& what I thought
1. The Black Girls Guide to Financial Freedom – Paris Woods
A great introductory guide to finance. I wish I had read this in college! (feeling a bit behind) This was a great start to my years goal of becoming more financially literate.
2. Eileen – Otessa Moshfegh
I knew this book was going to be a weird one because I have read Moshfegh before. I found the story to be good but the ending was a bit lackluster considering the build up.
3. Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts
Top five favorite books of all time. The type of book you read slow because you want to savor it. A true sensory delight, I really felt as if I were in Bombay with the protagonist. I clung to every everyword.
4. The Courage to be Disliked – Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
I have so many thoughts on the topic of Adlerian psychology focused on in this book. Overall, I found the topics to be very beneficial and positive. I certainly want to revisit later to further ingrain these principles in my brain.
5. Demon Copperhead – Barbara Kingsolver
I saw this novel on my best friend Beshy’s bookshelf. She has great taste so I knew I had to read. A unique page turner about growing up in the Appalachian Mountain region. I couldn’t put it down.
6. To Paradise – Hanya Yanagihara
700 pages, man I dont know how Yanagihara does it. A bit boring at times, I mean it took me two years to read. It was worth it in the end. Such a gorgeous story that frightened me at times because its social discourse is so on the nose. I’m just in awe of Yanagihara’s imagination.
7. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
A boy I had a crush on told me this was his favorite book. So I read it. It’s not bad but it’s not great. It just didn’t hold my interest. My friend Tessa loves this book though! So to each their own
8. The Killer Across The Table – Mark Olshaker & John e. Douglas
Not for the faint of heart. I read this book because of the Netflix show ‘Mindhunter.’ Extremely graphic as the subject detail isn’t the most pleasant. A fascinating page turner nonetheless.
9. The Whole Story – John Mackey
I love Whole Foods. I could peruse the aisles for hours. I consider it a safe space. So while shopping there I grabbed a copy of Mackey, the founder of WF autobiography. I love learning about how people became successful. A great podcast on success is: ‘How I Built This’ by Guy Raz. Mackey’s story is inspiring but was a little too long for my taste.
10. Be Ready When Luck Happens – Ina Garten
My favorite memories with my Grandmother Bunny are watching Ina on the Food Network. To me, Ina is the epitome of elegance and class. I have looked up to her most of my life. This autobiography was such a treat. I loved learning more about Ina, Jeffery, and her journey to our televisions. A story about following your wildest dreams.
11. From Here to the Great Unknown – Lisa Marie Presley & Riley Keough
Nothing to say but wow! I could practically taste this book, as much of it is set in my hometown. Keough did an exceptional job outlining her family’s story. Listen to the audiobook its incredibly powerful!
12. The Master Margarita – Mikhail Bulgakov
I love Russian literature. It all started in Ms. Rubin’s English class my senior year of high school. When she had us read ‘Crime and Punishment’ by Dostoevsky. A boy I have a crush on recommended I read this novel and I loved it. It is whimsical and playful. Not was you expect from Russian literature but very enjoyable.
13. The Virgin Suicides – Jeffrey Eugenides
Honestly I had no business watching this movie so young. Directed by the brilliant Sofia Coppola, this move changed my pre-teen brain. It’s honestly probably the reason I was so angsty as a teen. While i had no reason for my angst, the Lisbon girls certainly did. I loved the book just as much as I love the movie. It gave much more insight into the girls and the boys that loved them. Stellar adaptation Stella.
14. Small Things Like These – Claire Keegan
Towards the end of the year I became hyperfixated with Irish history. Specifically, The Troubles. I devoured all the YouTube videos and movies on the subject. Movies such as ‘In the Name of the Father’ have stuck with me to this day. It’s a part of history many do not know about. This book while short packs a punch, it’s haunting without revealing too much. I can’t believe it’s based on true events.
15. Astrology for the Aquarian Age – Alexandra Mark
I found this book while celebrating my parents garage. I have always been into astrology, mainly because my mom has always been. Whenever I make a new connection her first question is: “What is their star sign?” Influential people have been using astrology throughout history. To predict the best times for their dreams etc. This book came out in 1970 yet still gives many practical tools to understand yourself and others, like your crushes chart
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