A Book Can Change You – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw 
Within the pages she is flying to another world.
Between the pages he is trying on a new character.
They are finding a way forward through angst, despair
wanting to belong.
He is reconsidering his past through their eyes.
She is listening to his reasons for forgiveness.

Living in another time and place
trying on the suits, gear or gowns.
Gently turning or furiously flipping to find the next
wonder or conclusion.

Is there a safer way to explore than within a story
laid out for your eyes to absorb 
a world
that you have never seen?

To try on the life of another?

© Ali Grimshaw 2025

“I merely wish to point out that in the face of such a world you have only yourselves to rely on. You have only the decision you must make, each of you, alone. And will you contribute to the indifferent forces that ceaselessly conspire toward injustice? Or will you stand up against this endless tide and in the face of it be truly human?”
― David Guterson, Snow Falling on Cedars

This poem was inspired by a prompt from dVerse Poets Pub, and this quote from a book I loved. Come join a welcoming group of poets for Open Link Night.

This is just one of many books on the list of Most Commonly Challenged Books In the U.S. Although I read Snow Falling on Cedars many years ago, I can still remember how it touched my heart and made me think deeply.

This is a photo of a bookstore from one of my trips. Can’t remember where.

40 thoughts on “A Book Can Change You – Poem by Ali Grimshaw”

  1. Really enjoyed this poem, Ali. The first line reminds me how when we read a good book, we can get sucked into the story just like that. You get to know characters and watch them unfold with the story, and at times we see ourselves in both the character and story too. Thanks for writing and sharing 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. You put it so well, Ali, I agree. I can’t remember who said it – it may have been the writer Siri Hustvedt – that a book is like a spell in slow motion. It changes you irrevocably over the passage of time whilst reading and after that you’re never the same.

    Also, is that your personal library?! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I love that quote. Thank you for sharing it with me. That is not my personal library but a bookstore I photographed on one of my trips.
      Three cheers for reading books of all sorts that expand our minds and hearts .

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. That’s so true, dear Ali – a book can change you by providing new perspectives, improving your empathy and emotional intelligence, and offering a source of stress relief. I find that reading allows you to understand different human experiences, challenge your own beliefs, and even discover parts of yourself. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  13. It’s a long time since I read Snow Falling on Cedars, Ali, and I love the poem that emerged from the prompt. I also love the image of the very cosy-looking bookshop. Yes, bookshops and libraries, magical places! You’re a woman after my own heart, and yes, a book can change you, ‘flying to another world’ or ‘trying on a new character’.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  17. first, that quote. How relevant. I’ve had that book for years and years. But every time I begin I get stuck with the intro. Makes my heart bleed. I must try to read it. Thanks for the push. And your words are precious. Thanks for sharing. Just gorgeous. Xo

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Selma, I appreciate your thoughts. It has been my experience that sometimes it is about finding the right book for the right time in my life. Sometimes I need more comfort, sometimes I want more challenge.
      I hope you give the book a try. I found it very worthwhile.

      Like

      Reply

  18. Ali, you had me at the title. Books as portals and testers. Beautiful and wise quote from your chosen book The bookstore picture shows my kind of place. I could live in there! Thank you for participating in the prompt ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

Leave a reply to SelmaMartin Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.