For a long time, I kept a selection of books on a shelf next to my bed that I called my “heart books”. To qualify for a place on the shelf, a book had to be not only one I loved, but one that mattered. There was one book that never made it onto that shelf, though I read it in high school: Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg.

I can still remember the day I bought it. It was summer and I must have been 14 or 15. Desperate to get out of my house, I rode my bike into town and walked into the bookstore. I was going through the shelf of books on writing and it caught my eye. I picked it up, read a few pages, and bought it. Then I took it with me to a park, read the first few chapters, and opened my notebook to write.

It’s a fairly straightforward writing book. Goldberg’s method is simple: you choose a topic, set a timer, and write for 10, 15, or 20 minutes without picking up your pen. Free writing, timed writing, writing topics: anyone who has taken a creative writing class may have encountered these things. It’s not earth-shattering. There was nothing particularly new or unusual about the book so I can’t say why it attracted me so much. But it changed everything. I went from being someone who enjoyed writing to being a writer.

During my teen years and early twenties, following Goldberg’s method was at the core of my identity. No matter where I was or what I was doing, I filled notebooks. When I eventually started writing fiction, I did the same thing. The “I” in my notebooks became someone else, but I held to the same practice.

This writing practice led me to a writing group in Boston. It led me to my current career. It led me, in so many ways, to myself. Becoming a writer allowed me to become so many other things: an activist, a business owner, a farmer, a baker... Writing is where I found my confidence. It was where I became curious about the world. From that, everything else has followed.

Goodreads recommends the following books you want to read for the event to come.

1.The Lyrics: 1961-2012

By Bob Dylan

Simon & Schuster,$60

What it’s about: This heavy, well-timed publication contains lyrics by the songwriter who just won the Nobel Prize in Literature, from his first album, Bob Dylan, through Tempest.

What’s to love: The times may be changing, but Dylan’s fans are a constant, traditional devotees who will want this epic collection for their shelves,to sit beside those beloved old large papers.

2.Taylor Swift: This Is Our Song

By Tyler Conroy

Simon & Schuster,$28

What it’s about: An elegant fanzine celebrating all things about Taylor Swift, especially the pop star’s countless fans. What’s to love: Mom and/or Dad, the fan of Taylor Swift, will think you’re pretty cool if he or she discovers this temple to Taylor under the Christmas tree (even if it is a book).

3.Misty Copeland

By Gregg Delman

Rizzoli,$39.95

What it’s about: Star-figure female ballet dancer Misty Copeland strikes a pose(95,to be exact) in photos taken between 2011 and 2014,in the casual setting of dance studios.

What’s to love: Since becoming the first African American woman to be named a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, Copeland has become a cultural phenomenon, and Delman’s arresting pictures capture(捕捉)her muscular power and elegance.

4.@ NatGeo: The Most Popular Instagram Photos

By National Geographic

National Geographic,$19.95

What it’s about: National Geographic’s popular Instagram account(nearly 63 million followers) comes to book form in this title filled with eye-popping images from around the world.

What’s to love: Here’s proof that NatGeo’s talented photographers have conquered social media while maintaining the usual quality of their work.And for fans of more traditional coffee-table-size books, check out National Geographic’s Wild, Beautiful Places: Picture-Perfect Journeys Around the Globe ($40).

MOTHER EARTH NEWS GUIDE TO VEGETABLE GARDENING

For years, millions of readers have turned to Mother Earth News for trusted advice on growing vegetables and fruits. This book covers decades of wisdom, bringing together all the essential techniques, complete growing guides, helpful tips, useful photographs，and inspiring illustrations for which Mother Earth News is known.

Plan for self-sufficiency with a garden focused on food! Choose from a variety of plans for kitchen gardens, and look through strategies for small-space gardening, and suggestions on soil pH. Longtime gardeners are sure to find something new on plans for extending the seasons.

That's right, garden through the seasons with dozens of vegetable-and fruit-specific growing guides. Start with your favorites or learn to love something new. In slower-growing or more challenging seasons, Mother is there to help. Whether you need to know the best vegetables to grow in the shade or the top gardening tips for soil health in winter, this book has it all. Subscribe from June1 to June 10 and save 30% off the cover price. If you pay with a credit card, you can save additional 2 dollars.