Happy New Year guys!! I hope you’ve had an amazing start to 2018! It’s been a bit of a weird week for me (I felt really exhausted and unmotivated for the past 2+ weeks) but I’m starting to get into the grove again and get organized for this brand new year. While I won’t be making any resolutions or writing another Dear Nic Letter (although it was pretty accurate minus the cat-eye which I still can’t master), I’m completely onboard with continuing to chip away at my goals, adopt better habits and routines and live as intentionally, gracefully and gratefully as I possibly can while trying to forgive myself for any haphazard, awkward and/or selfish moments I will undoubtedly have during the next 356 days.
One of the few things I’m pretty set on accomplishing however is to read more after having spent the better part of 2017 absorbing and reabsorbing all the self-help-oriented content I could get my hands on. I’m looking forward to fiction and anticipating autobiographies, I’ve joined an internet-based bookclub (more on that in a moment) and saved up some Audible credits. In short, I’m all in and the only thing left to do is share a few of the books I want to read with you. That and buy a bookmark because I honestly don’t even own one. Anyway, here are the books…
1 | We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
I recently purchased this book via Audible and although I’ve only listened to a few minutes worth so far, I know it’s one I’m going to enjoy like a chilled Chimay on a warm day because – let’s face it – I’m a beer girl not a wine girl. That conflict aside, I already feel a kinda kinship to Gabrielle’s story and I can’t wait to hear more about her experiences and thoughts on life.
2 | Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
This was actually one of the first books I purchased via Audible in early 2017 but I’ve not yet listened to it because, as I explained, I was super preoccupied with self-improvement books/podcasts/videos/etc. I’m now fully ready to dive into it and get some much-needed motivation to say “yes” more often from someone as successful as Shonda.
3 | Crushing It by Gary Vaynerchuk
I pre-ordered this book at the end of December and I’m anxiously awaiting its March release. I’m a regular consumer of Gary’s content so I figured it was about time to purchase one of his books since he’s already gifted me with a lot of actionable advice for free via his podcast, YouTube channel and social media.
4 | The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae
After watching two seasons of Issa’s amazing HBO show Insecure (and crying uncontrollably during the season 2 finale), I bought her book (via Audible again) and listened to it until I began to binge-play productivity-type podcasts because I needed all the inspiration I could get around that time. The Misadventures I have heard so far are both hilarious and relatable though (much like the show) so I can’t wait to finish this book and then wait not-so-patiently for the third season of Insecure.
5 | Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
This is the January book for Dulce Candy’s new Sweet Reads Bookclub which I’m going to try to keep up with all year long. I conveniently already own this one because I pretended to read it in school and wrote a book report based almost entirely on Cliff’s Notes. I’m so lucky Ella absolutely loves to read and can only hope Hendrix and Sadie are the same and don’t follow in my non-reading footsteps. Anyway, make sure to check out Dulce’s bookclub announcement here if you’d like to join in too!
6 | Around the Way Girl by Taraji P. Henson
I’m not one to label anyone my “idol” but Taraji is definitely one of the most deeply inspiring people on the planet to me. I’m pretty sure I was in tears the first time I watched this video of her acceptance speech for a Women in Film award (as well as other speeches/interviews she’s given/done) because she just embodies so many of the values and beliefs I hope to put out into the world and pass onto my kids. As far as the book goes, it’s on the list!
7 | Start with Why by Simon Sinek
I’ve heard quite a few successful people talk about this one and since I got inspired just from watching Simon’s TED Talks (see here and here), this is definitely a book I want to pick up – preferably in paperback form so I can highlight and scribble lots of notes. I don’t know that I am or ever will be a “leader” of anything but I’ve felt really drawn to content on how to make a difference and figuring out your purpose lately so I’m just following that feeling for now.
8 | You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
This is totally cheating because, as I confessed in my review of this book, I’ve listened to it five times already BUT I’ll be reading it again this year to reinforce all the infinitely valuable lessons I’ve learned from its pages. I think I’ve said this before but I really take something new from this book each time I read/listen to it. I’m also in the midst of listening to You Are a Badass at Making Money so technically it too is on this list!
I’m sure I’ll be adding more as the year progresses, but that is my current 2018 book list! Let me know what’s on yours or leave me your best book suggestions below. Also, I’ve just created a new Goodreads account so let’s be buddies if you have one too!! xx
Melina says
I want to reread you are a badass again too! I also added Year of Yes onto my wishlist last month as a book I want to read in 2018! I’ll get to it eventually. Great list of books Nicky xxx
Melina | http://www.ivefoundwaldo.com
nickyashleigh says
Very nice!! Let me know what you think of Year of Yes if you get to it before I do! And thank you so much! xx