Three Books That Changed My Life

By Laura Johnstone

Some books come into your life and shift something. They don’t just entertain you—they shape you, change how you think, and in some cases, even how you see yourself. These three books—each from very different parts of my life—have done exactly that.

1. The Diary of Anne Frank – A Window into Humanity and Injustice

I was sixteen when I read The Diary of Anne Frank, and I’ve never read it again. Not because I didn’t want to, but because it hit me so deeply. At the time, I was unwell and in a lot of pain. Doctors suspected appendicitis, but I now know it was likely to do with my endometriosis.

The GP who came to the house was an incredible man—a German doctor who spoke nine languages fluently and was learning two more. He was kind, deeply intelligent, and someone I trusted. But when he arrived, I quickly tucked the book under my pillow. It wasn’t about guilt—it was more about not wanting to offend. I did the same when I was admitted to hospital and saw that my doctor there was also German.

Now, I wouldn’t hide it. I’d be proud to say I was reading to learn, to understand, to never forget.

At that point in my life, I had only just started reading full sentences instead of word by word. My reading was still slow. And I think that’s part of why Anne’s words affected me so much—I had to absorb every single word. I couldn’t skim or rush. I felt every line. And it stayed with me.

2. Harry Potter – My Complicated First Love with Reading

This one is hard to write. I want to be upfront: I no longer support the author of Harry Potter because of her views on trans women. Trans rights are human rights, and I stand firmly with the trans community.

That said, Harry Potter was the first book that made me want to read—and that’s something I can’t ignore in my story.

I had tried to read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone three times before I could actually get into it. The fourth attempt was different. I had made a promise to myself: if I couldn’t get into the book, I wouldn’t go see the film. That fourth try happened two weeks before the first film came out in cinemas—and finally, it clicked.

Something changed. My reading speed started to improve. And for the first time, when I was reading, I could see the scenes in my head, like a film playing out in real time. I now know that this vivid imagination is a common neurodivergent trait, but at the time, it just felt magical.

That book gave me confidence. It made me feel like I could read. Like books were mine too.

3. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins – A Life-Changer for My Growth

This book came into my life at just the right time. As a parent, and especially as someone who’s faced a lot of external judgment, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins was exactly what I needed.

The core idea is simple: if people want to judge, criticise, or misunderstand you—let them. You don’t have to spend your energy trying to change their mind.

Those two words—“let them”—became something I repeated to myself during stressful moments, especially in parenting. It’s helped me step back from unnecessary pressure and stay focused on what really matters: being the best version of myself for my daughter.

More and more, I find myself drawn to self-development books—not because I think I need fixing, but because I’m always growing. I want to lead by example. I want my daughter to see that growth is a good thing. That we never stop learning.

Final Thoughts

Each of these books has left a mark on my life.

Anne Frank taught me about injustice and courage.

Harry Potter helped me believe I could be a reader.

And Mel Robbins reminded me to let go of other people’s opinions and focus on my own peace.

I’ve changed with each one. And I carry them with me still.

Has a book ever changed you? I’d love to know your story. Please leave a comment, give this post a like, and subscribe for more personal reflections on parenting, self-discovery, and neurodiversity.

References:

Frank, A. (1947). The Diary of a Young Girl. Contact Publishing. Robbins, M. (2023). The Let Them Theory. Mel Robbins Productions. GLAAD. (2020). Understanding the Harm of Anti-Trans Rhetoric

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