40 Books and a question!

Feb 21, 2019
4 min read

I always appreciate getting book recommendations for new reading material. So, just thought I’d share some of the worthwhile books I read or listened to in the past year. And since it took me a while after the new year began to write this list, I’m including a few books I’ve read this year as well.

Here are my top 6 absolute favs from the past year!

1) Becoming, Michelle Obama

I have had the hardest time facing that FLOTUS forever is no longer in the white house. But I found such solace in learning more about how Michelle Obama became who she is. By far, Becoming was the most enjoyable, heartwarming read for me in the past year. It was disarming the way she fully committed to being earnest and real in this book. Such a great read!

2) Fire Next Time, James Baldwin

My goodness, this man has such a way with words. I consider him the king of unflinching written discourse. Raw, real, and raucous, he was unabashedly able to say what many hadn’t even ventured to think far less verbalize in his time. And sadly, the still relevant sociopolitical commentary resonates. A worthy read indeed!

3) Kite Runner, Khaled Hoseini

Such a touching coming of age turned redemption story. You can’t help but want to know more about the characters as the story unfolds. This good read offers everything you need to feel invested in what happens in the end.

4) Born a crime, Trevor Noah

Comedians are so great at giving perspective on life in palatable ways. Trevor is not only funny, but insightful with a clear desire to see humanness. Wonderful qualities to have emanate from the pages of a book. And his telling of his life story allowed for getting to know and appreciate is mother too. Enjoyable read!

5) Six pillars of self-esteem, Nathaniel Branden

This self-help book written by a psychologist does a useful job of illustrating not only the role of self-esteem in finding happiness and life satisfaction, but also tangible action steps to initiate change in your life. Check out this quote from the book: “If my aim is to prove I am “enough,” the project goes on to infinity – because the battle was already lost on the day I conceded the issue was debatable.” Did you let that really sink in? This is a quick read that you walk away from with lifelong perspective!

6) The Wife, Alafair Burke

I’ve just discovered this author and will be reading more of her books. She has a wonderful knack for telling suspenseful stories that don’t ramble on so long that you stop caring who did it halfway through. I was enthralled right to the end!

The next few books are all solid reads that I would readily recommend to anyone that asked for more book recommendations. They are listed in no specific order of preference.

Non-Fiction

8 years in power, Ta-Nehisi Coates: This book is a collection of essays he wrote during the eight years of Barack Obama’s presidency. Coates is thoroughly talented. I especially feel the influence of James Baldwin in his words and messaging.

The Broken Ladder, Keith Payne: This book discusses how inequality affects how we think, feel, live, and die. The author helps with gaining perspective about the impact of inequality in the context of how we compare ourselves to others.

Writer’s Clinic, Writer’s digest: I would recommend this as a first choice to anyone who wants to learn more about skillful writing.

Tears We Cannot Stop, Michael Eric Dyson: This is a bold book written as a direct conversation with White people about the plight of being Black.

How to talk to anyone, Leil Lowndes: Even if you consider yourself as great conversationalist, you may find yourself learning a thing or two from this book.

Fiction

The First Phone Call from Heaven, Mitch Albom: This was a nicely told story that let's you connect with the feeling of wanting to hear from loved ones who have passed on.

Color Purple, Toni Morrison: I love the movie and now reading the book gave me a whole new appreciation (and more back story) for Celie’s life story.

Crazy Rich Asians, Kevin Kwan: He’s written a 3-book series which includes Crazy Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems. Enjoyable, palette cleansing reads!

And if after perusing the lists above someone said, “Any more?” I would say, “Oh there’s more if you’re interested.” Here are additional options in no specific order!

The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poiter

God Help the Child by Toni Morrison

I am Malala by Yousefah

Americanah by Chimamanda Adichie

Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson

Negroland by Margo Jefferson

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

The Souls of Black folk by WEB Du Bois

Veronica Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho

11 Minutes by Paulo Coelho

Adultery by Paulo Coelho

Black Boy by Richard Wright