Home » Books Can So Affect Us

I just finished reading a book called "Memoirs of an Immigrant," by Olof A. Eriksen, and I realized how we all interconnect with people we don't even know, and what those connections can mean to us. I was so moved by this book, I couldn't put it down without feeling like I was missing something. I needed to get my mind off of some things for a while, so this book came to me at a very good time. I became wrapped up in this man's life, and I couldn't get enough. I haven't read a book in a long time, spending much of my time on the computer. And if a book doesn't hold my interest, I don't read it. This book was great, and I came away from reading it with a renewed hope and inspiration, just what I had been lacking!

This was like a book I would have read when I was younger, and been wrapped up in it then as well. Following a person's life from a young age to present, seeing how they lived, what they did for a living, what they ate, where they traveled, where they lived, where they went to school, and how their family life played into this. So many of us have hard times at some point, hopefully not at all points, in our lives. How do we handle it? Do we become more determined like this man from Sweden, and fight hard for what we want? Do we give up and settle our lives away? This book tells of his struggle and all the heartaches he had to surpass, just in living his life.

As I read, the stronger I felt, and I hadn't been feeling too strong. With perseverance and hope and hard work, we can do things we never thought possible. This man started out with a huge family, and ended up alone in a boys school, where, yes, there was torture. What he had to endure was in no way beneficial to him. Nonetheless, there was a light inside, a faith in God, and a desire for something more, something better. That light kept him alive, and pushed him forwards every chance he got. I have that light, it had just grown dim. He also used the strength from the bad times to strengthen, not extinguish, his light. The more I read, the better I felt. It was if I was getting stronger with Olof.

It was nice having a large hard cover book to carry around with me for a few days. I used to read so much more. Now I have another book I will be starting. It's funny how things drop into your lap when they do. I wonder who could think that up? Thank you God for allowing this material to be shown my way. Reading about hardships and how others cope with it, was a good reminder to me to be strong in my life. This man eventually made it to New Jersey, and started his own company, built his own house, and became very successful, through many losses over the years. This has given me a lot of hope back. Where there's a will, there's a way. You just need to be willing to work hard for what you get.

And then, there must be a time to rest. This man found time to build beautiful models, out of steel, and sometimes, toothpicks. He has beautiful pictures to showcase them. I think it's a good idea for everyone to have a hobby or something they like to do for relaxation and pride. It gives us positive energy when we are creating from scratch, and turning out beautiful objects. It also gives us our own space and our own identity. Our special time with ourselves.

I'm glad God dropped this book into my lap, as He often has, at the right time. "Memoirs of an Immigrant," by Olof A. Eriksen has positively affected me, and for that, I am grateful.