As many of you know, I am a complete book worm. I read all the time. My first book post I wrote in the fall started out as a collection of my top picks. I have read so many books since then so I figured I would need to update it.
With Toronto weather as crazy as it is, cozying up with a good book is so satisfying. I have a whole routine which includes a diffuser on a relaxing scent, my salt lamp on in the corner and a nice hot cup of tea and of course the most cozy soft blanket I own. I have once again broken my book recommendations down into categories, so if you are only interested in reading fiction, you can scroll right down.
Self-Development
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown – This book is basically about perfectionists, vulnerability and making peace that shame is okay. It is so well written and relatable that it really got me thinking about the importance of embracing your imperfections as well as knowing that it is okay to be vulnerable. With vulnerability, comes true strength
- You are a Badass by Jen Sincero – Honestly this book was amazing. Jen really tells you to get off your butt and know that you are a badass no matter what any one else says. She tells you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and take risks. Why? Because you are a badass.
- Girl, Wash your Face by Rachel Hollis – This book is kind of similar to You are a Badass, however Rachel is so down to earth and funny, and since I have been listening to her podcast for a few months, I actually hear her voice reading the book as I go along. She really digs deep and helps you to start thinking about underlying issues that make us the way we are. I am taking my time reading this because I don’t want to finish it. It’s that good.
Fiction
- Beartown by Fredrik Backman – This book was so cozy. It has a little bit of a slow start and really sets the scene and helps you to understand that the small town in the middle of nowhere is really only known for being a hockey town. I am not really a hockey fan and don’t really care too much about sports, but this isn’t really about sports. It’s about loyalty, community, deception and family. It’s so beautifully written that I cannot wait to read the next one. He also wrote A Man called Ove, which is an amazing book as well.
- Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay – I honestly read this book so fast. It takes place in France in 1950 and then jumps to present day in France. It tells the story of a horrific event that happened in France during World War 2, and then jumps to present day where a woman is trying to uncover the story that Paris was trying so hard to cover up and forget. It is heartbreakingly beautiful and reminds us of the horrors that the world went through during that time. Things that we were not taught about in school.
- The Glass Castle Jeannette Walls – So I technically haven’t finished this book yet, but I already know it will make this list. It kind of reminds me of the Goldfinch for anyone who has read that book. I think this book was loosely related to the authors life, as it is a memoir, but I cannot find any information that states it was a true story. It basically tells the story of a family, struggling to survive in the 1960’s, I think. The dates aren’t overly clear. But, the poverty of this family and what they go through to survive, travelling from city to city. It’s so well written and reminds us that poverty exists in our backyard and comes from all walks of life. I can’t wait to see how it ends.
Non-Fiction
- Yes, Please by Amy Poehler – This book is the autobiography of Amy Poehler. She is an improv comedian and worked on SNL for about 10 years. I was never a big fan, but have heard rav reviews about this book. I saw it at a book sale for a few dollars and figured I would pick it up. It is so funny and Amy is quirky as well as very witty. She adds in little pictures from her career as well has excerpts written by her friends.
- Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson– This books completes me. I think if there ever was a book to describe my depression, anxiety and over active brain, this would be it. She says things in this book that I have thought before, but would never think to say outloud. Some points in this book, I will gasp out loud and say “Omg, I thought the same thing!” It was insane. I read a chapter to my husband and he just turns to me and said “I don’t need to read that book, I live with you, I don’t need to read about it” Yes, it was that similar. She calls herself crazy, rambles about nonsense, goes off on tangents and forgets her point regularly. Needless to say, its hilarious and talks about her reasoning behind always trying to be furiously happy.
