Books I read in 2016

I used to LOVE to read when I was younger, think middle school-years. High school hit, and I started watching TV more and by the time college and grad school rolled around, I barely had time to read for pleasure. Although, I really could’ve made time. Now that I’m no longer in college or grad school, I’ve really made an effort to get back into reading and 2016 is hopefully just the beginning. With the  internet/netflix, and blogging, it can be difficult to make time for reading, but sometimes you just have to commit. At the beginning of  this year (2016), I made a promise to myself to get back into reading, and I’m so glad I did!  Here are a few books I read this year, and I think you might enjoy.

Make it Happen// Lara Casey– Lara does a great job at explaining in a relatable way the difference between Normal and Abnormal Fear. This book reminds you that not all fears are bad. She shares her personal trajectory of how she overcame chasing perfect and choosing faith over fear. What I loved most about this book is that she shares her story in a real way,  all the while injecting biblical view points, and as a Christian, this made the book all the more enjoyable.  This book really opened my eyes to the fact that sometimes, the things we are the most fearful of are the very things we so badly want. Can you relate? 

If you are aiming to live a more purposeful and intentional life, this book is for you. If you want to side step your fears, and trust that God can do the impossible, reading her story is a testament to how possible it is to overcome fear and go for it. If you just want to ignite interpersonal growth, this book is so for you. Honestly, there’s something for everyone in this book. 

You are a Badass//Jen Sincero– This book is going into my re-read collection. Jen does a great job making you feel empowered but also letting you know that you have to put in the work. In this book she talks about “vibrations” and how you attract what you put out there. You know the saying “fake it till you make it?” Well, Jen says that you can’t fool the universe. If you think your life sucks, and nothing good will ever happen to you, how can you expect good things to happen to you? 

 

The Wait// Megan Good & Devon Franklin– Okay so this book pretty much talks about honoring God by delaying the gratification of premarital physical intimacy. I love how Megan and Devon shared their story in such a real way. Our society today has become accustomed to instant gratification, as I’m sure you can relate. We want what we want, and we want it now. I can barely sit at a restaurant and wait forty minutes for my meal to be prepared without making a comment about when my meal would arrive. We’re all guilty of instant gratification in some way or another, and if you’re not, teach me your ways. Megan and Devon share  their story on how God has moved in their lives since making the decision delay physical intimacy in their relationship. I was truly moved by this book, and it made me reevaluate my thoughts on physical intimacy.  There’s one line that ignited something within me and it reads “I didn’t want to get to the end of my life, God says, I couldn’t do all I wanted to do in your life because you proved yourself to be unworthy”.  Insane, right?

The Five Love Languages//Gary Chapman– THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR ALL HUMANS. SERIOUS. I first learned about the Five Love Languages in one of my classes in graduate school. Reading this book in a way was more of a refresher for me, but honestly if you want to understand, and love the people in your life in the way that makes them feel loved, you need to read this book. This book also explores early childhood development. One of the main agents of socialization as children is our family of origin, and how our parent gave us love also impacts how we receive love and how we give love. This book helps you understand the different love languages and how to speak the love language of others and to figure out what your love language is. BTW, you can take the assessment to find out your primary and secondary love languages HERE.  

The Girls Guide// Melissa Kirch: This is an all in one book. What I mean by that is Melissa covers a wide range of much needed information every young woman needs to know. When I say wide range, she talks about office do’s and don’t, 401k’s, IRAs, bikini waxing, financial management, everything that you need to know that you don’t necessarily learn in college. 

My So Called Freelance Life// Michelle Goodman– As a budding freelancer, this book is a great resource for managing your side business. Michelle shares valuable tips on when to register your business/finances/accounts/taxes, all that good stuff.  This is a great book for transitioning from 9-5 to full time entrepreneurship or even maintaining your side business while hustling at your 9-5. If you have a blog that you’re monetizing, or hope to monetize, please do yourself a favor and grab this book. 

Let me know if you have read any of the above mentioned books! I’m building my list for next year, so feel free to share books you’ve read and loved! As you can see, I’m big into self-help,motivational, growth type books, but I’m open to everything so, please share!