This is the first installment in a series of posts about inspirational books. In this part, I’ll explore seven titles, with more to. come in future posts. Before diving into the list, I wanted to reflect on my love for reading and the memories that shaped it—because books, after all, are transformative companions. Since I was a little kid, reading has been a joy and a significant part of my life. I have fond memories of my mom and me walking to the library together—she loved books just as much as I did. In fact, during high school, she worked in a unique little library in Country Club Hills. My first memories of a library are from the basement of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mokena, IL. Though the building is long gone, the memories remain vivid. I can still recall the musky scent of that little library and the excitement of walking down the stairs to step inside. It was an adventure every time.

As the years passed, I grew older, but my love for reading remained constant. I explored incredible libraries, like the one my dad frequented in Park Forest, IL, and the new library built in Mokena in 1978—perfectly placed near my elementary and junior high schools. I spent countless hours there, all year round.

These unforgettable moments taught me that reading is more than an activity; it is a gateway to personal growth, fresh perspectives, and deeper self-awareness. Each book has been a stepping stone, helping me navigate life’s challenges, embrace opportunities, and evolve into the person I am today.

Now, as a professional life coach, my mission is to inspire and empower others to live their most fulfilling lives. Throughout my journey, books have been a profound source of inspiration, offering valuable lessons and sparking motivation. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this blog featuring 7 inspirational books that have profoundly impacted my life. I hope the lessons from these books resonate with you and inspire you on your own journey.

• “On Fire” by John O’Leary is a motivational book about overcoming adversity, embracing life’s challenges, and living with purpose. Through O’Leary’s inspiring personal story of surviving a fire, it encourages readers to awaken their passion, resilience, and courage, creating a life of meaning and impact despite obstacles.

• “Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table” by Louie Giglio emphasizes rejecting negative thoughts and destructive influences. Inspired by Psalm 23, it teaches readers to reclaim their minds, embrace God’s guidance, and find peace and purpose by focusing on faith, trust, and positivity instead of fear or doubt.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee portrays themes of justice, empathy, and moral courage. Set in the racially segregated South, it follows Atticus Finch defending an innocent Black man accused of a crime. Through Scout’s eyes, it inspires understanding, compassion, and standing against prejudice and injustice with integrity.

• The Holy Bible, a sacred text for Christians, spans creation to eternity. It shares God’s relationship with humanity, teachings of love, faith, and salvation through Jesus Christ. Composed of the Old and New Testaments, it inspires hope, guidance, and purpose, shaping spiritual beliefs and moral values worldwide.

• My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George follows Sam Gribley, a boy seeking independence by living in the wilderness. Through resilience, resourcefulness, and a bond with nature, he learns self-reliance and personal growth. The story inspires adventure, connection to nature, and embracing challenges to discover one’s true potential.

• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis portrays letters from Screwtape, a senior demon, to his nephew, Wormwood, guiding him on manipulating humans. It reveals spiritual insights about temptation, faith, and grace, urging readers to reflect on their moral battles. Through its clever satire, it explores the intricacies of human spirituality.

I plan to cover more books that have inspired me over the years in future blog posts. For now, head to your favorite library and check out one of these books!

A special shout-out to two incredible individuals from Mokena, Illinois:

Matt Galik: A lifelong resident of Mokena, a member of the Will County Historic Preservation Commission, and an accomplished author. His works include Images of America: Mokena, The 1926 Orland Park Murder Mystery, and several publications for the Will County Historical Society. Matt also runs a blog titled oldmokena.blogspot.com and hosts the podcast Explore Mokena’s Front Porch: The Mokena Podcast. His contributions to preserving local history are truly invaluable.

Richard Quinn: My former junior high teacher and a former Mayor of Mokena. He’s a remarkable person with deep knowledge of Mokena’s history and government. Thank you, Mr. Quinn, for sharing the wonderful picture you captured and passed along.

Discover Your True Potential – Let’s Get Started! Feeling stuck or searching for clarity in your life’s purpose and direction? It’s time to move forward with expert guidance tailored just for you. Email now to book your FREE coaching session with me. Let’s explore what truly inspires you and unlock the path to your best self! 📧 coachdtw@gmail.com

Thanks for stopping by the fire,

Coach Dennis Wagner BCLC