In 50 short essays, young people from a wide range of backgrounds reflect on how words from literature connect with and influence their lives, goals, and personal philosophies. Essays explore topics including suffering the death of a parents, facing a life - threatening illness, letting go of perfectionism, making friends, reaching goals, and grappling with questions of identity. Books cited range from The Grapes of Wrath and The Great Gatsby to Twilight and The Fellowship of the Ring. Each essay includes a brief biographical sketch letting readers know where the essay writer is now.