Happy Monday from Hawaii! 🙂
While you’re reading this, I will hopefully be eating some fresh fruit, lying by the ocean, and reading a good book. Typically, I post these on the last day of the month, but we had to get to the airport on Friday so this post got pushed to today. Before I freak out that it’s already April and this year is flying by, let’s talk about my March book review.
I read three books, which were the strangest combination of books to read back to back. I have absolutely no idea what drew me to these, but they have been on my list for a while now. I’ve been struggling with getting back into reading. I go through seasons where I can read the entire book in a day, or it takes me a whole month to read one book. Ugh… I hate being in a reading rut. So, here we are – one fantastic book, one good book, and one okay book. Let’s get into it…
If you missed my February Review:
Book #1:
How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, Sophie Mas
Overall: 3/5
I am fascinated by learning all the cultural differences of everyday life. That may be why I picked this up, or I just found it aesthetically pleasing. I am still trying to figure it out. Overall, this book may not be for everyone. Once I realized it’s supposed to be sarcastic and pretentious, I loved those aspects. If you don’t take the book too seriously, you’ll find yourself laughing at many of the ridiculous “French recommendations.” I would label this one more of a coffee table book. If you like sassy, tongue-in-cheek, simple reads, then give it a try.
Book #2:
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Overall: 4/5
I love love love, Amy! A few years ago, I was obsessed with the tv show Parks and Rec and have loved many SNL skits by her. I’ve had her book on my to-be-read list since the height of my binge watching of that show. It only took me six years, but I finally got around to it. To preface my review, I wouldn’t label this book as the best memoir I have ever read, but more of an enjoyable compilation of random thoughts by Amy. Throughout her writing, you can tell how deeply she loves the people in her life and how incredibly grateful she is for each of them. She talks highly of her children, friends, parents, and the people she has worked with. Writing is difficult and daunting, and I found it comical how often she mentioned how much she didn’t want to write this book or procrastinated on completing it. I felt that! As much as I am growing to love my blog, it can be challenging to get your thoughts out. Amy is adorable, and I loved seeing her personality flow through. So many times, I had to remind myself that Leslie Knope is a fictional character rather than actually who Amy Poehler is.
Book #3:
The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connections and Courage by Brené Brown
Overall: 5/5
Okay, so this is technically an audiobook… Does this count? I’m counting it because EVERYONE NEEDS THIS AUDIOBOOK IN THEIR LIFE. This audiobook is set up more like a TedTalk and touches on a handful of topics such as shame, judgment, people pleasing, play, vulnerability, etc. I swear Brene Brown can read my mind and vocalize thoughts and beliefs I have had but have never been able to portray accurately. I loved this audiobook so much that I actually want to listen to it again.
While listening, I had to write down a few takeaways that I wanted to share:
- “Choose discomfort over resentment.” – When someone asks you to do something you clearly are incapable of doing or plainly do not want to do, say NO. Brene has found safety in repeating that saying three times before responding to the person. As someone who struggles with people pleasing, this is a practice I want to try.
- “Unused creativity is not benign. It metastasizes into anger, shame, judgment…” – Wow, this one hit home on how important creative outlets for adults are equally important for all ages.
My favorite part of the way Brene presents these ideas is through her own shortcomings. She doesn’t come off as the expert who has perfected these difficult tasks. Instead, she shares how she has struggled with them deeply and then provides comical examples from her own life.
This is it for March! I downloaded a bunch of books onto my Kindle in preparation for our trip. Let’s hope I come back with some great recommendations!
Leave a Reply