One of my biggest goals this year is to do a little more reading. I used to love reading, but it’s probably been ten years since I was reading regularly (and not for school). I’ll admit to you that last year I read one book. One. I know you’re thinking – Moe! You just spent how many months on a roadtrip? You couldn’t find a second to read there?? And the answer is a big loud n-o. Since last February any free minute has been spent scouring the internet to plan our trip, find places to eat, find cool things to do – and it’s been AMAZING. But, the last thing I want to do after staring at my computer or phone all day is read. I also get terribly sick if I try to read in the car (not that we had room for a bunch of books anyways).
So here we are 2019, you and me are going to do some reading this year! I can say I’ve started off probably as strong as I’ll be all year with so many snow days this month. Is there anything better than curling up on a cold day with some hot tea and a good book? I’m hoping I’ve started a good habit for when my days inevitably get busier this year. Here are my thoughts on what I read in January!
This Will Only Hurt A Little
What a voice. This is the first book I picked up this year, but it’s also just that good, it had to be first! Busy Phillips tells stories from her life in the most conversational, enjoyable, candid way. I really didn’t know much about Busy, but knew her from Freaks and Geeks and have seen ads for her new talk show. After hearing a podcast with her, I thought it might be a good read. Just like most of her instagram posts, there’s no pretty facade here – these stories get real. From dislocating her knee (several times), to brutal rejection, to rude co-stars, to *almost* divorce, Busy’s not skipping the tough stuff. I’ve been recommending this book to so many girlfriends – it’s everything I’ve wanted from so many female memoirs. She never gets pretentious and I have to admire her ability to keep pushing forward.
More people need to be talking about this book!
Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life
It’s kind of funny that we’re talking about Gisele Bundchen’s book on the day of the Superbowl! We’re making some southern food for our little party tonight, but I’m still hurt about the Saint’s loss. This book surprised me the most on this list. I didn’t know what to expect, but was just mildly interested in her life. Now, I actually want to buy this after reading it so that I can go back and highlight inspirational ideas. I keep a journal of quotes I like and several from this book were added to my list. (sorry for dog-earing 20 pages, library!!)
If you’re interested in things like yoga, meditation, nature, or living intentionally and sustainably this might be for you too. Love her or hate her, you have to admit she’s had a pretty crazy life – and that’s given her a unique perspective. Her book is organized into 8 essential lessons that guide her life. I love that in each she talks in-depth about her life experiences and challenges, instead of just telling you what to do. I love that this book doesn’t get really preachy or cheesy about what you should do. Instead, through her journey I learned a lot about things I’m interested in but don’t know much about (yoga, meditation, gardening, etc). The story about her dog Vida really got me, plus now I know we’re connected by our mutual obsession with French butter.
Girl, Wash Your Face
This is probably my least favorite of the bunch, but the absolute hardest to get my hands on! When I was #53 in the holds line at the library I figured this was really something special. I will say I’m glad I read it and it’s probably worth a read, but most of the advice is pretty simple stuff you already know (but maybe need to hear again). It skates on the line of being a little too much of a pep rally with sayings like, “life isn’t meant to be merely survived – it’s meant to be lived.” This book is probably more geared towards you if you’re a new mom, an entrepreneur, or just a fan of Rachel Hollis.
Hollis breaks the book down by 20 lies women can be told or tell themselves. She offers advice and short stories about what helped her personally to break out of each one to lead a more intentional life. My favorite chapters are “There’s Only One Right Way to Be” (can everyone please read this?!?) and “I Can’t Tell the Truth” (prepare yourself for a seriously tear-jerking adoption story).
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told
Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally are two magical human beings that have graced us with their hilarious stories, advice, and jigsaw puzzle photos. We all already know how dang funny they are, so why would you not want to read this book? This is a quick fun read, especially since it’s written as a conversation between the two of them. My favorites are the little advice sections between chapters, like “Bake Amazing Cookies” and “My Life As a Stripper,” with short personal stories. Oddly enough, Busy Phillips has almost the exact same wedding story as these two! Maybe it’s an actor thing… Even if you don’t like reading (which admittedly would be quite odd since you’re reading this post), you will be laughing at all their wacky photos throughout the book. If you’re looking for some super down-to-earth funny life stories, this read is where it’s at.
Voyager & Drums of Autumn (Outlander Series)
Just when you thought there wasn’t going to be any fiction on my list! Look, everybody has a guilty pleasure and this one’s mine. I’m owning it, okay? I was gifted this book series several years ago but have hardly made a dent before now. It’s ridiculous! Whenever I actually pick up a book in this series I don’t want to put it down. I finally finished books 3 and 4 and now can catch up on the show too! But yes, the books are better than the show (as in most cases).
Be prepared! A fierce desire to visit Scotland will kick in if you read these! The number of accounts devoted to Scottish scenery I’ve started following on the gram miiiiiiight be getting out of hand.
Next On My List:
Maybe I’ll finally get my hands on Becoming this month, just checked out both of Todd Rose’s books after hearing an interview with him, and maybe I’ll dive deeper into Ayurveda.
What’s on your reading list? Do you like reading? Have you stuck with any of your New Years goals? Let me know below and leave me some recommendations too!
