Self Help – Current Book Stack

February 1, 2021

January Book Stack

Breaking down what I read in January and how I’d rate everything. Looking back I realized I didn’t fall into my normal routine of reading all one genre which I was happy about. I feel like I usually end up reading 3 of the same books in a row and then mix up plots and characters so I’m going to try to stick to mixing it up this year. I’m currently 6 books into my 75 book goal for the year so we’re moving at a good pace!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Do I even need to elaborate? Two more left in my reread and I already don’t want it to end.

Black Buck

Loved this book, it was a great balance between entertainment and life advice. The story telling was captivating and I walked away with a lot of great lessons on sales and how to interact with others.

Leave the World Behind

I really didn’t enjoy this book. It was hard to follow at times and there were parts included that seemed like big events that we just never heard about again. The ending was abrupt and had no real resolution or explanation to what was happening so I was left really unsatisfied.

The Dating Plan

I loved this one. A sweet romcom with characters you’re really rooting for. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick light hearted story. I got this as my Book of the Month for January.

The Only Child

Randomly picked this up in the used section of the bookstore. It was essentially Mind Hunter meets bad horror movie but I enjoyed it.

Moonflower Murders

This was great, if you love mysteries just start diving head first into Anthony Horowitz. This is a follow up to Magpie Murders so I’d suggest reading that first.

January 14, 2021November 30, 2021

Black Buck

Pairs well with: Starbucks Pike Place

Thoughts: This book was incredible. I’m usually hesitant going into books that have a lot of hype around them especially as they first come out but Black Buck lived up to my expectations. It’s written as a racial satire but there is a lot of great advice along the way, especially if you’re in a sales role. Throughout the book the author, Mateo, jumps in to point out lessons and call out parts that you should write down and take with you. The story really hits on the importance of diversity in the workplace and the power of passing on knowledge, I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Summary: Darren is an incredibly bright former valedictorian trying to figure out what to do with his life. He’s been managing a Starbucks for four years when he decides to try to sell one of their regulars a different drink, and it leads to a job offer to join his sales team. Darren quickly learns how toxic and noninclusive some of these workplaces can be while in ‘hell week’ at his new job. The company runs into a huge PR scandal and we see Darren try to rise to the occasion and take on the future of the company, his reputation and all those around him.

January 2, 2021

Top 5 Books of 2020

I finished up my final book of 2020 on Wednesday which makes 75 total for the year. I’ve loved being able to share books with everyone this year and the below five are ones I couldn’t stop thinking about and recommending to others.

1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo I truly loved this book, it has everything you could ask for in a story and will keep you captivated and invested throughout. Evelyn Hugo was the it girl of Hollywood for decades, and now that she’s getting older she want to tell her whole story. She hires a young writer to write the book and keep her legacy alive, and we get to listen is as she recounts her decades in Hollywood and life since the spotlight.

2. Verity If Gone Girl is one of your movies that you see playing on TV and can’t pass by, you have to read this book. An author named Lowen is hired to ghost write a book in a very popular series after the author is in a car accident and isn’t able to finish. She moves into the Crawfords’ home to go through the notes Verity made for the book and tries to piece everything together. While looking through the notes however she discovers a lot more than she intended to.

3. The Alice Network If you’re a historical fiction fan, any Kate Quinn is mandatory reading, but The Alice Network was my favorite. The book follows Eve during WWII as she becomes a spy in France, and shows the incredible contributions these women made to the war. The timeline then shifts to 1947 where an American girl Charlie is searching for her cousin who she lost contact with during the war.

4. Talking to Strangers The irony is not lost on me that this was one of my favorite books in a year where 75% of my days I only speak to my husband and cats. What this year did bring however was a change in how we all communicate and interact with coworkers, friends, family and everyone else around us. Throughout the process of learning how to navigate these new communication standards I referenced lessons learned in this book multiple times.

5. Normal People The perfect cuddle up with a blanket and read in one sitting love story. The book follows Connell and Marianne from high school to college and all the life and love lessons they learn along the way. Disclaimer: this is not your happy romcom story, and you might cry, but you will fall in love with this couple. The book was also made into a show on Hulu for when you finish but still want more.

July 15, 2020November 30, 2021

We Should All Be Mirandas

Pairs well with: A Cosmopolitan

I’m a sucker for a self help book, but this book was incredible. It combines great advice with humor and pop culture references, what more could you ask for. No matter which character you identify with on Sex and the City you’ll be able to learn a few life lessons and laugh along the way.

The book was written by two friends who during a rewatch of SATC created an instagram account posting all the iconic outfits and realized how many people identified with Miranda. There are quizzes, drink recipes, and advice on everything from fashion to how to ask for a raise. It doesn’t come off as preachy or telling you how to live your life like some self help books, you feel like you’re just gossiping with friends. You don’t have to be a huge SATC fan to enjoy, but just a warning that you’ll want to at least watch the movie if not the full series after.

June 1, 2020November 30, 2021

10% Happier

Pairs well with: Chocolate, tea and anything else that helps you relax

This was my second read through of this book and if possible, I think I loved it more the this time around. I love a self help book, but similar to Dan when walking through his story I often find parts of methods I relate to but am left with a lot of questions. It’s also incredibly relatable how he discusses all the steps in his process to manage his anxiety instead of saying he went to one retreat and is suddenly healed. He doesn’t get preachy, keeps it light and has some great name drops along the way which is all I can ask for in a self help book.

With everything going on in the world right now I think we all could use a quick check in with our anxiety, how we handle it, and the impact to our bodies. My favorite lesson I took from the story is the phrase “Is It Useful?” He talks about how it’s natural to react to things but take a quick evaluation of how you’re reacting and then ask yourself if it is useful to the situation. I had a friend make it onto a bracelet for me so I can constantly remind myself of the lesson.

Dan hosts a podcast called ‘Ten Percent with Dan Harris’ and has written another book if you crave more after finishing. The book is linked below if you want to purchase!