Okay, I can't believe 2021 is over. The older I get, the faster life starts to move. It's wild.
Young CC was obsessed with reading. I would read during recess and lunch, on and off the playground. I would rush while taking tests, just so I could have some time to silently read after. There was really nothing like immersing yourself in a good story, especially one that came alive in your mind with each page!
But then something changed. My imagination took a backseat, and the anxieties of life took center stage. I think it's a mix of getting older and also getting my first iPhone with Instagram; regardless, I kind of just stopped reading. To this day, it has become increasingly hard to find a story that is enthralling to me and evokes the same feelings of wonderment and infatuation I once felt when opening a book. But I've done my very best to keep reading, despite these changes!
So here are some books that I've enjoyed this year. If they are able to keep my fuzzy, fast-paced ADHD brain engaged, then I'm sure they might be able to do the same for you! *Full disclaimer: have I mentioned I have ADHD? Lol. Which means that yes, some of the books I have included on this list I have not finished. Oops. But I indeed still thought they were worth noting. I'll include those at the very endt*
My #1 Favorite: Untamed by Glennon Doyle
I loved this one a lot lot lot. But maybe it's because I am selfish and a lot of the things she wrote about reminded me a lot of my own experiences and emotions! :)
I had no idea what to expect before reading this book, but Glennon's memoir helped me look at life in an entirely different light. Her beautiful writing style, matched with very short chapters, kept me captivated the entire time. I finished it over the span of 2 days!
Highly recommend this to anyone, honestly. She helped me turn my frequent negative self-talk into beautiful self-praise. I'll leave this "review" with one of my favorite quotes from her: "You are NOT A MESS. You are a feeling person in a messy world." <3
#2: The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
I'm 22 and graduated college this June, so this book came to me at just the right time. Rather than judge you harshly for not living right, this book was a gentle reminder that your twenties are actually a very important time to set up the rest of your life and future.
Yes I'll admit, it did cause me a teeny weeny bit of anxiety. It also created a little bit of inner conflict, causing me to question whether or not I fully agree with all that is being taught. However, it was still a meaningful wake-up call in regard to career, dating, and life in general!
I learned that I can still have a lot of fun in my twenties, while planning and preparing for the future that is going to approach a lot faster than I might see coming. It's not here to scare you, just prepare you! :)
#3: Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Normally, I've become more of a non-fiction, psychology, or memoir kind of gal. However, the only fiction book that can hold my attention are murder mysteries, because I always want to read to the end to find out who did it!
While most books in this genre can be (and usually are) very cliche, I still give this one a great review on my end. It kept me hooked from pretty much the beginning, as the writer's style is very descriptive and the characters are very interesting. The author did a good job making me wonder, the entire time, who was responsible for killing. There's even a twist!
Sharp Objects also been made into a one-season T.V. show, but I'd say read the book first! Though this isn't always the case, I found it to be much better anyways. Plus Amy Adams is amazing hehe
#4: The Guest List by Lucy Foley
This book had me HOOKED FROM THE START! If you hadn't noticed, I do tend to read a lot of books from Reece Witherspoon's book club (with her little sticker on the front). She does a damn good job picking books though!
Okay so yes, it's another murder mystery. But this one takes place on a remote island and a wedding is about to happen. Each chapter is from the perspective of a different character, as you try to figure out which of them could be responsible for committing a murder.
Foley makes you love and hate every character at the same time, giving them all such great backstories and depth. If definitely kept me on the edge of my seat for its entirety, and I would HIGHLY recommend!
#5: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing is kind of old news, and I think people have been raving about it for a while. But whatever.
I read this one, and finished it, on a plane ride to Hawaii. I love being stuck on a plane with no service, so all you can do is read!
Once again, great character development in this novel. I also really enjoyed the author's writing style, it was able to transform me into the story much like I used to feel as a kid.
And for all you sappy simps out there, the love story is also quite beautiful. Although I love a good love story, this book paired it nicely with suspense, overall making it very well-rounded!
#6: Talking to Strangers by Malcom Gladwell
This is another book I started and finished while on a plane ride! Though I can't remember where to... anyways I really enjoyed it!
Malcom Gladwell always does such an amazing job either coming up with concepts that are so abstract and unique I wonder what goes on in his brain, OR making us think much deeper about a topic we think we might think we already know a lot about!
Each chapter in this particular book investigates a different, popular story. I stole this from amazon: "it's a a challenging and controversial excursion through history, psychology, and scandals taken straight from the news." Really makes you think, that's for sure!!
#7: The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Though this is technically a "parenting" book, I found it incredibly helpful for anyone who likes kids, works with kids, wants kids, or was a kid. So that's everyone. hehe.
There were a lot of useful strategies for understanding how our brains function at different stages of our lives, and how to cope with this.
Even if you don't plan on having children or you don't work with kids, I honestly still recommend this book. It can be a helpful tool for those of us that wish some of these strategies were implemented more in our childhood. It helped me be more kind to my brain and try these strategies on ourselves now as grown adults! Because after all, we are never too old to learn something new!
#8: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Many of us have heard of the Five Love Languages, especially if you are a nerd for this kind of stuff like me lol.
There are many different versions of this book, including ones for singles, couples, women, men, etc. but I just-so-happened to read the one about children!
As a future teacher, I thought it would be a very helpful tool to be able to determine the love languages of my future students so that I am able to better show each of them the love they deserve!
It's also been extremely helpful for nannying, as I can better love my kiddos how they prefer. I think if we all tried a little harder to understand each other, life becomes all the most harmonious and beautiful!
And FINALLY, (just for fun) here are some books I have sitting in my library that I plan to read in the coming year. If you have read any of these and have thoughts, feel free to let me know! Also please give me more recommendations if you have them! XOXO
Comments