The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by David Grohl
I don’t actively seek out memoirs. But Dave Grohl has always seemed like a genuinely awesome guy, and his music makes its way onto every playlist I’ve ever made. A good bit of Dave Grohl’s music makes up the soundtrack to my life – so naturally, I wanted to learn about his.
How to Be Sad: Everything I've Learned About Getting Happier by Being Sad by Helen Russell
How to Be Sad is Russell’s best work to date. She started this book in 2019, and given the pandemic and its (gestures vaguely) fallout, How to be Sad arrived at just the right time.
The Shades of Magic Series by V.E. Schwab
I enjoyed this series immensely, and I hope to see more of the Londons and worlds in the future. Theres’ something in each of the characters we can connect with.
Book Recommendations & Reviews - October 2021
I hit the 100 Book mark in September. Happily cruising along and reading obsessively. Here are my favorite books I read in September 2021, and what I look forward to reading in October 2021.
100 Book Challenge: 113/100
Stretch Goal: 113/150
Courage is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave by Ryan Holiday
As Holiday discusses, fear isn’t the opposite of courage – it’s apathy. Doing nothing, being cynical, assuming your actions don’t matter – that’s the opposite of courage. Courage is a choice. You might make the right choice. You might make the wrong one. Regardless, choosing something holds power and takes courage.
The Death of Expertise by Tom Nichols
I loved this book. Nichols talks about everything from the merits of colleges, the good and bad of social media (spoiler: there’s very little that’s good), and the concept that while experts are occasionally wrong, they are consistently less wrong than you and I.
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
Breath was one of my favorite books I read in 2020. Recently, I’ve seen more about this book on social media as new people discover this treasure.
You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters by Kate Murphy - Review
In the book, Kate Murphy endeavors to help readers become better listeners through curiosity and empathy. However, right off the bat, this book irritated me. Read more to learn why.
The Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulberg
I truly appreciated how this book didn’t reference and rehash every self-help book published in the past five years but drew from relevant, present-day people and scenarios to illustrate the points.
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Dr. Lindsay Gibson
Emotionally immature people are everywhere, and seeing these behaviors in others, and yourself, is invaluable for growth and improvement. It’s never too late to be a better version of yourself.
The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab - Review
The Near Witch tells the tale of Lexi Harris in her small community called Near. Everyone knows everyone, so when a mysterious stranger enters their town, and unexplainable things happen, the best – and the worst – is brought out within the community.
The 2021 100 Book Challenge - Early Success
Book challenge: 100/100
Stretch goal: 150/100
Can I do it? Drop a note in the comments!
The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn
If you’re looking for a steamy, well-written, warm & fuzzy romance series, check out The Bridgerton Series by Juila Quinn. You won’t be able to put these books down!
Book Recommendations & Reviews - September 2021
So close to reaching 100 books, I can taste it. I don’t plan to stop after 100 either! Here are my favorite books I read in August 2021, and what I look forward to reading in September 2021.
100 Book Challenge: 98/100
Conspiracy:A True Story of Power, Sex, and a Billionaire's Secret Plot to Destroy a Media Empire by Ryan Holiday
A non-fiction book where three unlikely parties converge for a true story that reads like the latest thriller novel. This absolutely a must-read.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz - Review
There are no easy decisions when building a business or building a company, at least according to Ben Horowitz. I tend to disagree. The easy decision is to do what’s right and place people above profits. Do you agree?
The Althea Rose Series by Tricia O'Malley
If you want to devour a fun, exciting series with a bit of mystery, a bit of paranormal, and a lot of love, this is the series for you. You are sure to fall in love with Althea, Luna, Miss Elva, Beau, and especially Hank while they experience the many adventures Tequila Key offers.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
I knew nothing of this book when I began reading - and I was surprised. Taking place in the early twentieth century, The Ten Thousand Doors of January is a spell-binding story of love, family, words, and actions woven together with a little bit of magick and just enough “what ifs” to make you believe in worlds beyond ours.
Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day by Todd Henry
Whether you identify as a “creative” or not, each day, you’re delivering work of some kind. You might make pottery, or you might be working on your dissertation, but no matter what, you have to show up for something each day and deliver.
The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi
I found the first book, The Henna Artist, through Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club. I loved it and thought it was a great standalone novel. As soon as I discovered there were more books in this story, I immediately pre-ordered The Secret Keeper of Jaipur. Joshi does a great job of keeping you engaged and exhilarated without overwhelming the plot.