Happy World Reading Day!

As an avid reader, I love finding new books to read.  From time to time I share on my Instagram books that I am currently reading.  I am always looking through the latest online book club reading list to find out what is the latest must-read.  I must admit, I am a big fan of Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club x Hello Sunshine I can’t begin to tell you how many great reads I found from their reading list. Always eagerly anticipating each month’s new reveal.  My besties and I have our own little book club.  Basically, swapping books we think are worth a read and then donating them to a local book loft that supports our local Humane Society.  As much as I love general fiction or a good thriller, I like to branch out a little…  

Reading books that inspire me, help me grow, expand my perspective and encourage me to think more critically are always a treasure to find.  Books that encourage a conversation, critical thinking, examining the world around us and reflection can be powerful reads.  The selection of books listed below is a combination of books on my current reading list and some I have already read.  My hope is that these books will both empower and inspire you.  Happy Reading! 

1. Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life by Gisele Bündchen

“In this book, I’ve laid out the lessons that have helped me live a more conscious and joyful life, inspired me to overcome challenges I’ve faced over the years, and given me a deeper understanding of myself and the world. I hope they will help you, too.”-Gisele Bündchen

I read Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life by Gisele  December 2018.  It was my favorite read for the year.  It was one of those special moments when I read a book at the right time.  For me personally, I know I’ve read a really good book when I am sad to read the last page. I loved Lessons by Gisele! I could hardly put this book down—I read it in two nights.  I was engrossed by all the insightful and eye-opening lessons this book had to offer.  If you’re anything like me, there are some books you find yourself taking notes and highlighting passages.  This was definitely one of those books.  There is so much enlightenment each chapter has to offer that you want to absorb and reflect on later, so I definitely highlighted a plethora of passages on my iPad.  This book has made such a positive impact on me.  I didn’t realize how much I needed the words in this book until I read them— it was perfect timing.  This book was a beautiful way to end 2018.  Equally, it has been a wonderful start to 2019, as I find myself re-reading it and still finding myself positively impacted by this book.  

2. Whiskey in a Tea Cup by Reese Witherspoon

“My grandmother Dorothea always said that it was a combination of beauty and strength that made Southern women ‘whiskey in a teacup.’  We may be delicate and ornamental on the outside, she said, but inside we’re strong and fiery.”-Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon has always been one of my personal heroes.  Of course, I couldn’t wait to read her book, Whiskey in a Tea Cup.  Thank you to my sister for getting me Whiskey in a Tea Cup for Christmas!  I read it that very night and finished it in one sitting.   It was a fun and enjoyable read.  I absolutely loved Reese’s tips on hosting dinner parties.  I love her grandmother’s Sweet Tea recipe!  There are recipes I still need to try out.  My favorite part of the book was simply what “Whiskey in a Tea Cup” represents.  The notion that you can be delicate yet strong.  This really resonated with me.  I think it applies to so many of us, the combination of beauty and strength.  The ability to always compose yourself with grace no matter the situation.  “Whiskey in a Tea Cup” serves as a source of strength and inspiration for me.  It reminds me that no matter what, you can handle anything that comes your way.  You are both strong and delicate.   

3. Wardrobe Crisis by Clare Press

“Who makes your clothes? This used to be an easy question to answer: it was the seamstress next door, or the tailor on the high street – or you made them yourself. Today we rarely know the origins of the clothes hanging in our closets. The local shoemaker, dressmaker, and milliner are long gone, replaced by a globalized fashion industry worth $1.5 trillion a year.

In Wardrobe Crisis, fashion journalist Clare Press explores the history and ethics behind what we wear. Putting her insider status to good use, Press examines the entire fashion ecosystem, from sweatshops to haute couture, unearthing the roots of today’s buy-and-discard culture. She traces the origins of icons like Chanel, Dior, and Hermès; charts the rise and fall of the department store; and follows the thread that led us from Marie Antoinette to Carrie Bradshaw.” –ClarePress.com 

This book is at the top of my must-read list for 2019! Clare Press is truly an inspiration.  She is making waves, drawing attention to the importance of sustainable fashion.  Clare Press is Australian VOGUE’s Sustainability Editor-at-Large and presenter of the Wardrobe Crisis podcast.  If you love fashion and enjoy listening to podcasts then you will quickly become a fan of her work!  For the last couple of years, I have been interested in learning as much as I can about sustainable fashion.  I am curious to learn more about the fashion industry, the story behind the making of our clothes, fashion icons, and the evolution of sustainable fashion.  Following Clare’s work on social media has opened my eyes to so much about the fashion industry.  I am thankful for her dedication to raising awareness about sustainable fashion.  

4. Blue Mind by Wallace J Nichols

“I wish you water.” ― Wallace J. Nichols,

Love the ocean? Wait till you read Blue Mind by Wallace J Nichols.  It was such a fascinating read!  Nichols discusses our deep connection to the ocean, to water and how that plays an important role in our lives.  Water is a powerful thing and a precious resource.  The book discusses research showing that water can have an incredibly positive impact on your mood, health, and wellbeing.  For me personally, I would agree that being near the water can have a profoundly positive effect on you.  I have always noticed that throughout my life I constantly gravitate towards the water.  I am always happiest in the ocean.  When traveling, I don’t like to be away from the water for too long.  Some of my favorite moments in life have been spent snorkeling or at the beach.  The wonderment of the ocean is something I will marvel at for life.  I never really thought about the relationship we have with water both on a cognitive and emotional level until reading Blue Mind.  After reading Blue Mind I have an even greater appreciation for our oceans.  For me, I think of the ocean as my sanctuary.  It is the one place where I feel most happy and a pure sense of calm.  The ocean has an incredible ability to wash away my worries, fears, and anxieties at that moment.  Time spent in the ocean is a time that my body can be rejuvenated and a sense of balance restored.   

Blue Mind is a book that will continue to fascinate me.  I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Wallace J Nichols give a keynote speech and to also interview him for a feature on my blog.  Click here to read the article. 

5. Braving The Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging by Brene Brown

“True belonging is the spiritual practice of believing in and belonging to yourself so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world and find sacredness in both being a part of something and standing alone in the wilderness. True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” -Brene Brown 

Braving The Wilderness by Brene Brown was on Reese Witherspoon’s X Hello Sunshine Book Club reading list.  Naturally, I was intrigued and had to read it.  I was delighted when I found a copy at Ann Patchett’s bookstore in Nashville, Tennessee. (I could have stayed in that store for hours!)  This was a powerful book, with a lot of insightful quotes!  It was interesting to read her perspective about belonging.  What it means to belong and to be confident on your own.  I learned there is a bravery in being confident in your decisions and learning to stand alone in the wilderness so to speak.  This book started to change my perspective about life and the way we interact with one another.  It got me thinking about the way we communicate and perceive things.  It encouraged me to start reflecting more and examine the world around me.  

Happy World Reading Day, xo