2017 represented a phenomenal year of personal development and growth. I feel that something must have been in the air because I’ve noticed that quite a few people had a similar experience. Can you relate? If so, definitely let me know.
Since I listen to quite a few (PHENOMENAL) podcasts that are hosted by black women and focus on a wide range of topics, I have a never-ending list of books to read which I love because it’s reminds me of a virtual book club. I don’t take it lightly when women such Myleik Teele, Rosetta Thurman and HeyFranHey (to name a few) recommend books to read because I see that they’ve done the work to better themselves which in turn shows in their business and life. To that end, here are a few books that I definitely plan to revisit in 2018:
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz – I honestly recommend this book to just about everyone navigating this thing we call life. My favorite agreement? ‘Always Try Your Best’ because what honestly can go wrong if you honestly (always) try your best?
- Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes – I don’t necessarily have an issue with saying ‘yes,’ but Shonda did did a good job of highlighting the importance of being intentional with our time. I’ve honestly been using these principles to say ‘no’ where appropriate and ‘yes’ to new things that I know will not only benefit me, but challenge me as well.
- In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney – I LOVE this book. It’s a coffee table photography book focused on women entrepreneurs in their workspace x interviews + advice. Need I say more? I revisit this often because it provides inspiration.
- Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves – To be honest, this was a work read that I took years to finally finish. I love personal assessments that allow me to revisit how I react to people, situations and the world as a whole.
- When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – Life is very short, but we often realize that when it’s too late. Why? This book impacted me in ways that I didn’t expect. It’s beautifully written and definitely a must read.
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – A CLASSIC. I reread it again this year because who doesn’t need a reminder about their ‘personal legend’?
- Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed – I randomly picked up this book yearrsss ago because I like the idea of an advice column geared towards life lessons. I just finished this book in 2017. I don’t think that I was fully aware of the awesomeness of Cheryl Strayed, at the time. She’s a phenomenal author, so check out her work.
- I’m Judging You by Luvvie Ajayi – I love to hear our voices/perspectives on current events in the world and Luvvie delivers a unique perspective that I think is worth reading.
For all of my fellow book lovers, what were some of your favorite books reads in 2017? What books do you plan on revisiting in 2018? Also, what books are you reading now? I have all of the questions because during the winter season, I plan on hibernating and curling up with plenty of goodreads. Feel free to leave a comment below and please, please stay warm.
From one fellow book lover to another, here’s to a purposeful 2018 with plenty of good reads in tow!