Sharing a roundup of the books I read in 2024, my plan for reading in 2025, and the top picks from the year.
Hi friends! How are you? How was the weekend? Ours was relaxing and blissful after the Christmas chaos. I taught two barre classes, we watched movies, I took a 3 hours nap (bless it), we ate leftovers and takout, and we took sunny walks around the neighborhood. Winter break is rivalring summer break, especially because the weather has been so dreamy!
For today’s post, I wanted to share a recap of the books I read in 2024. We’re finishing out the year, and while I didn’t hit my reading goal this year, I was able to read a lot of amazing books. I’d love to hear about your standout reads from the year and anything you’d recommend to get my reading mojo back!
The great book recap of 2024
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing
I was hesitant about this one because I love Friends and love Matthew Perry dearly. I’d heard some people say that this made them like him LESS, and I didn’t want that. The good news is that for me, it did the exact opposite and I found myself loving him even more. I think many of us grew up watching Friends, and feel connected to all of the characters. Even though I was in 5th or 6th grade when it started, I watched almost every single episode, starting with the very first one. My wise 11 or 12 year old self recognized that it was something special.
This book is heartbreaking, as can be expected, and gave a true glimpse into the struggles that addicts face. Addiction took over his life, sabotaging his relationships, affecting work, and impacted his mental health. It was also devastating to learn that all he really wanted was a wife and kids. He had *everything* but also at the same time, he felt like he had nothing. I recommend listening to the Audible version so you can hear it in his own voice. 8/10
From Amazon:
“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.”
So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old Matthew, who traveled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then called Friends Like Us. . . and so much more.
In an extraordinary story that only he could tell—and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it—Matthew Perry lays bare the fractured family that raised him (and also left him to his own devices), the desire for recognition that drove him to fame, and the void inside him that could not be filled even by his greatest dreams coming true. But he also details the peace he’s found in sobriety and how he feels about the ubiquity of Friends, sharing stories about his castmates and other stars he met along the way. Frank, self-aware, and with his trademark humor, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that is both intimate and eye-opening—as well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the audiobook fans have been waiting for.
The Paris Daughter
Kristin Harmel has become one of my favorite WWII historical fiction authors. She does an incredible job intertwining various characters, storylines, and perspectives. While this one wasn’t my *favorite* I loved the ending and how everything came into place. It was an unexpected ending for sure. 7/10
Here’s the synopsis from Amazon:
Paris, 1939: Young mothers Elise and Juliette become fast friends the day they meet in the beautiful Bois de Boulogne. Though there is a shadow of war creeping across Europe, neither woman suspects that their lives are about to irrevocably change.
When Elise becomes a target of the German occupation, she entrusts Juliette with the most precious thing in her life—her young daughter, playmate to Juliette’s own little girl. But nowhere is safe in war, not even a quiet little bookshop like Juliette’s Librairie des Rêves, and, when a bomb falls on their neighborhood, Juliette’s world is destroyed along with it.
More than a year later, with the war finally ending, Elise returns to reunite with her daughter, only to find her friend’s bookstore reduced to rubble—and Juliette nowhere to be found. What happened to her daughter in those last, terrible moments? Juliette has seemingly vanished without a trace, taking all the answers with her. Elise’s desperate search leads her to New York—and to Juliette—one final, fateful time.
An “exquisite and gut-wrenching novel” (Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author) you won’t soon forget, The Paris Daughter is also a sweeping celebration of resilience, motherhood, and love.
Allergies: Disease in Disguise: Healing your Allergic Condition Permanently and Naturally
I’ve become extremely focused on allergies over the past 9 months, especially since I realized that my eye issues were a combo of autoimmune-type inflammation and allergies, from the environment and food. Once I got my allergies under control, my eyes stopped flaring (knock on ALL the wood…). As I was reading, I realized that I was using some of the strategies in this book, and she explained it in a way that made so much sense.
Allergic reactions don’t always depend on a single allergen, but are the result of histamine load — the compound effects of what you’re doing. This is why I’m ok with a tiny bit of fermented food, but if I have a lot of fermented food, plus more high histamine food, and I’m stressed, and I pet a hairy dog, and it’s windy with pollen outside, I’ll flare. I’ve been trying to pay more attention to my histamine load, and have eliminated my food sensivities, which has made a huge difference.
Something else that resonated with me: anti-histamines don’t solve the problem. When we’re having the histamine response, a flare is the sign that there’s a fire in the body. The anti-histamine is simply removing the smoke alarm; it doesn’t extinguish the fire.
While I don’t agree with everything in the book (she recommends a high carb, low protein, mostly raw diet), I learned a ton and would highly recommend it if you’re a fellow allergy sufferer. 9/10
From Amazon:
Allergy is generally misunderstood. Left untreated it can lead to serious degenerative disease. Asthma, migraines, arthritis, ulcers and obesity have all been linked to allergy. Fatigue, irritability, body aching, digestive problems, and other vague ailments are typical of allergy. Dr. Bateson-Koch provides insight into why allergy is becoming more common, how it relates to environmental factors, food additives, diet, digestion, body chemistry, addiction, yeast, molds, parasites and childhood illnesses-and why enzymes are the key to healing. Following her program, you won’t have to give up your pet, get allergy shots, rotate foods, keep diet diaries or cook allergy-free recipes for the rest of your life. You will not only recover and enjoy an allergy-free life, you will gain invaluable understanding of health and well-being.
Don’t Make it Weird
I’ve followed Colleen for years, and was so excited for her book. Her content always cracks me up and inspires me, so I pre-ordered this as soon as I could. Definitely check out the Audible version so you can hear it in her voice. I highly recommend this one if you work in the online space in any capacity, especially if you’re struggling with creating content and putting yourself out there. 9/10
From Amazon:
Have you ever actually engaged with someone’s lame dance video on Instagram? Probably not, if you’re being honest. Gimmicks just don’t work, but the pressure of having an online presence can make people do weird things.
Eventually, you have to call bullsh*t. The good news is that when you cut out excuses and ditch the self-sabotaging performances, you can learn to be a real human on the internet.
In Don’t Make it Weird, Colleen teaches you how to bring your whole personality—the messy, awkward, and mundane—to your online presence to create true connection and community. And, of course, to sell to people without making it weird. Whatever it is you want to do, you can. Just Don’t Make it Weird.
The Room on Rue Amélie
This was another Kristin Harmel novel, and it’s definitely in my top five of her books. It was heart wrenching, hopeful, and beautifully written. I definitely wept at a beautiful and satisfying ending. I definitely recommend it if you’re into historical fiction. 9/10
From Amazon:
When newlywed Ruby Henderson Benoit arrives in Paris in 1939 with her French husband, Marcel, she imagines strolling arm in arm along the grand boulevards, awash in the golden afternoon light. But war is looming on the horizon, and as France falls to the Nazis, her marriage begins to splinter, too.
Charlotte Dacher is 11 when the Germans roll into the French capital, their sinister swastika flags snapping in the breeze. After the Jewish restrictions take effect and Jews are ordered to wear the yellow star, Charlotte can’t imagine things getting much worse. But then the mass deportations begin, and her life is ripped forever apart.
Thomas Clarke joins the British Royal Air Force to protect his country, but when his beloved mother dies in a German bombing during the waning days of the Blitz, he wonders if he’s really making a difference. Then he finds himself in Paris, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, and he discovers a new reason to keep fighting – and an unexpected road home.
When fate brings them together, Ruby, Charlotte, and Thomas must summon the courage to defy the Nazis – and to open their own broken hearts – as they fight to survive. Rich with historical drama and emotional depth, this is an unforgettable story that will stay with you long after the final minute.
I definitely recommend listening to the audio version of this, especially if you don’t mind a little sass and crass language. Vivian Tu, aka Your Rich BFF, has such a fun way of explaining basic finance priciples (investment types, budgeting, tips for saving) and is extremely motivating and encouraging along the way. It included a lot of necessary nudges to focus more on our investment and saving strategy; it’s one of my goals for the next year, especially as the Pilot transitions back to the airlines. One of my favorite quotes is that you can buy anything, but you don’t need to buy everything. It’s about making your purchases worth your while. 9/10 recommend.
From Amazon:
When Vivian Tu started working on Wall Street fresh from undergrad, all she knew was that she was making more money than she had ever seen in her life. But it wasn’t until she found a mentor of her own on the trading floor that she began to understand what wealthy people knew intuitively—the secrets to beating the proverbial financial game that has, for too long, been male, pale, and stale.
Building on the lessons she learned on Wall Street about money and the markets, Vivian now offers her best personal finance tips and tricks to readers of all ages and demographics, so that anyone can get rich, whether you grew up knowing the rules to the game or not. Vivian will be your mentor, dispensing fresh, no-BS advice on how to think like a rich person and create smart money habits. Throughout the pages of Rich AF, Vivian will break down her best recommendations to help you:
Maximize your earnings to get more out of your 9-to-5
Understand the differences between savings accounts, and where you should keep your money
Identify the tax strategies and (legal) loopholes you need to retire in style
Overcome investing fears to secure wealth for generations
and much more!
Rich AF will equip readers with the tools and knowledge to not only understand the financial landscape, but to build a financial strategy of their own. And with Your Rich BFF at your side, you’ll be able to start your financial journey already in an affluent mindset, making the most of your money and growing your wealth for years to come.
I read and adored Sara Goodman Confino’s last novel, Don’t Forget to Write, so of course, I need to read all of her books now. (Apparently she has a new one on the way!) It was just as charming, witty, and enoyable as the last book, also with a bit of a surprise ending. I didn’t want it to end. 10/10
From Amazon:
Four years into her marriage, Jenna is blindsided when her husband asks for a divorce. With time on her hands and her life in flux, she agrees to accompany her eccentric grandmother Evelyn on a road trip to the seaside Massachusetts town where much of their family history was shaped.
When they hit the road, Evelyn spins the tale of the star-crossed teenage romance that captured her heart more than seventy years ago and changed the course of her life. She insists the return to her hometown isn’t about that at all—no matter how much she talks about Tony, her unforgettable and forbidden first love.
Upon arrival, Jenna meets Tony’s attentive great-nephew Joe. The new friendship and fresh ocean air give her the confidence and distance she needs to begin putting the pain of a broken marriage behind her.
As the secrets and truths of Evelyn’s past unfold, Jenna discovers a new side of her grandmother, and of herself, that she never knew existed—and learns that the possibilities for healing can come at the most unexpected times in a woman’s life.
This book includes real-world examples of budgeting, investing, risk, and mindset. I love that each chapter can stand on its own, so it was easy for me to listen and pick up during chores, walks, or drives to and from school drop-off. It was another good nudge to maintain our spending habits as our earnings change over time so we can focos on our bigger goals. We have a huge investment goal in the next few years, so listening to some more finance-related material has been inspiraing and motivating. Link to read is here. 9/10
From Amazon:
Doing well with money isn’t necessarily about what you know. It’s about how you behave. And behavior is hard to teach, even to really smart people.
Money—investing, personal finance, and business decisions—is typically taught as a math-based field, where data and formulas tell us exactly what to do. But in the real world people don’t make financial decisions on a spreadsheet. They make them at the dinner table, or in a meeting room, where personal history, your own unique view of the world, ego, pride, marketing, and odd incentives are scrambled together.
In The Psychology of Money, award-winning author Morgan Housel shares 19 short stories exploring the strange ways people think about money and teaches you how to make better sense of one of life’s most important topics.
This book was highly recommend in the Peloton reading-related Facebook group, so I downloaded it onto my Kindle. I had no clue what it was about, started it, and was suddently dropped into a full-time SPICE FESTIVAL. Whew!! Don’t mind me blushing and fanning myself while I type. While this is outside my usual genre of choice, I have to admit that I was 100% invested in the lackluster plotline with over-the-top erotic details lol. If you’re just looking for a page turner with lots of spicy details, this is a 10/10. If that’s not your cup of tea, it would probably be a 1/10 haha.
From Amazon:
Solène Marchand, the thirty-nine-year-old owner of an art gallery in Los Angeles, is reluctant to take her daughter, Isabelle, to meet her favorite boy band. But since her divorce, she’s more eager than ever to be close to Isabelle. The last thing Solène expects is to make a connection with one of the members of the world-famous August Moon. But Hayes Campbell is clever, winning, confident, and posh, and the attraction is immediate. That he is all of twenty years old further complicates things.
What begins as a series of clandestine trysts quickly evolves into a passionate and genuine relationship. It is a journey that spans continents as Solène and Hayes navigate each other’s worlds: from stadium tours to international art fairs to secluded hideaways in Paris and Miami. For Solène, it is a reclaiming of self, as well as a rediscovery of happiness and love. When Solène and Hayes’ romance becomes a viral sensation, and both she and her daughter become the target of rabid fans and an insatiable media, Solène must face how her romantic life has impacted the lives of those she cares about most.
$100M Leads
I’m a huge fan of Alex Hormozi. His recipes on Instagram are a little gross, but from a coaching/teaching/entrepreneur perscpetive, I love his teaching style and think he gives a ton of value in his books. Since I enjoyed $100M offers so much, I downloaded this one on Audible. It was an easy read and provided a lot of tips on growing your email list, creating content, and how to target with Facebook ads. I don’t spend much at all on Facebook ads, but it’s something I want to explore this year. 9/10
From Amazon:
This book contains the playbooks that took me from sleeping on my gym floor to owning a portfolio of companies that generate $200,000,000 per year in under a decade. Wanna know the biggest difference between those two time periods? How many leads I was getting.
The problem is – most business owners don’t know how to get leads.
I wrote this book to solve your LEADS problem.
Today, our companies generate 20,000+ new leads per day across sixteen different industries. And, they do it using the eight “never-go-hungry” playbooks inside. Once you see them, you can’t unsee them. They’re so powerful, they work without your permission.
Inside you will find…
…The easiest way to get another five customers tomorrow
…The hook-retain-reward system to transform content into leads
…The 6-part ad framework that gets more people – especially strangers – to want what you sell
…The one question that immediately turns any stranger (no matter how cold) into a hot lead
…The 7 direct referral methods responsible for 30% of my sales
…The affiliate playbook that gets hundreds of other businesses to advertise your stuff for free
…The agency agreement that gets them to teach you their lead-getting secrets at no cost
…The how-to-get-people-off-the-streets-and-getting-you-leads in under 2 weeks framework
…and everything else that got our companies boatloads of leads…fast.
And the best part is…you can use these playbooks to get more leads within an hour of reading this book. You just have to know where to look…and the first place is inside.
If you want to get more leads for your business…then ADD TO CART, use its contents, and see for yourself.
Winter Garden
This was my #2 Kristin Hannah novel after The Nightingale. It was so beautifully written, and as someone with near-zero knowledge about Russia’s involvement in WWII, it was very eye-opening for me. I knew I was going to be devastated when it ended, and it left me with tears streaming down my face. 10/10
From Amazon:
Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters. As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time—and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya’s life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother’s life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are.
True Comfort
A good friend of mine loves this cookbook and has tried quite a few of the recipes. I’ve tried a handful from the book and have been imrpressed so far. I can’t give it a full rating – I need to try more recipes!- but wanted to include it in case you’re looking for some healthy meal inspo.
From Amazon:
Over the past few years, Kristin Cavallari has become known for the healthy recipes she cooks at home for her family. In her bestselling cookbook, True Roots, she shared the recipes that keep her motivated and inspired and in turn challenged fans to cook more meals at home and live a healthier lifestyle.
Now, in True Comfort, Kristin turns her attention to some of the most-requested dishes that are hardest to find: healthy comfort food. True Comfort features her favorite recipes for cozy breakfasts (Apple Pecan Dutch Baby, Espresso Overnight Oats, and Sweet Potato Toast), lunches (Roasted Cauliflower Tartine, Nashville Hot Chicken Salad Cups, and Butternut Squash and Leek Chowder) and dinners (Red-Wine Braised Short Ribs, Oat Crust Chicken Pot Pie, and Saffron Seafood Cioppino) plus desserts (Orange Olive Oil Cake and Dark Chocolate Peppermint Silk Pie) and drinks (Cashew Eggnog and Rosemary Charcoal Latte). With tips and tricks to put together a well-stocked pantry, fridge, and freezer, this book goes beyond the traditional cookbook to help readers feel more like Kristin in the kitchen.
Open Your Eyes: Healing the Misery of Dry Eyes
I read this book very quickly on my Kindle – it’s super short – because I was hoping to get more eye healing insight and knowledge to store in my brain about this situation. It was about 99% anecdotal and nothing groundbreaking. I think that this book about healing your allergies naturally is a lot more helpful, as well as this book about healing dry eyes. 2/10
From Amazon:
This book was written by a long-time sufferer of dry eyes and by the Naturopathic doctor who helped him find the right solution to relieving him from the misery. The author discusses the agony of the irritation and pain of dry eyes and how the condition prevented him from enjoying life. As the condition became more severe, it led to two corneal ulcers; countless trips to opthamologists; the endless use of drops and other treatments that never worked. This lack of real relief of his dry eye condition from conventional treatments led him on a multi-year search to find a way to get his life back.
The book was written to help all those suffering from this painful, frustrating and debilitating malady and to give them hope and encouragement in finding their own solution. The book covers some of the causes of dry eyes; the author’s intense search to find a way to treat it without prescription drugs or surgical procedures; nine foods that can trigger dry eyes; the four “must have” miracle foods that help relieve the condition; and a list of supplements that the author has used to keep his dry eyes from returning. There is also a discussion of a condition known as “blepharitis”; how it can lead to dry eyes; and what the author does to treat it. This book is a must read for anyone suffering from dry eyes.
Just for the Summer
Justin has a curse: every woman he dates finds her soul mate immediately after they break up, and thanks to a Reddit thread, this is now widely known. When a woman with the same issue contacts him, they devise a plan to date and then break up to cancel out their curses, hoping to find their true loves afterward.
I’ve been a huge fan of Abby Jimenez for a while, and couldn’t wait to read this one. It did not disappoint! Her books are the perfect mix of witty banter and heartwarming romance.
9/10.
From Amazon:
Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it’s now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They’ll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work.
Emma hadn’t planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka.
It’s supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma’s toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they’re suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected—including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?
Funny Story
Daphne’s life takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé Peter realizes he’s in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. Left in Waning Bay, Michigan, Daphne starts anew as a children’s librarian and proposes a roommate arrangement with Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak. Daphne and Miles, despite their differences, form a friendship and devise a plan to post misleading photos of their adventures together. This unexpected camaraderie develops into something deeper, complicating Daphne’s new beginning.
I usually love Emily Henry, but I didn’t love this one. I kept waiting for *something* to happen. It was a little spicy, but the storyline left me feeling bored.
5/10
From Amazon:
Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.
Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.
Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads—Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?
But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?
The Women
In 1965, twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath, inspired by the idea that women can be heroes, leaves her sheltered life in Coronado, CA to join the Army Nurse Corps and serve in Vietnam, following her brother’s path.
As inexperienced as the soldiers around her, Frankie faces the chaos and destruction of war, forming deep, yet fragile friendships. Upon returning to a divided America, she confronts angry protesters and a country eager to forget Vietnam. “The Women” highlights the sacrifices and bravery of women in war, with Frankie’s courage and idealism defining her era and shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of female veterans.
As someone who didn’t know very much about Vietnam, this was really eye-opening for me. I didn’t know how Veterans were treated upon their arrival, and it was heartbreaking. I’m a huge fan of Kristin Hannah and have read almost all of her novels, and this was definitely in the top 3 for me.
10/10
From Amazon:
Learn Spanish for Vacations
We’re headed to Spain this month, so I’ve been trying to practice Spanish as much as possible. My mom’s side of the family speaks Spanish, but growing up, I’d always respond in English. I also minored in Spanish, but we spent so much of the time studying Spanish, but not actually conversing, so I’ve never felt super comfortable speaking it, even though I understand it perfectly.
I’ve been working with a Spanish tutor this year (one of my goals for 2024!) and have been listening to as much Spanish as possible, through podcasts and music. I liked listening to this one on double speed on Audible just as a refresher for the most important phrases for travel.
I highly recommend it if you have any Spanish-speaking travels coming up!
9/10
From Amazon:
Do you get frustrated when you’re on vacation and you can’t make yourself understood? Or maybe you’d like to be appreciated by the locals and your family for making an effort? Maybe you don’t want to come across as that guy who thinks everyone should speak English? If any of these apply to you, then keep reading….
I was that guy once. We went on vacation to Costa Rica, and in the more remote places we went, not a single person spoke English. I ended up miming things to bemused locals or saying English words really slowly, and I felt really dumb. By the end of the trip, I vowed I wouldn’t put myself in that situation again. So I decided to create vacation phrasebooks. I speak fluent Spanish, so on one of our vacations there, I wrote down every phrase I used. What I said in the bakery, at the hotel, etc. They are all in this book.
In large parts of South America or Spain where they don’t speak English, the reception you get in the restaurant if you say “Buenas tardes, ¿tienen una mesa para 4 personas, por favor?” instead of mumbling in English, is night and day. Imagine how you’ll feel coming back from the market having bought some good stuff, speaking nothing but Spanish, with your family looking at you in a new light.
In this audiobook, you’ll learn:
How to order a beer like a local.
What people will ask you at the car rental check-in.
How to book a table for dinner.
What the waiter will definitely ask you
How to ask for a late checkout.
What people will ask you in supermarkets.
How to not get lost.
How to ask for the Wi-Fi code (hint: it’s not “Wi-Fi code”).
And much, much more!
The Strands of Health: A Guide to Understanding Hair Mineral Analysis
This book offers an in-depth exploration of how hair mineral analysis can be used as a powerful tool for assessing and improving overall health. The book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the significance of mineral imbalances, the impact of toxic metals on the body, and how this non-invasive testing method can uncover hidden health issues. By presenting detailed case studies and practical advice, Malter empowers readers to take control of their health through better understanding of their body’s mineral needs and the benefits of hair mineral analysis.
I found the info repetitive, but I liked that. It helped me to truly understand and retain the information and I feel like I’ll likely refer back to it many times. 9/10
From Amazon:
This new book by Rick Malter, Ph.D. is an introduction to understanding hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) and its role in preventing disease and maintaining optimal energy and health. This book relates nutrient minerals to chronic fatigue and other common health problems that are poorly understood by traditional medicine and psychiatry. Drawing on over 40 years of personal and professional experience with hair TMA, Dr. Malter explains how the mind and body are closely connected by the effects of stress and other life style factors on nutrient minerals. This is a comprehensive book that will help you to make sense out of the vast amount of health and nutrition information that often seems contradictory and confusing. If you take vitamins and minerals, this book is essential reading.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
This dang book. I fought the hype for so long, but finally decided to see what it’s all about. I’m fully into the Sarah J. Maas realm now.
This book an enchanting fantasy that takes you on an unforgettable journey with Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who finds herself in a magical world after killing a faerie wolf. As she navigates this new realm, Feyre encounters Tamlin, a captivating and powerful High Lord. Their budding romance is just the beginning, as Feyre uncovers a dark threat that endangers both the faerie and human worlds. This book is a perfect mix of romance, adventure, and magic, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. It gives me Harry Potter vibes as far as the suspense and writing are concerned, but obv for adults. 9/10
From Amazon:
When 19-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin – one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world. As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it… or doom Tamlin – and his world – forever.
Funny Story – DNF (3/4 of the way through)
I had high hopes for this book because I usually love Emily Henry, but this was not it for me. I was SO bored. I just felt like the plot was kind of lame and couldn’t get into it. 3/4 of the way through, I finally called it quits. Life is too short to make yourself finish books you aren’t enjoying. Since I started reading more a few years ago, I also started DNF-ing books that aren’t worth the time to me. It’s freeing.
From Amazon:
Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.
Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.
Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads—Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?
But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?
Limitless
I had the honor of hearing Jim Kwik speak at the Biohacking Conference and knew that I wanted to read his book. Limitless is a game-changer for anyone looking to unlock their brain’s full potential. In this transformative guide, Jim shares his cutting-edge techniques for improving memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.
It’s all about harnessing the power of your mind to achieve your personal and professional goals. From learning how to speed-read to developing a limitless mindset, this book is packed with actionable strategies to help you break free from your limitations. I enspecially enjoyed the audio version. 10/10
From Amazon:
For the last 25 years, Jim Kwik has helped everyone from celebrities to CEOs to students improve their memory, increase their decision-making skills, learn to speed-read, and unleash their superbrains.
In Limitless, readers will learn Jim’s revolutionary strategies and shortcuts to supercharging their brains, with simple, actionable tools to sharpen the mind, enhance focus, and fast-track their fullest potential.
Unexpected: Finding Resilience through Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith
I also heard Dr. Jill Carnahan speak and was in awe of her story of resilience and how she used her incredible struggle to go on to heal and help others. This book is easy to read and filled with actionable strategies to improve your health and wellbeing. 9/10
From Amazon:
There are times in each of our lives when change and uncertainty threaten to disrupt everything we thought was true. It may occur after a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or another unexpected circumstance that threatens our health, safety or security. Written as our world is changing at an exponential rate, Dr. Jill Carnahan’s riveting and compassionate exploration of healing through Functional Medicine introduces a new paradigm for readers where darkness and fear are replaced with hope, resilience, profound healing, unconditional love, and unexpected miracles.
Each chapter reveals practical advice that can be readily used for conditions like mold toxicity, cancer, autoimmune conditions, Lyme disease, and more. Dr. Jill’s raw and honest account of her own challenges facing life-threatening illness, living with autoimmunity and mold toxicity, trying to save a failed marriage, and the harsh realities of working in a medical system that has no tolerance for stepping outside the lines, reveals a new path of empowerment for taking control of our own health and wellbeing. For the skeptic or the faithful, Unexpected is a valuable guide for living an extraordinary life of love and resilience.
Throne of Glass
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin who has been imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier. When Crown Prince Dorian offers her a chance at freedom, Celaena must compete in a deadly tournament to become the King’s Champion. Her path is fraught with danger as she faces ruthless opponents, navigates court politics, and uncovers dark secrets lurking within the glass castle.
As Celaena trains for the competition, she forms unexpected alliances with Prince Dorian and the stern Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall. Amidst the grueling trials, she discovers a hidden power within herself and a mysterious, ancient evil threatening the kingdom. Celaena must rely on her wits and skills to survive, all while confronting her own haunted past and the looming danger that could destroy everything she holds dear.
This book was HIGHLY recommended online, and I’ve read another one of Sarah J Maas’ books (A Court of Thorns and Roses), and this one wasn’t it for me.(Maybe a 4/10) It started off quickly, but dragged in the middle. I had to force myself to finish it, and while I liked the ending, it just wasn’t as vivid of captivating as I expected. From what I’ve heard, this was the first book she ever wrote (so major props for that), but I’ve realized this isn’t my fave genre. Give me my sweeping historical dramas with deep character development and gorgeous writing, which brings me to the next book….
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See is an evocative historical novel that delves into the life of Lady Tan, one of the pioneering female doctors in 15th-century China. The story weaves a rich tapestry of Lady Tan’s journey as she navigates the complexities of her time, breaking barriers and defying societal expectations to become a respected medical practitioner.
Set against the backdrop of a patriarchal society, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women highlights the challenges and triumphs of Lady Tan as she forms a supportive network of women from various walks of life. Together, they share their knowledge, experiences, and resilience, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Through her medical practice, Lady Tan not only heals physical ailments but also uplifts the spirits of those around her, challenging the traditional roles assigned to women.
I SAVORED this book and didn’t want it to end. I finished it about a week ago and still have a major book hangover. All the stars, highly recommend, 10/10.
For the Family’s Sake: The Value of Home in Everyone’s Life
For the Family’s Sake: The Value of Home in Everyone’s Life by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay was recommended on IG by my friend Jenna. I’ve always admired how she juggles so much things (3 kids, homeschooling, making beautiful meals each day), so I wanted to check this out. This book dives into creating a nurturing home environment, blending Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy with Christian values. The author emphasizes routines, real-life relationships, outdoor time, leisure activities, nutritious food, and community. She explains it like beads on a string – while we all need the same basics, how we arrange them is unique to each family.
At times, the book felt overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling a million things and can’t quite find time for every suggested activity. For example, I can’t imagine singing songs to ths kids after bedtime stories (they’d beg me to stop anyway lol). When else am I supposed to fold laundry mountain?? Instead of feeling like I need to do ALLTHETHINGS, I want to approach family life like health and wellness. Focus on what works for you and your family. Her perspective on community magnified my gratitude for our neighborhood here in Tucson, reminding me of the importance of our daily routines and connections.
The book is rich in Christian messaging and scripture, which might resonate with some but feel heavy for others. The language can be a bit old-fashioned, too. Despite this, For the Family’s Sake offers timeless advice on the importance of home, relationships, and community, making it a valuable read for those looking to enhance their family life. I would give it a 6/10. I felt like it could have been much shorter, and didn’t find all of her suggestions to be timely for modern lives, especially when many women have to work in and out of the home to contribute financially to the family. (In addition to being the default parent… it’s a lot.) I say just take what works for you and delete the suggestions that don’t.
The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella
I was so excited to read this because Sophie Kinsella is the one who made me fall in love with reading *for fun* during the drudgery of college textbooks. Confessions of a Shopaholic was my favorite series, and I love her writing style.
The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella is a total gem that perfectly captures the chaotic, hilarious, and sometimes overwhelming journey of trying to balance work, relationships, and self-care. The main character, Sasha, is feeling the heat from every direction and is right on the edge of cull burnout. In a moment of clarity (combined with desperation), she decides to hit the reset button and dives into a journey to find herself again.
Kinsella’s signature humor and relatable characters make this book a delightful escape. Sasha’s story will hit home for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re juggling too much at once. It’s a perfect cupcake of a book, and many parts made me snicker to myself. I also internally read this in Bridget Jones’ voice, and find myself thinking things like, “Sod off,” and other amazing British slang. 10/10 definitely read it for something light, witty and fun.
Why I didn’t hit my goal this year:
My reading goal is usually three books per month, and sometimes with audiobooks, I’m able to hit more. When the school year started, it became very challenging to create time to read. Usually in the afternoons, I’m Ubering the kids around to their activities, and then we do dinner, homework (Liv’s homework situation is honestly a nightmare. We are drowning and trying to figure out an action plan), and then bed for everyone. By the time I go to bed, I’m lucky to get 2-3 pages before I crash out.
During the day, I’ve been focusing on work and studying to finish my High Performance Health certification! Once I finish, I’m hoping I’ll be able to sneak in 20-30 minutes of reading time during the day. I genuinely miss it, and just need to find a way to make it a priority again.
My favorite authors of the year:
Once again, Kristin Harmel and Sara Goodman Confino continued to be my favorite authors. Kristin Harmel has a talent for writing historical fiction that’s beautifully detailed with deep character development and will grip your heart, while Sara Goodman Confino is witty, light, and fun.
So, tell me, friends: do you have a reading goal right now? What’s something you read and LOVED this year?
Please share the goods in the comments section below!
xoxo
Gin
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