If reading more is on your “things I should really do more of” list, do I have some treats for ya, girlfriend. These books aren’t all recent bigtime hits, but they’re reads that have propelled me forward, given me a juicy escape or impacted my life in some way.
And really? They’re just so freakin’ good.
Add these to your Amazon cart + then let me know: What’s on your book wishlist? I need a few hundred more.
1. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person
To be honest, I almost didn’t read this one. Despite devouring Grey’s on such a consistent basis I could be a trauma doc, I just haven’t been a huge Shonda fan. I know. Shun me now.
Alas, everyone and their mom kept recommending Year of Yes so I gave it a chance and y’all. I am so glad I did! This memoir documenting her “year of yes” adventures made me laugh, caught me off guard with its raw emotion and inspired me to take more leaps (+ baby steps), because in the end, what do we really have to lose?
2. Brooklyn
Despite being written about a young woman emigrating to America in the early 1950’s, I found the main character, Eilis’, foray into adulthood #relatable. Sure, she may have faced hardships that most of us won’t ever have to dream about, but the author pulls at your heartstrings with situations that anyone coming of age can sympathize with: Having to decide between closer familial relationships or following your heart, loves that each have so much to offer, life paths that both sound intriguing; though different, finding yourself in a situation where you know no one when it would be really freaking nice to have someone in your corner…find a common ground yet?
3. You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
I recommend this book to seriously anyone who will listen + for good reason, promise. In short, Jen Sincero rocks. The book is well written with short chapters that get to the point and inspire. She winds through stories about her own life, advice tidbits + exercises that all tie into one common theme: Becoming a better you! If you’ve been looking for a read to kickstart that new year improved you initiative, this is the one.
4. The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith
Out of all of the books on this list, I think this is the one that changed my life the most. My sister always jokes that we’re cohorts on the path to enlightenment (just woo things) and that Gabby Bernstein is our fierce and fearless leader. I enjoyed reading a chapter of The Universe Has Your Back at night before bed so I could do the accompanying exercise/meditation that mostly every chapter included. The lessons will, well, change your life + I preferred getting to really think and take in the wisdom behind each one.
A side note? I was reluctant to buy this one but am beyond happy I did. If you’re like me and thinking, “But I don’t have a ton of fear, and I have faith…?” Still pick up the damn book. If I could rename it it’d be something along the lines of, The Universe Has Your Back: Ditching the Limiting Mindset You Didn’t Know You Had, How to Love People (+ Yourself) Harder + Be a Zen Goddess (Even When Your Dog Pees on Your New White Sheepskin Rug)…
Don’t we all kinda need that one?
5. Eight Hundred Grapes: A Novel
I’ll put this one short + sweet: Eight Hundred Grapes is a book to let yourself get lost in. When work/your dogs/that call from your Mom seems to be just too damn much pick-up this read by Laura Dave and allow yourself to be transported to life among the grapevines with Georgia Ford. She’s just a girl trying to figure out life like the rest of us and at the end, you’re reminded that life is pretty darn good, and maybe your problems will lead you to your greatest joys.
6. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
This book by Eat, Pray, Love author, Elizabeth Gilbert, is a must read for any creative– whether you’re a writer, a painter or someone who just likes to scribble doodles in your work notes sometimes.
But if you work in a creative industry that has the ability to leave you feeling drained, you need this. It will remind you why you started in the first place, give advice on how to get out of the uninspired rabbit hole + take you back to the you at 7 years-old that might have picked-up chalk or a pen + a notebook just because.
7. Thug Kitchen: The Official Cookbook: Eat Like You Give a F*ck
I love cookbooks, but they have a tendency to end up on my kitchen counter until I decide to cook something that’s not eggs– Thug Kitchen was not one of them. I made healthy recipes out of this bad boy for dayz + it was fun to read too!
My go-tos? The beer + lime tacos and peanut noodles.
Enjoy!
8. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Tbh, this is a total teen read and I. Love it. So much. My sisters and I have all read this trilogy following main character Lara Jean’s love life for years with no shame. Will she choose the bad boy or the lovable friend? These are the questions that plague my mind for hours as I read Jenny Han’s books and I’m not mad about it.
Leave a Reply