So in October, Hunter from @shelfbyshelf shared his story stack and his hopes to have it become a challenge. More and more bookstagrammers are sharing their story stacks, and I wanted to share mine too.
I’ve shared the picture and a short explanation on Instagram, but I just needed more space to explain things and talk about the books, so here we are.
WTF is a story stack?
As Hunter said:
If you could never tell your own story, and the only way to help others understand you and your experiences were the books you gave them, what would be in the stack?
So a stack of books that describe you and your experiences, it’s as simple as that.
Some bookstagrammers base it on the titles of the books, while some base it on a character (not necessarily the main character) or on the whole plot.
I decided to have a mix, and even add in books that just meant a lot to me at certain points in my life or that I associate with specific experiences.
#mystorystack
Ok, I don’t have a lot of books anymore (moving around will do that to you), so I had to make due with what I had but I think it worked out pretty well!
Harry Potter And The Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling
Goodreads – Amazon – Book Depository
I grew up reading books. They were a way to escape real life and to avoid people. I remember going to family birthdays and visits, and lying under my grandpa’s living room table to read without being in the way, while the rest of the family (all grown-ups, my youngest cousin is 12 years older than me) talked about boring stuff.
I would install myself on the couch after school with a book and not stop reading until dinner.
I even remember one of my birthdays where I got a book I really wanted, and I left everyone in the yard to go read inside (they were all talking about boring adult things anyway.
And my all-time favorite book will forever be Harry Potter. And I don’t just mean this book, it’s the entire series. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, Harry Potter gave me the ability to escape the real world and forget about it for hours at the time (and still, I re-read every one or two years).
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Goodreads – Amazon – Book Depository
If you hadn’t guessed yet—I didn’t have the best time growing up. It made me into a shy girl who would rather be invisible.
I was always the median with my grades. Never high or low, always just in the middle. My primary school teachers were very surprised to learn I was able to attend the highest level in high school.
I didn’t wear flashy clothes. I didn’t do crazy things. I just did what was expected of me. I didn’t make trouble.
So I was a real wallflower6.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Goodreads – Amazon – Book Depository
That changed when I was an exchange student in the USA after high school.
I moved halfway across the world and changed into a more confident young woman setting goals and following her dreams.
That’s where I got infected with the travel bug, and I’ve been traveling as much as I can ever since. I even lived in Budapest for almost 1,5 years. On one of my visits to Budapest (before I moved), I read the Alchemist.
So it’s in the stack because I associate it with Budapest, but also because it’s about someone following his dream and traveling the world. And I even have a tattoo that is a symbol for both those things.
Running Like A Girl by Alexandra Heminsley
Goodreads – Amazon – Book Depository
I started running when I was in college and it’s been a massive part of my life ever since. I even met one of my best friends thanks to running!
Running makes me feel strong (most of the time). It helps me de-stress, and get rid of my frustrations. It helps me keep my head clear.
I plan to pick up running again as soon as I can (as soon as my physical therapist allows it) because it makes me feel so so so much better, both physically and mentally.
The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Goodreads – Amazon – Book Depository
This book is about an Indian boy who tries to find his place in the world. For him, it’s between being an Indian and having a life on the reservation, and the possibilities outside of what’s destined for him.
And that’s where I feel I’m at right now. To find ‘me’ between that wallflower, running world traveler, and who I want to be.
So, what about you? What books are included in your story stack?