Things We Love: Books! Our Top 6 Book Recommendations
We’re never not reading a book and thought we’d share our top book picks with you. Since today is “National Read a Book Day”, Candace and I have briefly put together some of our favorites!
Candie’s Picks:
#Girlboss
by Sophia Amoruso
Goodreads Rating: 3.69 Stars
My Rating: 4 Stars
This was the very first Woman power, Girlboss book that I bought, and I felt so empowered reading it. Sophia's story is so relatable, honest, and raw and she lets you into the depths of her emotional state at every turn of the story. Every woman business owner who is feeling like they're not doing a great job should read this. It is a good reminder that sometimes, you must go through 6 feet of crud to get to the good stuff.
“Amoruso teaches the innovative and entrepreneurial among us to play to our strengths, learn from our mistakes, and know when to break a few of the traditional rules.”
—Vanity Fair
They tried to make this book into its own series on Netflix, and I think it failed. I only saw the first episode, so I can see why it didn't take off, and in my opinion, they really didn't do the book or Sophia's story justice.
You Are a Badass: How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living An Awesome Life
by Jen Sincero
Goodreads Rating: 3.97 Stars
My Rating: 4 Stars
GREAT, GREAT read for female business owners. It teaches you that you can make something out of nothing and not to let that mindset that you CAN'T get in the way of your success. It teaches you to overcome the definition of insanity (doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results) and to overcome the hurdles that YOU are putting in your own way. It helps you to focus on self-care, therefore, being able to pursue your goals more effectively.
“By the end of You Are a Badass, you'll understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can't change, how to change what you don't love, and how to use The Force to kick some serious ass.”
― You Are A Badass
I've read this one, but there are others that she has that are on my list: You Are a Badass Every Day, You Are a Badass at Making Money
Bossypants
by Tina Fey
Goodreads Rating: 3,95 Stars
My Rating: 4 stars
This book was a comic relief while giving you a glimpse into Tina Fey's life and exactly how she got to where she is today. She didn't have a crazy sob story, but rather, one of hard work. Engagingly, she details how she worked her way up, to land her dream job and did so by paving the way for herself with good old-fashioned hard work and motivation.
“Some people say, “Never let them see you cry.” I say, if you’re so mad you could just cry, then cry. It terrifies everyone.”
― Tina Fey, Bossypants
Kayla’s Picks:
How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety
by Ellen Hendriksen
Goodreads Rating: 4.29 Stars
My rating: 4.5 Stars
"Ultimately, social anxiety is the fear that whatever we're trying to hide will be revealed to everyone like a gust of wind sweeps away a bad toupee. We think there is something wrong with us and therefore try to conceal it."
― Ellen Hendriksen, How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety
I picked up this book on a quest to take control of my social anxiety. This title kept popping up in my research, and I finally gave it a go when I saw it at Barnes & Noble. I immediately found myself entirely immersed in it. Not only is this a self-help styled book to fight anxiety, but a story of author Ellen Hendriksen's encounters with anxiety in her own life as well as in her client's hectic lives. The stories are full of whim and humor and are entirely relatable.
Ellen Hendriksen may sound familiar to you as she is also the voice of the award-winning, Savvy Psychologist podcast. Hendriksen is a clinical psychologist who offers advice to listeners with her scientifically based, zero-judgment approach. The Savvy Psychologist is not just for the anxiety-prone, but for anyone seeking more knowledge and helpful tips on their own mental well-being.
"In truth, you gain confidence by doing things before you're ready, while you're still scared. Go through the motions, and your confidence will catch up.' If you wait until you are ready to do the things that scare you because you feel like you aren't ready, you will never get around to doing them. We gain comfort and confidence through being uncomfortable."
― Ellen Hendriksen, How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety
Big Little Lies
by Liane Moriarty
Goodreads Rating: 4.26 Stars
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Big Little Lies is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the little lies that can turn lethal.
-Big Little Lies
I would love to say I had read the book before watching the HBO series, but that is not the case. Was the show absolutely astonishing and so captivating it temporarily took over my life? Yes, therefore, I had to read the book next. In either case, the story is incredibly enticing with dark twists and turns that keep you drawn in. Every time a new secret or plot twist was revealed, it gave me pause. You will never guess the truth behind these lies.
Have a taste for drama? This book is undoubtedly for you. If you haven't read the book or watched the series, I highly recommend both!
The HBO series stars Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz, and Laura Dern.
Choke
By Chuck Palahniuk
Goodreads Rating: 3.69 Stars
My Rating: 4 Stars
"Just keep asking yourself: What would Jesus not do?"
― Chuck Palahniuk, Choke
A more dismal read in comparison to the other two, but probably my favorite of the three. An avid fan of dark humor, this book had me laughing a fool! Don't take that as this book is a mild read, the general topics and themes of the book are entirely morbid: addiction, depression, abuse. The story is through the eyes of our main character, Victor, who suffers from addiction and continuously avoids trying to help himself or to deal with things. Again, this book is not for the lighthearted.
The word brilliant isn't the right term, but it's the first thing that comes to mind.
Palahniuk has a distinct writing style with a similar voice amongst all his books. I had read Rant before Choke, and at some points, I thought it could possibly be an extension of his character Rant Casey! I later ruled out this theory, but, I digress. You've maybe heard of Palahniuk before as his book Fight Club, was made into a cult film in 1999.
"If it comes down to a choice between being unloved and being vulnerable and sensitive and emotional, then you can just keep your love."
― Chuck Palahniuk, Choke
What are your favorite books? Comment below and let us know - we’re always looking for new reads!