, every post will be read, pinned and tweeted!  

Every Saturday, just stop by one of our blogs to add your own list of five, then pop over and read as many other posts as you're able to each week - treat it like a true party and really mix it up and mingle with our fun little community!

The rules are simple:  just write your own list following the prompt each week (feel free to interpret it loosely - or in a unique way!), follow both of the hosts on the social media channel of your choice, and then get into the spirit of the party by grabbing your favorite beverage or snack and reading the lists of the other party-goers.

Your Hosts:

Lisa, at Syncopated Mama: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin'

Samantha, at Motivated Days: Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ 

What's your list?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

Also, if you don't want to miss a single minute of fun around here, be sure to sign up for free updates and then look forward to having each post delivered right to your inbox!

Linked up with: Favorite Things, Over the Moon, Share the Wealth Sunday, Dishing it & Digging it, What's for Dinner?, Family Joy Blog Link-Up,  Literacy Musings Monday, Practical Mondays, Homeschool Nook Link Up, Happiness is Homemade, Merry Monday, Motivation Monday, What'd You Do This Weekend, Meet Up Monday, Totally Terrific Tuesday, Together on Tuesdays, Show Me Yours Linky, Tasty Tuesdays, Little Learning Link Up, Two Uses Tuesday, Hip Homeschool Hop, Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party  Tuesday Talk, Wonderful Wednesday, A Little Bird Told Me, Everything Early Childhood, Creative Muster, Party in Your PJs,What to Read,I Am Pinnable, Christian Bloggers Link Up, This Is How We Roll, Creative Ways, Hearts for Home, Creative Exchange,  100 Happy Days, Try It Like It, No Rules Weekend Blog Party, Tune in Thursdays,  Booknificent Thursdays, Thursday Favorite Things, I'm Lovin' It, Inspiration Spotlight, Home Matters, Pretty Pintastic Party, Weekend Potluck, Awesome Life Friday, Creative Collection, The Beautifully Creative Inspired , Bloggers Pit Stop, Weekend Traffic Jam, Pin Me Party,  From the Archives, Family Fun Friday, Friday Frivolity, Bloggers Spotlight, Make My Saturday Sweet, Weekend Wind-Down Party,Friday Features Linky, Funtastic Friday , Best of the Weekend, Sweet Inspiration Link Party, Small Victories Sunday, You're Invited,  Love to Learn Tuesdays