Fall/winter 2020 book reading list
Isn’t it crazy how the busy-ness of life can make us forget our first loves & passions? 😩 I remember the days when I would read an entire book in 1 day or have this long list of books I couldn’t wait to get through in a year. Then life, work, business, and 2020 happens, and you get to a point of surviving vs living.
Since starting the 75Hard Challenge this fall, one of the requirements is to read 10 pages of a self-help, nonfiction, or business book every single day…. For 75 days straight. If you miss a day, you have to start the entire challenge 🥴 (blog post on my experience coming soon).
Although I started to regret signing up for this challenge within Day 5 😭, it really reminded me of one of my first loves — reading.
So in reading everyday, it not only taught me so much about life, faith, and business, but it also brought a sense of calm to a busy day. It provided a moment to pause before starting my to-dos. You can take courses and watch videos to learn about literally whatever you want to know. But, there’s nothing quite like highlighting and journaling after reading a good book.
So! I wanted to share some of the books I’ve read and/or plan to read this year! Be sure to check back because I will be updating this page with my reviews as I knock down this list!
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Fall/Winter 2020 List
Books I’ve Read so Far
Grace for The Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try Hard Life by Emily P Freeman | Y’all, this book is in my top 5 of all time easy! If you struggle with a performance-based mentality – always trying to “work” and “earn” your salvation, blessings, relationships, etc, this one is for you! For those who also struggle with thinking their story isn’t important because it’s not as “traumatic” as others, I think you’ll really relate to her story as well! This book really set me free from a lot of the religious thinking and a performance based mentality that I had when it comes to well…everything! Emily and I’s stories are very different (ya’ll know my story 😭), but I can also relate to her in so many ways! And, she has self reflection questions in the end that really make you think & dig deep! Definitely a must read!
I Am My Brand: How to Build Your Brand without Apology by Kubi Springer | Technically, I’m still reading this book. But, it’s definitely a good book for those starting or building their personal brand! Depending on your level of knowledge with branding, some of these tips may be common knowledge. But, I love that this book is sooooo interactive! Kubi really makes you dig reallllll deep about your brand, it’s purpose, your deeper why, etc! I also love that she provides data and knowledge on bigger brands and what makes them successful! A really good staple to keep on hand no matter what the success of your personal brand! This book also works for businesses as well!
How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety by Ellen Hendriksen | I haven’t talked much about this, but I really struggle with anxiety in general — especially social anxiety. That may be hard to believe because I have a brand, a podcast, business, etc, and I’m actually pretty outspoken. But, it is a struggleeeee! I’ll spare you my story time for later, but just know that this book is sooooo good for anyone who struggles with anxiety around fitting in, being misunderstood, and showing up as your true self! I love how the author gives real life experiences of people she’s dealt with and practical solutions to show up as your true self in the world! This is not a gimmick book at all; she really shows how to practically & realistically manage social anxiety! Another staple! A must read for all introverts for sure!
Secrets of a Prayer Warrior by Derek Prince | So, this book is actually a re-read! I read this book last year and loved it!! I originally read it on a trial period of KindleUnlimited for the freeee. But, I had to get my own copy. It’s just that good! If you struggle with knowing how or what to pray, this really takes your prayer to another level! A must read so good I had to buy it twice!
Books I recently bought to read this year
The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P Freeman| Honestly after reading Grace for the Good Girl, I added all of EPF’s books to my reading list and joined her HopeWriters Community for writers (which I love btw!). I also listen to her Next Right Thing Podcast, and y’all I just love EPF! She’s so calming, she’s woke, and just so authentic – a fellow Enneagram 4! I’ve heard so many good things about this book, and I love the podcast, andddd I’m the most indecisive person you’ll ever meet. So, yeah. I can’t wait to get into this book! Grab it, and let’s read together! 🤗
Influencer: Building Your Personal Brand in the age of Social Media & The Blueprint for Managing & Monetizing your Influence as a Content Creator by Brittany Hennessy | I’ve heard nothing but great things about this book from my influencer friends and other content creators I follow on social media! Brittany Hennessy serves as Senior Director of Influencer Strategy & Talent Strategies with her company, and apparently this book gives alll the tea for influencers! So, I’m excited to read this book and see what ya girl can learn from Ms. Hennessy!
Success from the Inside Out : Power to Rise from your Past to a Fulfilling Future by Nona Jones | So, I first heard Nona Jones speak on The Happy Hour Podcast with Jamie Ivey. She talked about her story of going from a child who grew up dealing with extensive sexual and emotional abuse in her home. She would then rise to the top to become the youngest top executive in a Fortune500 company at the age of 23! 23 y’all. Her story on the podcast was soooo good. When I heard she wrote this book, I knew I had to grab! Can’t wait to read!
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi | I’ve really wanted to diversify my reads and get back into fiction reading! I’ve heard soooo many good things about Yaa Gyasi’s book, Homegoing. I debated if I wanted to read Homegoing or this book first! But, looking at the synopsis of the two, I went with this one! Transcendent Kingdom is about a sixth year PHD candidate and her Ghanian family dealing with the effects of depression, addiction, and grief. The book shows their story and how faith, science, religion, and love impacts their struggle & triumph. It’s already a best seller and getting awards, and it literally just came out! Excited to read!
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid | I randomly stumbled upon this book on a WellReadBlackGirl IG post, and tbh I just loved the cover 🤣! Then I looked at the synopsis, and I had to grab! Another fiction read! This book is about a black 25 year old babysitter that’s watching her employer’s children (who are white). She takes the kids to the store and is accused of kidnapping them by white bystanders. The story talks about how both the babysitter and the mother of the children navigate this situation, and its impact on their relationship & families! Someone grab this book, and DM me so we can read together! 🙂
Building a StoryBrand: Clarify your Message so Customers will Listen by: Donald Miller | Back to business 👩🏽💼, this book’s been on my reading list for the longest! It comes highly recommended by manyyy business gurus! I listened to Donald Miller’s podcast faithfully last year, and he is always dropping business & brand messaging gems! I already know this is going to be my staple for messaging and marketing!
The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman | Skimming through this book so far, this should be a great reference book for business owners! Over a million copies have been sold, so I can’t wait to see what the hype is about! Since getting my MBA in 2018, I think this book will be a great refresher while also learning new techniques! If you never went to business school (& don’t), this will probably be a great business tool to have in your back pocket!
Writing books to read…
So, y’all writing is my core! God has stayed on my tail about prioritizing my writing. I attempted my first book this year, and tbh I got discouraged & distracted real quick! But, you can always get back up & start again!☝🏽Becoming a best selling author and writer is a childhood dream; so, in addition to joining the HopeWriters community, I’ve bought these books below! For my fellow writers, these were all recommended by top writing coaches & best selling authors! As I read them, I’ll add my review! Make sure you’re following me on Instagram to be notified once I do! 🤗
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
Writing Killer Cover Copy – Indie Inspiration for Self Publishers by Elana M. Johnson
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser (more than 1 million copies sold)
Let me know what you’re reading this year in the comments below!!!
Till next time!
Mel.