You were not expected to aspire to excellence. You were expected to make peace with mediocrity.
James Baldwin
My Love of Books Origin….
My Family can attest, growing up they’d often find me in a closet, under the covers with a flashlight or even waking up in the middle of the night to read just one more chapter. Long before I had access to travel, books gave me insights into the royal halls of London, boxcar trains zipping through the country, or one of my favorites; a sassy 9 year old independent girl with braids that stuck out on the sides. Yes, I 🖤❤️ Pippi Longstocking!
In pursuit of deep intellectual wellness I challenged Myself this year to consume (e-book, audiobook OR physical) 52 books. I knew books have always been a comfort to me. Setting a goal forced me to make time for this passion when so many more immediate distractions can leave me feel less fulfilled. As I was quite literally laughing out loud while retelling a hilarious part of a fiction book I was reading; through my husbands perplexed face I realized books can also be a stress reliever for me. Popping open a book while awaiting the kids at an activity, listening to an audiobook as I close my eyes at night, or highlighting a powerful quote on the e-reader allow my thoughts to step away from the moment’s challenges and be whisked away by a talented authors words. Geeking out while book blogging is the ultimate cherry on top. Let’s dive in!
My 2023 Top 3
Before I begin my 2024 list, I had to include the books that left an imprint on me. The quote above is my favorite quote of this year’s reading.
- Best Physical Book
At once a powerful evocation of James Baldwin’s early life in Harlem and a disturbing examination of the consequences of racial injustice, the book is an intensely personal and provocative document from the iconic author.
When reading this book I experienced several emotions from sadness, anger, pride and hope through Mr. Baldwin’s heart-wrenching words. I loved this book so much, I listened to the audiobook right after so I could hear James deliver this message himself. This is a book I will at some point hand to my Son so I can experience it once again through his eyes.
2. Best Audiobook
Cara Romero migrated to the US and after decades of successful factory work she is forced back into the job market in her mid-50s. She recounts her biting and loving relationships with her neighbor Lulu and her sister Angela, her struggles with debt, gentrification and loss, and, eventually, what really happened between her and her estranged son, Fernando. As Cara confronts her darkest secrets and regrets, we see a woman buffeted by life but still full of fight.
In a previous blog I discussed Ms. Cruz’s masterful and quite crafty approach to the telling this story. A brave woman we all could easily see ourselves in. The complex web of her life demonstrates why we should never give up on hope.
3. Best e-Book
The Courage to Be Disliked follows an illuminating conversation between a philosopher and a young man. The philosopher explains to his pupil how each of us is able to determine our own life, free from the shackles of past experiences, doubts, and the expectations of others. It’s a way of thinking that is deeply liberating, allowing us to develop the courage to change and to ignore the limitations that we and other people have placed on us.
I began listening to this book and quickly downloaded the e-book as well. Some of the philosophical concepts required me to read them aloud, processing the depths of their meaning and how they applied to my own life. There were times I feel like I was arguing with the book in trying to grasp deeply rooted concepts I could not and in some cases will not let go. As I mentioned in a previous post, this book challenged my way of thinking in many areas; which was refreshing.
How I Approach Building my TBR (to be read)
I took a much more meaningful approach to building my TBR for 2024. I’m less concerned with quantity, and more concerned with quality of the read. Although I read many books this year, I did not have as many 5-start reads as I did in the past. Upon reflection, I contribute this notion to having a much quicker selection process than I’ve had in the past. Rather than taing the time to review ratings, join a discussion, or spend time reading a sample I selected books with pretty covers, and “booktube” recommendations. Although that didn’t completely steer me wrong, I would like to have a much more enjoyable experience next year.
3 Mindful Steps in setting up a TBR
- Check your digital and physical shelves
- I enjoy perusing new reads at the libraries, book stores, or used book shops. However, sometimes I forget to come back to my digital and/or physical shelves to choose my next read.
- I spent a bit of time reviewing Goodreads (my digital shelf) and my physical book shelves to select interesting reads
- Look at additional reads from Favorite Authors
- After reviewing my 2023 list, I selected authors in which I rated their books 5 stars, and searched what other books they’ve written.
- Select topics you want to learn more about
- As my personal and professional interests align, I decieded to lean a bit more into my passions.
- I chose 4 of the 7 dimensions to lean into for book choices
- Professional (innovation please!)
- Physical (nutrition)
- Emotional (stress reduction)
- Enviornmental (more ecotherapy!)
- Ask you Local Librarian!
- A good Friend of mine is a Librarian and mentioned this option to me in 2020 during a reading slump. The Library was offering contactless pick up while closed for social distancing. I submitted a quick link with genre’s or topics I was interested in and poof! A seasoned professional sent me a list of options!
- You can usually find this option on the “ask a librarian” page of your local library
- A good Friend of mine is a Librarian and mentioned this option to me in 2020 during a reading slump. The Library was offering contactless pick up while closed for social distancing. I submitted a quick link with genre’s or topics I was interested in and poof! A seasoned professional sent me a list of options!
2024 TBR
- Poverty, by America by Mathew Desmond
- The Measure of a Man by Dr. Martin Luther King
- Deliberate Calm by Jacqueline Brassey
- The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson
- Expect to Win by Carla Harris
- Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper
- How to Say Babylon by Safiyah Sinclaire
- Healthy Mind Plan by Emma Van Hinsbergh
- The Courage to be Happy by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi
- The Spice Box Kitchen by Linda Shiue MD
- Mama Might be Better off Dead by Laurie Kaye Abraham
Although this list is not a full list of all my planned reads (with room to grow!) hopefully it gives you a few ideas and maybe future 2024 reads!
In Peace,
J