How often do you set aside time to read? Every Day? Once a week? Twice a month? Though I love to read, I’m ashamed to say how often I picked up a book in 2020. I consider myself a forever student because I’m always seeking knowledge and different perspectives. This year, to coincide with my overall theme for 2021, I want to take full ownership and enhance my comprehension skills and broaden my vocabulary.
So, in the spirit of “new year, better me”, I made reading more one of my resolutions. In early January, I compiled a list of book recommendations from friends, books from my wish lists, and suggestions from my favorite influencers. If you love to read and want to be more conscious about implementing reading in your everyday life. Here are a few good reads to start with.
First Quarter Reads
I wanted to be purposeful in my book selection for this first quarter. This combination of reads promotes self-reflection and helps me tap into my spiritual self. Here's to being intentional and constantly growing!
Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.
Based on acclaimed author Zora Neale Hurston's personal experiences in Haiti and Jamaica—where she participated as an initiate rather than just an observer during her visits in the 1930s—Tell My Horse is a fascinating firsthand account of the mysteries of Voodoo. An invaluable resource and remarkable guide to Voodoo practices, rituals, and beliefs, it is a travelogue into a dark, mystical world that offers a vividly authentic picture of ceremonies, customs, and superstitions.
In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.
Barracoon masterfully illustrates the tragedy of slavery and of one life forever defined by it. Offering insight into the pernicious legacy that continues to haunt us all, black and white, this poignant and powerful work is an invaluable contribution to our shared history and culture.
There are only so many things we can give a f**k about so we need to figure out which ones really matter, Manson makes clear. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better, because true wealth is about the experience. A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.
Have you read any of the books listed? Which was your favorite? what are you currently reading? What genre do you read most?
