It’s the fact that I lowered my reading challenge goal from 10 to 5 and still didn’t make the goal haha, but that’s okay. I read some great books this year and that’s all that matters.

To the first book I read this year, Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by: Mikki Kendall (click to purchase). Wow, what a way to start off 2021. Mikki Kendall gave me several history lessons that I didn’t know I needed it. Not one lie was told. Very honest, very informational. She covers how black women were excluded from the feminist movements and every social, racial, political, and economic issue that needs to be corrected and/or addressed. These notes weren’t found in any of the history books I read in school, and I wonder why? Check out some of the content topics below:

To the second book I’ve read this year, More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by: Elaine Welteroth (click to purchase). Thank you for reminding me that I can dream bigger and shine brighter. By the end of reading this book, I was ready to reclaim my time, my space, and my energy cause I know I’m more than enough. This book had me contemplating a lot about my career and what I want out of life. It’s never too late for a career change and every opportunity is not going to be for me and that’s fine. I truly enjoyed reading about Elaines life and career journey. She had climbed the ranks of the media and fashion world and became the youngest and the 2nd black editor-in-chief in Condé Nast history. So when one of us wins, we all wins. This book really instilled the importance of standing on your own and recognizing when to let go of things that no longer serve you- relationships, jobs, friends, limiting beliefs.

To the third book I’ve read this year, The Vanishing Half: A Novel by: Brit Bennett (click to purchase). Thank you for reminding me of the importance of sisterhood and unconditional love. I don’t want to ever feel like I have to hide who I am, let alone trying to hide and deny my own race. But I can definitely sympathize with the characters because back then, black people had to do what they had to do to survive in the world. In this fictional story, there are two fair/light skinned sisters. One of the sisters chose to pass as white and decides to leave her entire life behind. This book crosses through many different stories and generations. It was very hard to put this book down. If you’re looking for a page turner, this is the one.

To the fourth and last book I’ve read and finished this year, We’re Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True by: Gabrielle Union (click to purchase). Thanks for reminding me that celebrities are humans too and they go through things just like anyone else. The only difference is that they have a spotlight on them. I feel like I really got to know Gabrielle Union on a more intimate level, she shared so many personal stories and traumas. From being bullied for her skin tone and natural hair, being raped and assaulted, to going through a failed marriage- publicly. She’s so brave and inspiring.

So, in conclusion, of course I wish I had the time to read more books this year but realistically I just didn’t. By the time I get off work during the week, I’m super exhausted. I still try to dedicate 30mins a day (at the minimum) to reading before bedtime instead of being on my phone. Another obstacle that prevented me from reaching a higher reading goal was the fact that I tried to read several books at once, which ultimately slowed me down a lot. I also spent time trying to re-read an old book that I got bored with pretty fast, and another book that I just couldn’t get into called Life After Death by: Sister Souljah. I’m sorry Sister Souljah, I love your work but this book was terrible.

At the moment, I’m currently reading Long Live the Cartel by: Ashley & JaQuavis (click to purchase) and I recently purchased Will by: Will Smith (click to purchase) that I can’t wait to read sometime next year. I gifted it to my mom for Christmas so I know she’ll be hogging it up. I do have my eyes on quite a few books that I want. Check out (My Amazon Book Wish List Here). For 2022, I will be challenging myself once again to read 10 books. Follow me on GoodReads to keep up with my progress!

Till next time,