This idea has been doing the rounds on Facebook. Here are the ten books (Bible excluded, because that just seems a bit obvious) that have been most influential on me, in no particular order:
Making Life Work - Bill Hybels
I read this as a student. It's about the book of Proverbs and how it's a pretty good foundation for making good judgements.
No Matter What - Sally Donovan
Fabulous book about the reality of adoptive parenting, with no sugar-coating. I love it.
Kingdom Come - Malcolm Duncan
I copy-edited this book and vehemently agreed with him all the way through. I really love the way he calls the church to social action.
Messy Spirituality - Mike Yaconelli
I read this on the train in 2002 on my way to a job interview at Hodder (the UK publisher). It's about grace and how church should be a place where you don't have to act as though you have it all together. It is so fabulous it made me cry, but I must've pulled myself together OK because I got the job.
Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
I don't really do novels but I make an exception for Jane Austen. This is my favourite.
Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding
Love this a ridiculous amount. My first date with my husband was a trip to see the film. I'd already seen it twice but that didn't matter at all.
The Renegade Writer - Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell
Inspiring, amusing book for freelance writers.
Rediscover Grammar - David Crystal
This book got me through the grammatical bits of A level English language. And a couple of modules of my degree, much to the amusement/despair of my tutor.
Downshifting - John D Drake/Downshifting - Polly Ghazi and Judy Jones
I read these on holiday in Devon in 2006, and they were foundational in my decision to go freelance. Really liberating books.