I am a reader, I have always been a reader and I tend to devour books and stories with a passion. But it wasn't until I started working in the job I'm in now that I really explored the idea of reading self help books. I am very lucky to work at a company that not only let's me work from home, but that places importance on professional and personal development. Suddenly I had time to actually read these books I'd been hearing about, and better yet had an awesome friend to recommend some great reads to me (Hey Katie!). So I wanted to take some time and call out these books that really sparked something within me so that you could read them too.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
This book I received for Christmas as part of a collection of books meant to be traded through the women in my family. I was lucky enough to crack this cover first and it's an amazing read. MO (yup giving her a nickname, this book is personal so I feel like we're friends) walks you through the ups and downs of her life with a straight forward and clear attitude. She gives herself credit where it is due, and points out her flaws where she feels she needs to. She's an inspiring woman with an inspiring story and her perspective really made me think. She talks about impact and the choice to push forward despite people who tell you not to. She also pokes fun at her husband's weird name and bad dancing as a bonus. It's just a really well written narrative on her life and much as I expected it comes with as much inspiration as the woman who wrote it.
(PS Michelle Obama I'd like to be you when I grow up, you are a badass)
Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
This one was recommended to me by Katie, my amazing work friend who seems to just know things and has the greatest book recommendations. The feedback on this book are divided and at times I found myself divided as well, but this one made the list because there was something in each chapter that spoke to me a little bit. Be it the understanding that she was projecting herself to be more than she was, her struggle with relationships, or her frank relationship with a higher power. I took a lot of really great ideas from this book and reading it was the spark towards my self care journey and the source of many of my Fantastic Friday meeting topics about perspective, care, joy, and gratitude. So yeah I'm firmly on the bandwagon on this one.
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
This is one of those books that you open and you just know they're going to get you. Jen is witty and sincere and the humour in the book is exactly the same as mine. It's been really wonderful reading through it and knowing that the feels I'm feeling are normal and that someone else has felt the same way as I do. By using humour to connect with the reader she leaves a more impactful message behind - essentially you have it in you to do anything you put your mind to and that makes you a powerful badass. And you're damn right I am!
Outlander (Series) by Diana Gabaldon
I should preface this section by saying that the first thing that drew me to these books was Sam Heughan in a kilt, but I mean can you blame me the man is perfection with an accent. However as I watched the show I decided I really wanted to read the books as well so I decided to see if I could track down the entire series and read my way through them. I'm still only partly done but I really do love this series, it's heartfelt and emotional but still has the drama the show embodies. If you're a fan of the show you definitely should pick up the books and give them a read!
Still on the to read list:
- The Hidden Power of F'ing Up by the Try Guys
- Mastering your Inner Mean Girl by Melissa Ambrosini
- Girl Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
What are you reading right now and what drove you to pick up that particular book? Let me know in the comments :)