2020 Book Review

2020 was a year for cuddling up and reading quality books. I am a big reader anyways, but quarantine provided me with even more time to slow down, rest, and invest my energy into books! I read 25 books total in 2020… some good, some not so good, and here I have listed a few of my favorites that I wanted to share. ENJOY.

Untamed. By Glennon Doyle

YALL THIS BOOK. There are not words for how creatively Glennon Doyle captures being untamed in this world. She writes this book as a series of short stories that is an intimate look into her life and a SHAKE you sort of wake up call. She describes the many ways that society and life works to “tame” her (and all of us), through religion, unrealistic standards, homophobia, an eating disorder, alcohol, and more.

Seriously, read the first few pages and you’ll be hooked on the emotions she brings out, the freedom we all desire, and the everyday life “tamings” we experience.

American Dirt. By Jeanine Cummins

OKAY so I tend to read more “self-help” or “self-growth” books but this novel is an incredible look into the reality for so many humans.

A Mexican woman is forced to flee her home with her young son and as the story evolves, they face many obstacles, challenges, beautiful and fearful moments. This is a heart wrenching novel that to me, is essential for seeing life from another perspective.

I started and finished this book on a 5 hour plane ride. HIGHLY recommended.

Braving the Wilderness. By Brene Brown

"True belonging doesn't require us to change who we are. It requires us to be who we are."

Brene Brown has done it again! This is a short and easy read but is full of so many pivot moments. As always she talks about courage, vulnerability, belonging, and shame.

She dissects our society’s current culture, how communities operate, and challenges organizations and the perfectionism that society impresses upon us.

She has four main points throughout the book.

- People Are Hard to Hate Close Up. Move In.

- Speak Truth to Bullshit. Be Civil.

- Hold Hands. With Stangers.

- Strong Back. Soft Front. Wild Heart.

While it isn’t my favorite of Brene Brown, she always has something to offer!

Think and Grow Rick. By Napoleon Hill

As a spiritual beings, this book speaks to me. It is ties in both the thought/spiritual side of wealth along with the action taking side.

We must be able to imagine the impossible in order to achieve our desires.

Additionally, Napoleon challenges the reader to take actionable steps on their own chapter by chapter. I personally love books with “homework” and this is one that is valuable and worth the time.

Its pretty incredible that this book was written in the 1930s and is still considered one of the most inspirational and motivational classic books today.

Home Body. By Rupi Kaur

Y’all. I cried. I laughed. I took photos of pages and sent them to friends. I cried some more. THIS POEM BOOK. Rupi has done it again!!! She is so real and her whole heart is in it, no doubt. Her poems are easy to absorb and the pages are filled with more of her beautiful and personal illustrations. It is “a love letter to the self”.

I read it straight through in one sitting… Then I read it again. Then I saved poems that stood out to me. And I have no doubts that I will open her back up one day soon.

Finding Your Own North Star. By Martha Beck

Once again, I love a book with prompts / homework! This book is full of actionable writing prompts and is a step by step program to help clients find their North Star, live a life with more joy, and see their fullest potential!

Set some time aside for this book because these exercises are for YOU and you will only get out of this what you put into it.

This is awesome if you are feeling a little lost in your purpose AND even if you know what you want out of life, it will help you find a clear and concise image of your goals, dreams, and passion.

The Defining Decade. By Meg Jay

Are you in your 20s?? If yes, READ THIS.

Not every single chapter and topic will smack you in the face, but I bet at least one will! The 20s are SUCH an important time in our lives for setting ourselves up in the future and so often we view our 20s as a chance to play and goof around, and while yes, we need to figure out who we are, we also need to set ourselves up for success.

Want a house by the time you are 30? Better start saving sooner than you would think. Otherwise… The next thing you know you are 30 with no plan, no house, no spouse, etc.

Highly recommended!