I wanted to share some of the books that I've read so far in 2019! I've included what I like about them or maybe a quote!
Hot tip: See if your local library has an app you can download in which you can digitally check out audiobooks to listen to for free. If you're in Austin, TX, check out the Libby app and you can link your library card!
Work Party by Jaclyn Johnson
I not only love this book, but I love that everything Jaclyn Johnson is doing with Create & Cultivate, which she is the Founder and CEO of. I listened to it on audiobook, but wish I had a hard copy so I can go through and highlight so many words of wisdom and bits and tips for being a young woman navigating the post-grad world as well as being creative and being authentic to yourself. The Create & Cultivate is full of so much aesthetically-presented wisdom, so definitely check it out.
Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle
Going through the pain, then the rising. She is so original and funny. I also suggest her on Oprah's SuperSoul Sessions. This book is great for managing really rough life changes, losses, bad times. It's about doing the work. Let your pain be your professor.
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Don't let the title intimidate you, this book is full of wholesomeness, humor, mystery, excitement. It was such a fun read and far exceeded my expectations. There's a book club discussion on the book on Youtube on Reese Witherspoon's Book Club Channel, if you want to delve deeper into the topics and themes of the books. Plus it's a mystery!
40 Days to Personal Revolution by Baron Baptiste
Part of the 200hr. yoga teacher training that I participated in this past April 2019 at Africa Yoga Project, I was required to read this part and complete this program as a post-training training. This is a very clear and practical guide to really be purposeful about your day, life, relationship with yourself, self inquiry, and more.
#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
Similar to Work Party, #GIRLBOSS is about . I didn't enjoy this one and would actually suggest the #GIRLBOSS podcast over the book. It's not a memorable or practice as the former, but I remember liking it. But I'm totally here for any and all things #GIRLBOSS, as I became a boss of over 35 employees last year. If anything this was confirming and motivational.
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
A good start to self-help books!
(See also: "You Are Such a Badass" as far as a good book that might be a good start to reading "self-help" or productivity type reads)
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This is another book that is from Reese Witherspoon's bookclub! I wanted to like it. I would suggest this book if you are looking for some mystery, fiction and Americana Southern vibes. To be honest, not my favorite, but I've heard other people really liking it, while I've heard others weren't quite feeling it. SOooo if it sounds like something you might like, you should read it and find out. Great book! (just not my thing).
Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss
Yes. yes. yes. Now here we go. Nooooww we're talking. I love books about trying to live up to your potential, finding a routine, being more productive and efficient and creating your life in purposeful way. Tim Ferriss totally embodies this. He also is very active on his podcast, as a guest speaker, and on his YouTube Channel I believe. He is the GOAT as far as building a morning and evening routine, utilizing certain habits and practices. This particular book is an easy read as it is a compilation of insightful, and motivating words of wisdom presented in funny and unique ways.
Being of Power by Baron Baptiste
This is another book that I read for my yoga training that I took part of. This book as well as "Perfectly Imperfect" are my favorites from Baron Baptiste. This book pairs well with a consistent yoga or meditation practice :). Yoga is for anyone.
How Can I Help? by Ram Dass
Working in a position in which there is a lot of "social work" and "charity" involved, it was SO enriching to read this book in order to contextualize my work, analyze best practices, and most importantly, questions that ways in which we view "helping". The book can get very philosophical and deep, but read slowly and intentionally so that you may apply and put these ideas into your life. Is your helping hurting? What is the purpose of the exchange of the "helper" and "helped"?
Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
This book is so INSPIRING when you are trying to change your life through small changes. He lays out so many stories and studies and research that displays just how powerful creating and keeping habits are.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
A classic tale. What I got out of this book is a reawakened sense of wanderlust and purpose. Connecting my your dreams and aspirations, through following the fictional story of one young man's quest. It also reminds me of a parable or an origin story about one of the figures in the world's major religions. It's very beautiful, for all ages and walks of life, a great read.
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
Oh boy! If you haven't read anything by Malcolm Gladwell you are in for a big treat. His books are so *interesting* for lack of a better word. Like truly truly interesting, engaging, offering such a unique and curious perspective on issues or questions we don't often think about. He looks at the world so critically, and ask the most poignant questions about social norms, our perceptions, perspectives, and more. The way in which he lays out his points is so engaging, that I always fly through his books.
David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
Looking at what it means to be "an underdog" or a "misfit", and probability in a new way. This may seem dense, but with all Malcolm Gladwell work, the topics are so compelling. The way in which he thinks is honestly so cool. Most recently I've seen him sit down and discuss big stories in the news with Oprah Winfrey. He also has a podcast I believe which I would love to check out.
Seychelles Travel Guide Book
Who doesn't get wanderlust when they pass by the travel book section? I got such a thrill about going to a new country that I has to devour this picturesque millenial-pink little book that led me to all the best spots over the archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
Forget-Me-Not Sonata by Santa Montefiore
Pass. (Just kidding ! Don't mean to be rude). This is a work of fiction that was surprisingly terrible. The story is mostly set in Argentina, but glamorized colonization to a point that it left such a bad taste in my mouth. I hope I'm wrong, but there was several points that the author used language to describe Latinos in what I thought to be an inappropriate way. After struggling through how boring it was, nothing redeemed itself. This was a case of buying a pretty airport book based on it's cover and getting instant bad karma by having to sit through reading this book.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
My favorite part is that it's somewhat of an ode to his mother, in the most hilarious way possible. Unlike the last book mentioned, Trevor Noah is able to speak to issues of race relations, speak about growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. In case you weren't already in love with him, read this book and find out what an incredibly human being he is. Funny, charming, wickedly smart. Such a dreamboat, my goodness. Living in Africa, it was also very important and riveting to learn about the specific issues and perspectives in and from South Africa in particular, from an author that had to navigate that world in such unique way due to his biracial identity and upbringing.