by In Trieste
Every week we interview one of our writers on what books have changed their lives. Today is Victor Caneva‘s turn – a writer, photographer, father of two and Italian life connoisseur.
The book I am currently reading
I am between books right now, but I love flipping through Trieste Nascosta by Armando Halupca and Leone Veronese, a reference of lesser-known curiosities around town. I’ve learned a lot about Trieste’s history, pushed my Italian comprehension, and have been inspired to explore some of the points of interest illuminated by this book.
The book that changed my life
For Men Only by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn. The idea of the book’s predecessor For Women Only was born when the authors realized fundamental differences in how they communicated and processed information. After enlightening discussions, the pair commissioned surveys of men covering a variety of topics and presented the results to women – to their shock. I first read For Men Only, written in the same format, before my wife and I were married. Ashley and I partly credit these books (we’ve read both editions) for helping us to avoid a lot of unnecessary conflict in our marriage.
The book I wish I’d written
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared, by Jonas Jonasson. For me, this novel perfectly mixes humor with an appreciation for history, while also offering a little insight into Swedish culture. In this work, the reader is introduced to eccentric centenarian Allan Karlsson, who escapes his mundane retirement home and embarks on a new adventure. As the reader learns more about Karlsson’s storied life, he/she also gains some entertaining and educational insights into some of the last century’s most important events.
The book that had the greatest influence on me
Abba’s Child, by Brennan Manning. In this incredibly honest work, Manning, a brilliant former priest, wrestles with his own brokenness and paints an approachable image of a loving God, who is gracious with our many messes. When I read this book, it’s as if I’m having a coffee with my wise old uncle and I confront my own brokenness as I learn from his story. This book has helped me become comfortable and confident with who I am while evolving into a healthier version of myself.
The book I couldn’t finish
There may be something wrong with me, but I just couldn’t finish “Great Expectations,” by Charles Dickens. Granted, I was young and distracted when I gave it a go, but it just didn’t captivate me the way some other classics did. I should probably revisit it in this (hopefully) more thoughtful stage of life. After graduating college I also tried to read the Anabasis of Alexander, by Arrian of Nicomedia. I have always been intrigued by Alexander the Great and I loved the idea of reading a two-thousand-year-old historical account…it was interesting, but also a little cumbersome and I never finished.
The book I give as a gift
This one is tough because books are almost as unique and varied as the people who read them. I’ll go with the last one I gave: Il Lupo Che Voleva Fare Il Giro Del Mondo. This children’s book was a gift for my son and we picked it because it is funny, helps to cultivate a love of travel, and helps our young reader wrap his head around reading in Italian.
My comfort read
The Chronicles of Narnia (any of the series), by C.S. Lewis. I devoured these books in elementary school. They awoke in me a sense of wonder that made the world seem like a more magical place and I couldn’t get enough. Now, I enjoy reading them to my own children, who are just now embarking on the same adventure with their imagination. Each time I read them, I learn something from these “children’s books.”
