List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?

There’s something special about books that arrive in your life when you need them most. The kind you keep close, revisit, and recommend when someone you love is going through something. Over the years, I’ve read many, but a few stand out—not just for their words, but for the way they made me feel seen, understood, and inspired.

One of them is God Never Blinks by Regina Brett. I found it at my most favorite bookstore—Borders, which sadly doesn’t exist anymore. 😢 My husband and I used to spend hours at the downtown San Diego location, browsing through shelves, reading a few chapters in cozy corners, and yes—people watching a bit too. Regina’s reflections felt like little life hugs—comforting, honest, and full of quiet strength.

Then there’s Zero Regrets by Apolo Ohno. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. I’ve been a fan of Apolo since his early days in speedskating, and after missing a chance to meet him once (which I shared in a previous blog post), I was determined not to miss another opportunity. Eventually, I got my book signed and met him—which made it even more meaningful. His story isn’t just about athletic success—it’s about showing up in life with intention and heart.

Side note: I can’t find my copy right now—and I have 100% regrets about that! 😅 I have this habit of putting my favorite things in “super safe” places… so safe that even I can’t find them. Then out of nowhere, I’ll randomly remember where I tucked them away. Fingers crossed that day comes soon.

And then came Beyond the Story by BTS and Myeongseok Kang—the official BTS book released for their 10th anniversary. It wasn’t a book I went looking for, but one that felt like it found me. I’d admired BTS from afar since seeing them on TV in 2017 (while I was pregnant and mildly distracted by their bold hair colors—maybe it was the hormones! 😄), but it wasn’t until right before the pandemic that I truly tuned into who they were. The more I learned, the more I connected with their story.

My daughter was only three at the time, and we bonded over BTS songs like Butter, Dynamite, and Permission to Dance. I can still picture her asking Alexa to play Butter over and over while dancing her heart out in the living room. 💜 Those moments are etched in my heart. So, when I heard a book was coming out to celebrate their journey, I pre-ordered it instantly.

What makes Beyond the Story so worth reading is how honest, raw, and deeply personal it is. It’s not just a celebration of their success—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at their struggles, their fears, their passion, and their bond as brothers, not just bandmates. The interviews and reflections in the book reveal a side of BTS that even longtime fans might not have known. It’s beautifully written and gives you insight into what kept them grounded, driven, and united in the face of immense pressure. If you’ve ever admired someone who kept going despite the odds—this book will speak to you.

Each of these books met me at a different time, but all three carry lessons I still hold close. God Never Blinks reminded me that life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be deeply meaningful—that even in the mess, there’s beauty to be found. Zero Regrets challenged me to show up with full intention, to give my all so I won’t be haunted by “what ifs.” And Beyond the Story taught me that staying true to who you are, even when millions are watching, is not only possible—it’s powerful. Together, they continue to shape how I live, love, and move forward—with grace, purpose, and no regrets. ❤️

(Also, I couldn’t resist slipping in a tiny emoji—like I did back in my early blogging days. Guess some habits are too comforting to let go. ☺️)