Winter Reading List

This year, like many years, to read more books is on my to do list, to be truthful more books seems always to make the list but the pandemic years and all the extra efforts that imploded as a business owner left it hard for me to concentrate anytime I picked up a good read in the past two years.  But with that said reading is essential to growth and I know when I'm not reading then I'm often alone in my perspectives.  Reading allows me to learn as a business owner, as a leader and as a person and to explore the views and thoughts of others. I thought I would share my February reading list and a few I've already completed for January, if you may also be looking to explore more books this month.  

February seems like the perfect time to snuggle up with a stack of books in the warmth and coziness of our homes. I love nothing more then a fire in the fireplace, a hot cup of coffee, a warm blanket, a snoring pup and a good book to end my week or start my day, but I also find Audible an entertaining way to double my reading list so I'm adding those to the mix as well. 

Ever since her first Ted Talk Brene Brown has been speaking to my soul, many of her other titles I've listened to on Audible and enjoy her Texas dialect and passion for her subject.  I would of easily chosen this as an Audible book if the release date wasn't still out there but instead it went on my Christmas List.  This book in hard back is big and beautiful and takes a journey through eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. Brown's extensive research in this subject allows her to guide us through understanding, meaning and choice.  Already a #1 New York Times Bestseller if you are looking for away to explore both yourself and how to connect to others this is a great place to start. 

There is a dilemma facing the Delaney siblings in this novel by Liane Moriarty.  The Delaneys are a fixture in their community but after a stranger knocks on the door Mother is missing and the stranger is no where to be found.  The Delaney family love each other dearly-it's just that sometimes they want to murder each other. Australian narrator Caroline Leer is amazing taking on each character as she twists through the plot to unfold the mystery.  

The breakout poetry collection from #1 New York Times bestselling author and presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman.  This collection formerly titled the Hill We Climb and Other Poems captures a shipwrecked moment in time and transforms it into hope and healing. Ms. Gorman has become a messenger from the past and our voice for the future. 

Does your mess have your stressed?  This fun practical workbook jump starts you into home organization with 52 challenges for every room. From cleaning out a junk drawer to optimal closet organization you can strategize and chart your accomplishments through this guided workbook.  You can even achieve a gold star!  

If you are looking for a devotional to help you get through the day the owner and designer of Sweet Water Décor, Melissa Horvath shares 90 devotions to empower hard working women.  Each devotion begins with a scripture passage and inspirational message followed by engaging questions and practical principles to apply to your own daily life. 

These next two books were checked off my reading list in January but were so incredible I had to share.  

West Philadelphia born and raised, on the playground... if you are a child of the 80's then then this Fresh Prince tune is already playing in your head, but this book about Will Smith's transformation from rap star to Hollywood's biggest movie star is also a profound journey of self-knowledge, reckoning and wisdom.  Do yourself a favor and listen to this on Audible.  Written with the help of Mark Manson author of the Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Will is the story of how one man mastered his emotions.  Will Smith is entertaining, raw, vulnerable and candid in this unforgettable memoir.  

Wrapping up my January reading was the best book to begin a new year with, Atomic Habits. No matter your goals, this book provides a framework for improving everyday. James Clear guides you through a life changing system to simplify behaviors, reshape your thinking so you can make way to form good habits and ditch the bad. 

Leave in the comments what is on your reading list for 2022.

Keep Living in Grace,

Michele