Do you set reading goals at the beginning of a new year? I never have before, but this year I’ve decided to attempt 4 books a month. Which breaks down to about a book a week, depending on the month. That’s a lot for me, even with my love for reading. I get sidetracked by Netflix and house projects, but I always have such a long list of books I want to read. So this year I’m pushing myself to read more. And the thing that is really helping me so far is Audible. It’s so much easier to find time in my day to listen (while walking, hanging wallpaper, doing laundry, driving around town, etc.) than it is to find extra time in my day to sit down with an actual book.
I’ve decided to use the notes app on my phone to keep a running tally, and I’ll be doing monthly recaps here to keep myself accountable.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
I know Colleen Hoover has a cult like following, but this was just my second read from her. However, I’m beginning to see why she’s so beloved! It Ends With Us was, in a word ~ unputdownable. I don’t want to give too much of the plot away for those that haven’t yet read this one, but this story carried an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking message that was completely unexpected. As you’re reading the story you just don’t see what’s coming for our main character, Lily, and I think that’s what makes this story so heart wrenchingly unforgettable. Even after you turn the last page, you find yourself still thinking about these characters and this story. It was a quick read, heavy and heartbreaking with a bittersweet ending. The passage from this book that will stay with me is, “There is no such thing as bad people. We are all just people who sometimes do bad things.”
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
This was our January book pick for our Instagram Book Club, @4readingwomen. You should totally come read with us! I loved this book! It was the perfect nonfiction read to start the new year! Marie Forleo has a no-nonsense way of pairing actionable items with motivating words and stories. I listened to this one on audible. And while it was great hearing Marie’s words in her own voice, there are some written exercises spread throughout the book that would be easier to complete with a physical copy. If motivational reads are your jam, I highly suggest grabbing this one. It gives you a practical approach to figuring out what you want to do and going after your goals.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
This will most likely end up being my favorite read of 2019. Chanel Miller is an absolutely incredible writer. “I am a victim, I have no qualms with this word, only with the idea that it is all that I am.” Her book will probably also go down as the most stunning, most moving memoir I’ve ever read. Chanel writes from the heart and she holds nothing back, and all the while I just kept thinking about how amazingly brave she is to share her story with the world. And also how thankful I am that she did. I think everyone should read this book.
“You took away
My worth, my privacy,
My energy,
My time,
My safety,
My intimacy,
My confidence,
My own voice,
Until today.”
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I’m not usually drawn to memoirs, but somehow I read two this month. Reading books authored by political figures is also outside of my reading norm, but so many people were raving about Becoming that I thought I’d give it a go. I listened on Audible, and I really think that has to be the best way to take in this story. Her words, her voice, her story, she takes you from her childhood days to the day she said goodbye to the White House, and her story is surprisingly relatable. At least it was for me. Much of what she wrote about motherhood, balancing career and home life, and about figuring out where your passion lies was easy to relate to and also heartwarming. Just to know that we’re all dealing with similar things in our own ways was encouraging. I found her candidness and honesty both refreshing and unexpected. And it’s absolutely true what so many have said about this book, it matters not what side of the aisle you prefer to hang out on, her story is inspiring.
“I’d been lucky to have parents, teachers, and mentors who’d fed me with a consistent, simple message: You matter.
As an adult, I wanted to pass those words to a new generation.“
What’s the best book you’ve read lately?
Colleen Hoover is one of my favorites! I loved her newest book, Regretting You. November 9 is another one of hers that is great! I listened to Becoming as well, and I loved hearing her actually tell her story. We don’t t agree on a lot of things, but she’s an inspiring woman.