Blessed 2017, y'all. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a proud bibliophile. Next to sipping wine and tea, listening to trap music and collecting journals, I love nothing more than getting cozy on the couch and flipping my fingers through a good book. My affinity for reading was instilled in me at a very young age, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more appreciative of the art of storytelling.
Now that 2017 is here, it’s time for us to put down the iPhones (or Androids) and stick our noses in a book. Particularly for those who are looking to improve their writing skills, reading daily can increase comprehension, deepen your awareness for tone and pitch and even expand your vocabulary.
Remember, if you can make time to binge watch episodes of Power or Game of Thrones, you can totally make time to read 30-45 minutes a day. I want nothing more than for you to be greater than great in 2017. The books listed below are a combination of personal favorites that I’ve already read, as well as ones that I hope to personally conquer this year. And fun fact: if you head over to your local library and sign up for a library card, you can borrow all of the physical and digital books your heart desires - for the free.
So let’s dive into these books, shall we? Enjoy!
If you’re looking to make your next move your best move…
Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You: A Journal. I share pages from this journal almost every day on my Instagram Story because the prompts and quotes within it are not only meaningful, but encourage me to think bigger and put those ideas into motion. Get 'chu one asapington.
Manage Your Day-To-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus & Sharpen Your Creativity (Edited by Jocelyn K. Glei)
Never Split The Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It (By Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz)
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One (By Jenny Blake)
If you need a reminder to check yourself before you wreck yourself…
Letting Go: The Pathway Of Surrender. (By Dr. David Hawkins) I received this as a gift at a time when I really needed it most. What looks like a book that could get all deep and psychological on you actually describes practical methods for letting go that simply begin with the way we think. Highly recommended.
You’re A Badass: How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness And Living an Awesome Life (By Jen Sincero)
Ego Is The Enemy (By Ryan Holiday)
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck (By Mark Manson)
If you need a hearty dose of Black Girl Magic…
The Meaning of Michelle. (Edited by Veronica Chambers) As if we needed yet another stark reminder of the beauty, class and grace that is about to leave the White House in 15 days, some of our favorites (think: Ava Durvernay, Roxanne Gay) have come together in a collection of short essays to pay homage to the greatest First Lady of all time. It drops on January 10th, and please believe that I will be getting me a copy.
I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual. (By Luvvie Ajayi)
Around The Way Girl: A Memoir. (By Taraji P. Henson)
Year of Yes: How To Dance It Out, Stand In The Sun and Be Your Own Person (By Shonda Rhimes)
If you need some inspiration to get that business idea off the ground...
Succeeding Against The Odds: The Autobiography of a Great Businessman (By John H. Johnson) As a lover of all things media, I'm a bit surprised that I'm just now learning of the dynamic story of Ebony Magazine founder John H. Johnson. When I tell you this man is the GOAT - he definitely made is possible for many of us in Black media to flourish and thrive today. Do yourself a favor: get you a copy and prepare to have your mind blown. (And shout-out to my girl MK for sharing her copy with me!)
The Path Redefined: Getting To The Top on Your Own Terms (By Lauren Maillian Bias)
The Entrepreneur’s Playbook: More than 100 Proven Strategies, Tips, and Techniques to Build a Radically Successful Business (By Leonard Green & Paul B. Brown)
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike (By Phil Knight)
If you want something light, fun and fictional…
God Help The Child. (By Toni Morrison) A pretty easy read that actually takes place in the present day, Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison unpacks black beauty, love and how the seeds planted during childhood ultimately impact thoughts and actions as an adult. I probably will read this one again - you know, for the culture.
No One is Coming To Save Us (By Stephanie Powell Watts)
Euphoria (By Lily King)
What books do you have on your reading list for 2017? Send me a tweet and let's get this virtual book club on and poppin', k?
Happy reading!
-CC
