I was once told that what we read when we do not have to is what defines who we are when no one is pressuring us otherwise.  With this in mind, I'm just gonna list a few of my favorite books and hope that it will provide some insight into me that could cultivate understanding:

            White Oleander by Janet Fitch
            Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King
            The Body Artist by Don DeLlino
            Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
            A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
            Emily Dickenson's poetry
            Earth Magic by Marion Weinstein 
            The Grim brother's stories
            Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
            If I stay by Gayle Forman
            Empress of the World by Sara Ryan
            The Last Uncle by Linda Pastan
            Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert