There are books that stay with you during important times in your life. A great book can get you through a bad breakup or a bad high school (though, that actually might take a whole series).
The authors behind your favorite books were drawn to literature and writing by their own literary all-stars, and besides gaining comfort and pleasure, they've found and honed the skills utilized in their own novels.
These nine authors received their all-important titles from family and friends, during their childhoods and while dealing with the milestones of adulthood -- and each owes a debt to those inspirational writers.