"I read!": Hill Harper

Hill Harper, actor ('CSI-NY,' 'Lackawanna Blues'), best-selling author ('Letters To A Young Sister' and 'Letters to A Young Brother'), and activist gives BV Bookshelf a look into what he's reading (and listening to) these days.

What Are You Currently Reading?

"I'm actually driving through Missouri campaigning for Barack Obama and I'm listening to 'Dreams From My Father' on tape. He wrote that book after he and I graduated from Harvard. I'm doing so much work for him and his campaign, reading his book is a nice reminder of who I'm working for and why.

"I'm also reading 'By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept.' It's a novel by Paulo Coelho. I was in the bookstore getting another Coelho book, 'The Alchemist,' for a friend and I saw that. I had read it a while back while in law school. A young lady I was dating gave it to me. So I wanted to read it again to take me back to that time in my life. I believe that books are sensory experiences. I'm not just enjoying the story, I'm also being reminded of a time and place in my life.

'By The River' is a book about unconditional love. Part of my journey is attempting to expand my heart. I know that what you put into your mind has an affect on your heart. When people see certain images and song lyrics and they're like, "it don't matter," it's not true. I'm not about censorship. I watch and do everything. You just have to make sure you have a balance. There are certain songs and videos I like because I do and I don't have to justify it. But I make sure I balance those images and words with things that edify my mind and spirit."

Book That Most Inspired or Had An Impact on You?

'Way of The Peaceful Warrior' by Dan Millman

I was gifted that book by a buddy. It reinforced to me that anything is possible. It spoke about how there are no limits to what anyone can do. No matter what your circumstances, the only limitation you have is your imagination. Tavis Smiley one said to me, 'Dream Big and once you've dream that, double it. And you still haven't dreamed big enough.' That book reminds me to push beyond even my limits.

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