BOOK OF THE MONTH - JULY

A YEAR OF YES - SHONDA RHIMES

I rarely read books writing by stars or well known folks about themselves. I don't know why I just never really had a desire to. I finally went against my normal routine and decided to get Shonda Rhimes book, A Year of Yes. I've seen interviews with her and I have always found her entertaining and always felt like she was dropping little bits of wisdom every time she speaks. Plus I am not immune to the appeal of Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away With Murder. I didn't forget about Private Practice. I just don't care for it. 

At any rate I decided to take the plunge and got the book when I saw it on sale on Amazon. I grabbed the kindle version because I have been trying to scale down and I tend to collect way too many books. As I began to read I found myself getting bored very easily. Just like I thought, reading about someone talk about themselves is insanely BORING. At least to me it is. Then I get a notice on my kindle that I can get the audible version for like a buck. Again some special sale. I do love a sale. So with so many people saying nothing but good things about this book, I decided to give it another shot. 

Let me tell you. Books where people are just talking about themselves are so much better in audio form! She has a way of talking that just makes you comfy. A bit of humor & loads of sarcasm (I am the sarcasm queen). She talks as if she is in a room with you having a casual conversation. A book that took me weeks just to get past chapter one was finished in a couple of days. I'd listen when working out, when crafting, when running errands. I laughed with her, I felt her insecurities, I loved every min of it.

This book isn't some mind blowing kind of thing, but it is a nice read/listen. Getting into her mind a little bit was nice. I would recommend this book whether you are a fan or not. If you are expecting secrets to success or a how does she do it sort of thing, this is not the book for you. If you are however, interested in a book that makes you smile, laugh, and nod your head in agreement and understanding. This is for you. It's just simple a nice book.

You can get the kindle & audible versions using my affiliate links. I get a small fee from amazon when you use my links. Thank you if you do! 

Kindle | Audible

What did you read last month? 

READING LIST 2017

I've always been a reader but I've never been a focused reader. I wanted to change that this year. Plus it fits along with my theme of focus and growth. One thing I noticed about dedicating time to reading is how much better I feel afterwards. Almost like meditation to me. It is now a form of self care. Normally I jump around reading more than one book at a time, because of this I can never actually finish a book. It became upsetting and began to feel like I was hording books. I would buy a book, read a few pages, repeat over and over. 

Before the end of 2016 I decided to start taking on a minimalist approach to a good portion of my life and that meant clearing out books. That is what lead me to wanting to read with a purpose. I sat down and chose only a couple books I truly wanted to keep and read. I donated the rest to libraries and offered up others to those who wanted them for free (just shipping costs). I felt relieved they were going to go places they were needed and would actually be used.

Moving onto 2017, I made a choice that I would not get a new book until I have finished reading one whole book. I also decided unless I am hopeless in love with a book and need to feel it in my hands, I would only read a book via my Kindle. That way I didn't have the clutter in my home. With those choices made, decided to set a certain amount to read in a year. I have never done a challenge of sorts like that before, but I felt it would help me focus on keeping the commitment to read daily. 

My goal for 2017 is 12 books. How will this happen? Well I will dedicate 30 mins every morning (fits in with my miracle mornings) and 30 mins before bed (which helps me to relax for a good night's sleep). I even hopped on goodreads to keep my list of want to read books and read books. 

For those interested I would like to suggest two books that I have read numerous times and still love. First, Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. Second, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum. Both excellent books, filled with useful and sometimes thought provoking words of wisdom.

2017 READING LIST

In no particular order:

Top 5 Regrets of the Dying by  Bronnie Ware

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

The New Jim Crow by  Michelle Alexander

The New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

The Hidden Life of Trees by  Peter Wohlleben

Love Warrior: A Memoir by  Glennon Doyle Melton 

Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America by Melissa Harris-Perry

The New Jim Crow by  Michelle Alexander

Enough by Patrick Rhone

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Find me on goodreads here. 

What are you reading this year? Are you part of a book club or doing a reading challenge? Let me know all about it!