For me it was two books from the early 60's (I'm OK Your OK ) By by Thomas Anthony Harris and (Psycho Cybernetics) by Dr. Maxwell Maltz.
The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Castaneda Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach Runner Up: The Art of War by Sun Tzu
A book by Dr. David Viscott (Psychiatrist) called Risking. Read cover-to-cover and, without a doubt, did help me in life.
I wouldn't say it impacted my life but Chariots of the Gods by Erich Von Daniken has opened my mind to other possibilities.
So many I can't even list them all. But what comes to mind: Hermann Hesse "Siddhartha" / "Narcissus and Goldmund" / "Demian" Boethius "The Consolation of Philosophy" Chaucer "Troilus and Criseyde" Franz Kafka "The Castle" / "The Trial" Simone de Beauvoir "She Came to Stay" / "The Coming of Age" Sammy Davis, Jr. "Yes I Can" --hundreds more-- Those are the ones to pop out first. Great question, Lon
Not that I'd be aware of any(thing). Thus, the phrase "Don't be afraid of books. They are harmless as long as you haven't read them."(Anonymous) doesn't apply to me and maybe only holds true for political literature and some readers? There may be some books I may have enjoyed reading, though, but "impacted"? No. OTOH, there are definitely a fair number of books that I didn't understand at all. That's for sure.
Have Any Books Impacted Your Life In A Positive Way? I'd have to say no, not really. I've always been a voracious reader but I prefer works of fiction and I read for entertainment. One of the most thought-provoking books I have read is Still Alice by Lisa Genova; it really resonated with me. (It was also made into a movie which couldn't compare to the book, IMO.) The subject is early-onset Alzheimer's which is terrifying to consider. Not exactly highbrow, but I also enjoy reading true crime novels. So those don't positively impact me but they do make me cast a suspicious eye on things.
The Bible has taught me so much Truth and increased my faith while Stormie Omartian's books on praying have definitely deepened my prayer life. Books on gardening, photography, cooking, self help books, etc. have helped me learn so much over the years of my life. Books I read just for pleasure have reduced the stress in my life, taken me arm chair traveling, and just brought enjoyment to my life. Every book I have read has impacted my life in one way or another with the majority of those books having a positive impact.