My need to read has heightened lately. I try to make sure I read something every day, definitely every week, to increase my knowledge and/or skills. With so many great books and magazines releasing, I want to get back to collecting and reading to stay current.
While I do purchase magazines, I only borrow books from my local library, which helps me to complete them in a timely manner, until I like them enough to purchase them too.
Last Week’s Reads:
I read two books. I still have so many more on my list to cover, so here’s what I’ve been read and how.
Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It
I listened to the audio version of Charlamagne
The book primarily discuss having a positive mindset, a bomb work ethic, and how to look out for others when new opportunities arise. With most of the advice speaking to my current situation, he discussed why going after any opportunity, such as a new job, and knowing how to work for where you want to be is so important. One thing that stuck out to me is where Charlamagne talked about changing your mindset to be content with where you are so when the next step in the journey comes, you’ll be prepared for it.
I am still stuck on that whole logic since hearing it as I continue to make changes to my mindset and daily routines.
The Hate U Give
I don’t remember how I came across this book, but I’m so glad I did. I highly recommend everyone to read this Angie Thomas book. It’s amazing, intriguing, and gives insight to real life problems happening every single day. This novel tells the story of Starr Carter, a 16-year old who is stuck between two worlds. Without giving the entire book away, Starr’s world is turned upside with the death of a friend. She has to deal with the tragedy, the police, her parents, and friends in both of her worlds.
When I tell y’all I couldn’t close my computer, I couldn’t (read the ebook version). I needed to know what would happen next and how would Starr handle it. A film adaption of the book is also coming out, so I recommend reading it before it does.
Glamour Women of the Year issue – Solange’s Cover
Anytime I see Solange on magazines, I feel obligated to buy them. But I couldn’t miss out on reading why Glamour chose her as one of 2017’s Women of the Year – even though we know why. She has always moved to the beat of her own drum, but her presence now is most present and amazing to see. I remember her days singing The Proud Family theme song to Her Hadley Street Dreams days.
Solange shares the story of being scared to release A Seat at the Table project, learning how to let it and tell her story, and how the sporadic trip to Mexico with her husband made it all worth it. There is a lesson in everything she says or do, and I took these words with me – “I’m excited I get to be this complex, complicated, loud, vocal, flawed woman and still be worthy of recognition. It only makes me want to keep evolving. Keep standing. Keep fighting to make sure my body is my body, my mind is my mind, my story is my story.”
In addition to the feature articles, there are other gem articles, such as “How to Reset Your Money Brain,” an excerpt passage entitled “And Now… A Curly Girl PSA,” and great advertisements featuring Tracee Ellis Ross’ JcPenny collection and Gabrielle Union’s Holiday collection with New York & Company.
Next Up This Week:
I have all copies besides Gabrielle’s book, which I have to pick up from the library:
- The Wait, DeVon Franklin and Meagan Good (eBook)
- 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue, Deborah Smith Pegues (physical copy)
- We’re Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True, Gabrielle Union (physical copy)
- The Hollywood Commandments: A Spiritual Guide to Secular Success, DeVon Franklin (physical copy)
I usually don’t finish books in a week, so I’m proud. I hope to do it again this week and see how many more I can read. Trying out different options are helpful as well in getting them finished. Ebooks are easily becoming my favorite – it’s convenient and easier to get to than physically grabbing/carrying a book.
Tell me what books you’ve read lately in the comments below – I’m always looking for more suggestions.
xo,
Courtney Saunders says
So glad I came across this post. I typically only read blogs, but i’ve recently challenged myself into starting a book club and getting into more reading. [If you’re in the Atlanta area visit my site to find out more about the book club: http://www.passionatewomancs.com/events%5D
But I love this quote “be content with where you are so when the next step in the journey comes, you’ll be prepared for it.” this has been my personal testament to moving upward in my career field.
Thanks for sharing your reads i’ll have to add them all to my book club list.
Jailyn says
Thank you for reading, Courtney. I wished I lived in Atlanta because that book club sounds awesome, so I’ll just keep up from afar.
But that quote is so true and resonates highly for me. It keeps me grounded and makes me worry less.
Diva with Depression says
I started Charlamagne’s book. I too was intrigued by his radio personality. Very insightful.
Jailyn says
It was. I’m glad I didn’t go off his on-air personality and actually read the book.
Thank you for reading!