EIGHT INSPIRING BOOKS TO READ IN 2018
"Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison.
Before I dove into blogging, I worked in publishing and wrote a books page for Stylist magazine in London. I also studied English Literature (along with Hispanic Studies) at university. Yep I'm a geek a heart and I love reading. I've always been a big reader, ever since I was a child. I remember devouring Roald Dhal's Matilda twice and was obsessed with Narnia, Point Horrors (remember those?) and JR Tolkein. My favourite books at 15 were Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.
I'm a big believer that books feed the soul, they make you smarter, they can increase your attention span and inspire great ideas. Sadly I haven't had much time for books over the past six months, but I like nothing more than curling up in the corner of the sofa with a good read. A holiday isn't a holiday to me without a good book in hand (and margarita in the other) and it's one of the ways I like to unwind. These days I admittedly read less fiction, and instead opt for more inspirational, entrepreneurial books written predominantly by women as these help fuel my work life. So I wanted to share a few titles with you that I've read over the last few years and more recently that have inspired my path and career - books that I keep referring back to again and again, and open whenever I need encouragement to keep chasing my dreams.
This has become one of my favourite books of all time. Not only is it brilliantly written, harrowing, a great story and life-affirming, it's also incredibly inspiring.
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
If you're looking for a pick-me-up, read this. Jen Sincero's no nonsense, straight-talking way of writing is the best antidote to being in a rut.
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
I've yet to become a morning person, but I am forever trying and this book goes a long way to helping. Try to get up earlier so you can at least read a few pages with your morning coffee before you begin work.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
“Done is better than good." Wise words and words that I said repeatedly to myself in 2017 when I was lacking confidence in my creativity or struggling to finish a project. Read it if you're working in an aesthetics-driven job, if you've ever doubted yourself or if you just want to be more creative.
So good, it's become a movement! I have a lot of admiration for anyone who sets up their own business, let alone someone who dropped out of school and changed jobs more times than she seemed to change her underwear.. this is basically any one-girl band's bible and I have it on hand whenever I need to be reminded why I'm working for myself.
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Surprisingly, this book is nearly ten years old. I picked it up a few years ago during a trip to the US. It's the type of book that will make you think hard about the simple pleasures in life and how small changes to your daily routine and life can have a big impact on your happiness levels.
Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
I first discovered Brené Brown through TED by watching her talk The Power of Vulnerability - it has become one of the most watched TED talk videos of all time, with no less than 32.5 million (!) views and counting. I then read and loved her first book Daring Greatly, which is much better (and better value) than a therapy session. I'm currently reading new book Braving the Wilderness that looks at belonging and how we can find our place communities - very apt for today's climate.
Every woman (and man for that matter) should read this book. Facebook's COO shares her wisdom about what it's like to be a woman in life and in the workplace and what we can do to become better leaders.
What are your favourite inspiring reads?
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