Reading is such a great escape from the minutia and everyday monotony of life. Not to mention, whether reading for pleasure of procrastination, it helps keep your brain active and vocabulary strong. 🤓 I am excited to share with you three of my favorite books 📚 I’ve read this year that have made me feel inspired, uplifted and helped me to grow on multiple levels - as a wife, sister, young Millennial, an entrepreneur in America and SO. MUCH. MORE. 👏🏾😜
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person - Shonda Rhimes
"I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart, I am talented, I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and I work really, really, hard. Don't call me lucky. Call me a badass."
- Year of Yes
This a book that I challenge every one of my introverted readers to read! Year of Yes is a book that challenges you to say Yes to the unexpected ebbs and flows of life no matter how uncomfortable, inconvenient or awkward they may be. As to fully embrace life for what it is meant to be and stop you from blocking your blessings. Written by the barrier-breaker, mover and shaker, ABC hit maker herself Shonda Rhimes, read more about how the shy and introverted writer changed her life by simply saying Yes.
#BOOKSTEAL: Purchase on Amazon for less than $5!
2. I'm Judging You: The Do Better Manual - Luvvie Ajayi
“People have made it too easy to know everything about their personal business because of social media, especially Facebook. That is a digital Lipton factory where all gossip tea goes to boil.” - Luvvie Ajayi
In a world where we are consumed by social media, digital applications and common courtesy is dying faster than chivalry ever did - 'I'm Judging You' is JUST what our generation needs. Blogger, Activist, Comedian and New York Times Best Selling author, Luvvie Ajayi uses her witty humor to discuss pop culture events, call out bad habits of our generation (yes, you will feel her side eye) and will teach you how to GET. YOUR. LIFE. Think of Luvvie as your modern, black Emily Post.
Find it on Amazon here.
3. We’re Going to Need More Wine - Gabrielle Union
“I remember the moment I realized I was free, looking in a mirror and saying,
“I choose my m****ing self.”"
-Gabrielle Union
This is a book every young female in their 20s should read. HANDS. DOWN. Although it was not an easy journey, Gabrielle Union reflects on her childhood, adolescence and adulthood in a fearless, hilarious-yet-vulnerable autobiography. As Gabrielle Union (or Nikki as you'll soon call her) shares her experiences with colorism, sexual assault, divorce and fame, you can not help but cry, laugh and find yourself craving more and more of her wisdom. Whilst revealing her truth, exhibiting self-awareness, teaching us the importance of self-confidence and the journey it takes to get there, you will easily begin to see why it's one of my favorites. I also must say as a young black female who grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood I related to this book more than the others. This is a book I would recommend reading or listening to on Audible. With Gabrielle Union narrating the book, by the end you will feel like she's your best friend. Find it on Amazon here.
If you read any of the above, don't forget to share what you think! We are always looking for good reads and would also love to hear about what you are currently reading or what you have read that you have loved! What are some books that have inspired you, made you feel uplifted or that have been great escapes from a long day? What books would you recommend for a road trip or a book club read? Drop them in the comments below!
Thanks for Hanging with the Heake's
xo