There is something to be said about a well-read person. On a basic level, seeing someone engaged in a book is just plain sexy, maybe because we subconsciously assume they are smart. On a deeper level, readers are curious and we are all attracted to curious people because they are interested in a world view bigger than their own. Plus, reading inspires better conversation and transforms us by exposing us to a new perspective. Iris Apfler, the legendary fashion icon, has been quoted as saying, “I cannot be close friends with someone who is not curious and does not have a sense of humor”….same girl, S.A.M.E.
So in celebration of both curiosity and humor, here is my “must read” list:
1. That Thing Around Your Neck by Chimimanda Ngozi
This might be my FAVORITE collection of short stories. Funny and smart.
I walked away from this book feeling at peace with every single one of my life experiences.
Buy it here:
2. Me Talk Pretty One day by David Sedaris
For someone that talks a lot about living a vibrant life, I don’t say enough about the power of humor. This book is HILARIOUS.
I walked away from this book laughing my ass off.
Buy it here:
3. All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks
“There was a time when I felt lousy about my over-forty body, saw myself as too fat, too this, or too that. Yet I fantasized about finding a lover who would give me the gift of being loved as I am. It is silly, isn't it, that I would dream of someone else offering to me the acceptance and affirmation I was withholding from myself.” - bell hooks (she intentionally doesn't capitalize her name by the way).
I walked away from this book feeling like my mother had just schooled me on love in very real and logical ways.
Buy it here:
4. Linchpin by Seth Godin
Reading (and re-reading) Linchpin is a reminder than complacency is out of the question for people like you and I, the high achievers.
I walked away from this book recognizing that you decide to be exceptional.
Buy it here:
5. Americanah by Chimimanda Ngozi
This is probably on both yours and your mother’s list and there is a reason for it, this is an epic work of art.
I walked away from this book remembering that what is meant for me will not miss me and what misses me was never meant for me.
Buy it here:
6. The Power of Habit: Why we do what we do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
This super practical book should really be a teaching manual on life.
I walked away from this book understanding why incremental changes are powerful and how to truly change my habits.
Buy it here:
7. Compelling People: The Hidden Qualities that Make Us Influential by Matthew Kohut and John Neffinger
If you want to become influential in any way, ya might want to read this. PS: It's on the required reading list for Harvard Business School if that means anything to you.
I walked away from this book understanding that super influential people (like Oprah and Barack Obama) are as powerful as they are because they exhibit both warmth and strength when interacting with the world.
Buy it here:
That is it from me. What is on your must reads list?
PS: The links next to each book are affiliate links so if you buy any of them, mama gets some coins. Just FYI.