It has been made known on several occasions just how much I love to read. My dream room in a house is a library with floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with books. I’d probably live in there. I digress. Every year, I compile a list of books that I plan to delve into throughout the year. There is a method to my madness, though. My rules are simple. The list must contain at least four books; one book per quarter (or every three months). One book to encourage personal development. One book to support career aspirations or growth. One book to educate on financial well being. And one book to use as an escape, be it fiction or poetry, the genre is open.
As a fellow bookworm, my list always includes more than four books due to the rate at which I read. This year, I’ve decided to switch it up just a little. I have been privileged enough to read some amazing books. Books that have challenged me to grow. Books that have spurred me into action. Books that have transported me to another time and another place. Books that have made me cry, laugh, scream in shock, and yell in anger. I decided to create a collection of books worth revisiting this year.
1.) How To Be A Bawse by Lilly Singh – I can’t express how much valuable information is jam packed into this book. That’s why it’s first on my list. It was this very book that helped instill in me being productive versus being busy. A full schedule does not equate to success or moves being made. I admire how Lilly shares how she failed, how she succeeded, and how she created an environment and life that works for her. And encourages you to do the same!
2.) The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene’ Brown – I am a perfectionist. I’ve been this way my entire life. While I understand that perfection is an unattainable goal, I still strive for it. And every time I fail, I’m super hard on myself. Brene’ does an excellent job of encouraging me to embrace my imperfections and failures. I think it’s time for a reminder.
3.) Werk 101 by Koeryelle DuBose – I have set some very ambitious goals for myself this year, and I’m ready to put in WERK! This book is full of tips, tricks, and best practices to help me put my best foot forward. From healthy lifestyle tips to ways to network to self-care, I like how it provides a little something for each aspect of life. Definite must-have to keep me balanced and focused!
4.) Get Your Sh!t Together by Sarah Knight – For an entire year, I swear this was my motto. I used to tell whoever would listen that I was trying to get my life together. And then I came across this book plus it’s matching journal. Game changer! But what I love about it is that as life changes, as priorities shift, the material can still be applied. Each new level in life requires a new version of ourselves, in which case, we must change, grow, and transform. New year, same motto! I am determined to get my sh!t together for the next level I’m pursuing.
5.) Meridian by Alice Walker – I love the main character in this book. She is a rebel. A leader. Strong. Fearless. Marches to the beat of her own drum. For me, it’s an encouragement to be fearless and bold myself. Despite what others may say or do, I have a voice of my own, and sometimes doing my own thing may mean doing it by myself.
6.) The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae – I both admire and respect Issa Rae. I could definitely relate to this book. I, too, am an awkward black girl. Haha! No really, I am. In fact, I’m too sure on the whole black part, as my card was revoked awhile ago. Anywho, not only could I relate to the book, but the candid writing style made me laugh.
7.) I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons by Kevin Hart – Ok, don’t crucify me. Behind all the humor, I enjoyed the lessons that Kevin Hart shared in the book. It was full of hard learned lessons with powerful meanings. I loved it. The audio book, though? Y’all! Get the audio book. To hear it read by Kevin Hart himself made it that much more enjoyable.
Bonus Reads: If you love fiction, I encourage you to check out Ghosted by Rosie Walsh, and Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult.
I could have gone on and on, y’all. I love books! But for where I’m headed in the year 2020, I really feel like these are all books that will keep me focused and keep me reminded of where I’m going, why, and key ways to get there. That’s all I’ve got for you for now.
What’s a book you’d recommend? Any books you’d read again? Drop your response in the comments below. Like and share with other fellow bookworms!
Adding a few of these to my Good Reads App right now!
Yasss! I’m glad you found the post beneficial.