Have you ever had occasion to say "The book made me do it?"
For me it was a trip to Syria 18 years ago.
I read Les jardins de lumière by Amin Maalouf (translated as The Gardens of Light) several times between 1995 and 2005. The story is set in 3rd century Palmyra and I was so intrigued and fascinated by the place that I wanted to see it for myself.