Monthly Reading Challenge: 4 Books I Read In January
One of my goals for this year is to read a book a week or 4-5 books per month. So far this goal has been a fun one. It’s pushed me to redefine what a “book” is in my eyes — ie it’s not just the biggest novel on the bookshelf — and challenged me to take more time quietly sitting with a book.
As a writer, reading is actually really hard for me. It can prove difficult to both read someone else’s words and write my own. Right now though, I’m trying to find more balance in my life and it means figuring out how to read for fun again. I’ll pull together a wrap up every month of my reads and maybe even some author interviews.
Here’s what I read in January.
Get Out Of Your Head: Stopping The Spiral Of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen
I wrote earlier this week that the second half of last year proved to be a really hard time with my depression, if you read that post, it should be no surprise that this was my first read of the year. I’d thankfully already started to pull myself out of the darkest parts of the season, but this book was a good way to keep up the momentum. The book is a good read — it offers some great reframing suggestions and enough personal anecdotes to help it feel relatable. It does reference scripture and faith a lot, which will probably offer a ton of value for someone who understands the ins and outs of scripture, since I’m not necessarily that someone I don’t know if I took everything I needed to from the book. BUT even with the more faith-driven language involved, I do think the book offers something for anyone who happens to pick it up. (Will say that I appreciated that very early on in the book the author made it clear that while faith is important, it doesn’t replace a comprehensive mental health plan, prescription medicine, or additional support.)
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
My obsession with Mackesy has only just begun. This book reads as an adult picture book in the absolute best way possible. Each page is beautiful, holds meaning, and allows the reader to immerse themselves. This year, as I rediscover my love of reading, I’m trying to remind myself that books are meant to be enjoyed and that a book can come in any format. You won’t regret picking up Mackesy’s work or following him on IG. I will be gifting this book often.
Dream First, Details Later by Ellen Marie Bennett
After reading Dream First, Details Later, I interviewed Bennett for my Forbes column. She offered some great advice for future entrepreneurs that added to the stories and tidbits of advice she packs into her book. The book is visually amazing — with so many bright colors and block quotes — and also a testament to the brand she’s built in Hedley & Bennett. This is a good read for anyone (whether you’re launching a hobby or a startup) who is looking for that extra push to get past the fear and into your first step.
I hurt my foot at the beginning of the year and it’s shaken my relationship with my body. While I work on my foot at PT and my body in therapy and on the yoga mat, Kaur’s words brought me back to the wanting, the being, and doing that make being home in my body possible. The poetry and thoughts are beautiful. It feels like coming home, literally.