The best things I read this year
The best things I read this year
A few books, and a few other things.
Over the weekend, I went to Trap Karaoke with some of my girlfriends, and can you believe that days later, I am still tired? I’m not sure if it was from TK or just the year coming to an end, but sleep and I have been besties over the past few days.
With the year ending, we have officially entered my second favorite time of the year (the first is my birthday, duh), when people and publications start putting out their best-of lists.
While I may not fully agree with everyone’s lists, I love to read them and see where I agree or where I will roll my eyes. I am again adding a few of my favorites to the list, highlighting some of my favorite things I read this year. This list is a mix of books, newsletters, and articles I saved during the year.
Please let me know some of your favorite reads in the comments section below, but let’s get into it after this special announcement…
Keeping on the theme of books, my dear friend Chasity wrote a book “Wine Convo Generator,” which will be coming out March 12, 2024.
An aspiring oenophile's dream, Wine Convo Generator provides over 150,000 possible phrases to sound like an instant wine expert.
You can pre-order the book here. In the meantime, you can also subscribe to her newsletter
here.My favorite books of the year
This year, I had a somewhat inconsistent year with reading. I didn’t read for a few months and read a lot within a few weeks. One thing is sure: memoirs were the apple of my eye, as it seems to be what I read the most. Of that, my favorite books were the following:
“Maame” by Jessica George - The only fiction on my list this year, and for good reason. The protagonist in this book was funny to me, which made this a quick read.
“Lucky Me” by Rich Paul - I wrote about this book in a newsletter, but I really enjoyed this book. I think also for me, the music mentioned throughout the book, really set the tone for some of the things he said throughout the book.
“The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin - While I was bored with parts of this book, I think this book was easily one of the books I read this year that made me put some pep in my step.
“Luther: The Life and Longing of Luther Vandross” by Craig Seymour - Loved. RIP Luther.
“When Crack Was King: A People’s History of a Misunderstood Era” by Donovan X. Ramsey - What a book. I loved the storytelling in this book and the way stories were woven together.
“Deeper Than Money: Ditch Money Shame, Build Wealth, and Feel Confident AF” by Chloe Elise - I felt like my cousin was talking to me about finances. Helpful tips and insights. I found myself going back to this a few times after reading it.
“I Will Teach You to Be Rich: No Guilt. No Excuses. No BS. Just a 6-Week Program That Works” by Ramit Sethi - More on money, but Ramit really knows his stuff.
“A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir & Manifesto on Reimagining” by Rachel E. Cargle - An overall great read. I loved that it was part memoir, and also part actionable things for you to do as a reader to create your own manifesto. I think also, for me, this book got me started back journaling because I needed a space to write out my thoughts from the prompts within the book.
Favorite Newsletters I Read This Year
There are so many great newsletters that I read and subscribe to that you should check out. Here are just a few of my absolute faves.
First, I have a few girlfriends with great newsletters:
Allison’s newsletter, AllisonReadsDC, is one of my favorites. In it, Allison shares what she’s reading and tidbits from her life and relationships.
Chasity’s newsletter
is a great read. In the newsletter, Chasity shares wine pairings, articles for you to read, and more. I also appreciate that often, there’s a lyric or something that she ties to the wine, too.- ’s newsletter the update is always a good time. For years, Andrea has been one of my favorite writers and friends that I go to for everything Pop Culture. In this newsletter, she shows you why she’s my go-to always giving facts, storytelling, and perspective.
My sister
’s newsletter is one of my favorites. She shares recommendations and gives life updates. Also, if you’re from the Bay Area and you once subscribed to our newsletter, Bay Social (RIP), her newsletter is like the cousin to that. Love, love.I love
‘s All That Is Kim newsletter. It’s a great newsletter for inspiration, as Kim always has something to make you think or evaluate things. In her latest issue, she highlighted her recent sabbatical in Mexico City, and if I didn’t already want to go there, this latest issue made me want to go even more.Lastly, my girlfriend
’s newsletter Oh That’s Good, is always a great, great time. Leah’s newsletter does a good job of highlighting some of my favorite things about her: she’s creative, a great writer, and hella funny.
Shoutout to my faves now, here are a few other newsletters I have been loving this year.
- ’s morning person, which I have slotted into my budget for another year, is always the highlight of my Tuesday morning. I appreciate how vulnerable Leslie is with her newsletter, and her recommendations are always great.
- ’s Shine Bright HQ is another favorite. Danyel has been one of my favorite journalists/writers for years now. Whenever this newsletter comes into my inbox, it makes me happy.
- ’s newsletter is a new one in the mix, but I love stationery.
- ’s the newsletter is one of my absolute faves. I love the mix of books she shares, as well as the recommendations that she gives. Not to mention, I chuckle when I read her newsletter - I completely agree with her opinion on audiobooks.
Lastly, my favorite articles I read this year:
The Friendship Dip, Anne Helen Peterson
We Failed Amy Winehouse, The Walrus
The Gamification of Reading Is Changing How We Approach Books, Shondaland
The Untold Story of California’s Most Iconic Outdoor Bookshop, The LA Times
That’s that on that. I will be taking a baby break from writing but will be back in the new year, however, I will still be writing my Soothing Sunday’s newsletter. With that, I hope you have a great holiday season.
Love this read!! Thank you for the feature 💕
thank you for the shoutout, lovely!!! You are the original newsletter queen IMO!! <3