A faux gift guide: Reading editionš
If you like to give books for the holiday, I've got you covered. If you like to give pots and pans - I ain't got it.
We are just a few days away from Christmas, and it's the perfect time to play "This Year" by Christina Aguilera at full blast from the best Christmas album (still Christina), bake cookies, and buy gifts for your loved ones. I always want to celebrate this year by creating a gift guide of items worth buying, but I always get overwhelmed by the thought. So instead, I recommend checking out AllisonReadsDC's list and morning person's.Ā
What I am doing this year is a two-fold thing. I am highlighting some of my favorite books I read this year that can be used as a faux gift guide/recommendation list. If thereās an asterisk present, this means I have read it in the past but highly recommend it.
Also, before we head into the lists, consider getting a paid subscription if you are looking for a good gift for a loved one or yourself this holiday season. That was my Clinique ad of the day, but it's a good time, I promise.Ā
For the Music LoverĀ
This list is for the music lover in your life and includes a few books worth checking out.Ā
Shine Bright: A Personal History of Black Women in Pop by Danyel Smith - This was one of my favorite reads of the year tbh.Ā
Will by Will Smith - Not only is this a great book for a music lover, but itās also a good book for anyone who likes Will or enjoys a great memoir.
**The Marathon Donāt Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle by Rob Kenner
For your Goal SetterĀ
I am a fan obviously of putting your best foot forward. Not sure why I said obviously, but it seems fitting. I enjoy setting up tools and systems that help you hit your goals.Ā
Atomic Habits by James Clear - Everyone always has this book on some lists, and although in some instances it felt overhyped, I learned a lot, so I guess itās not that hyped. š¤·š¾āāļø
How Are You Really? Live Your Truth One Answer at a Time by Jenna KutcherĀ
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Needra Glover TawwabĀ
**Maximize Your Potential: Grow Your Expertise, Take Bold Risks and Build an Incredible Career by Jocelyn K. Glei - I have read this book every year for like eight years.Ā
For the EmpathĀ
These are the books that made me feel all the emotions.Ā
Lover of a Good MemoirĀ
Honestly, I love a good memoir and would say itās one of my favorite genres. I love learning about people, and these are a few that I would recommend.Ā
Stay True: A Memoir by Hua Hsu (although listed elsewhere)Ā
Crying in the Bathroom by Erika L. Sanchez - I loved this collection of essays.Ā
The Wreckage of My Presence by Casey Wilson - Hilarious. I recommend listening to this as an audiobook. Itās the first audiobook I finished because Iāve already talked about the Morgan Freeman-ish thing with me and audiobooks.Ā
**The Color of Water: A Black Manās Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride - I read this book in high school and have since read it so many times.Ā
**Iām Down by Mishna Wolff - I recommend this book ALL the time because this is one of my favorite books ever. Every time I read this book, I laugh like it was the first time I read it.Ā
Told you, Iām a memoir girl. I could keep going, but Iām finished with this for now. Hit me up if you need more recommendations.Ā
Lover of a Good StoryĀ
This list is for someone who loves a good story.Ā
**The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw - I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE SERIES.Ā
These are just a few recommendations. Before you ask, I hit my Goodreads goal of the year, which you can see here. I purchased a million books this year and have yet to read them. A million is a deep, deep stretch, but I counted and have 31 that I purchased and have yet to read (reoccurring theme all the time is that I am blowing my budget), so hopefully, I wonāt have to buy any books until March 2023.
Even though I shared many things, here are a few more things worth sharing this week. I would also like to share a random flex, but I was in the top 1% of Pocket Readers. I wish they would sponsor me.
I made another cute little playlist called COZY MOOD that you should listen to. I have been loving White Lotus this season and enjoyed these two interviews with actresses on the show: Simona Tabasco and my girl, Meghann Fahy - RIP The Bold Type. Canāt tell if this tracks as leading with intention or if itās extra, but I did think this article about the TikToker creating a five-year plan for his relationship was interesting. Iāve always wondered why the eggplant emoji came to describe a manās pipe, and I am also wondering if Instagram is really over or not.
HOLLA. āš¾
This is such a great guide!