Ive been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. Growing up my grandmother frequently took me to Barnes & Noble to pick up whatever new adventure I’d decided on, I even had a pretty wooden book shelf that held all my precious finds. I would curl up on the small couch in my room, lavender with white flowers, and read for hours. I could finish an entire book in one sitting no problem

As I’ve gotten older my love for good books has stayed with me and as I transition more into the grown ass woman I want to be, my selection has expanded. This past year I’ve had the pleasure of reading more than a few good books but these are honestly my top 3 and I felt it necessary to share them with you all

1. The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

We know Shonda for executive producing hit shows like Greys Anatomy and Scandal but she is also the woman who inspired me to start saying YES! to things in my life that scared me. The Year of Yes is a peak into the personal life of Shona Rhimes and her challenge to herself of saying YES! It doesn’t feel like your typical self help book and Im assuming thats intentional but reading this really touched me, it even inspired me to start on my health and fitness journey. Its a fun, witty read that gets deep when it needs to and really teaches you to look at the things your fear and face them head on for the better of yourself and your life.

2. Reclaiming Our Space by Feminista Jones

I absolutely adore the writing style of Feminista Jones! I connected to her instantly, she has a very keep it real attitude and she is all about the Black Feminist movement and Black Liberation. Reclaiming Our Space gave me a better understanding of intersectionality and I felt seen for the first time in a while, it also helped put names an faces to the Black women all over the world using social media to tell their stories and spark fundamental movements like no other. I learned so much, all the tabs in my personal copy of this book will tell you that! There is definitely something to be said about the way Black women inspire other Black women, its a connection like no other and I truly appreciate that.

3. What I Know for Sure By Oprah Winfrey

WHEW. Of all the books I’ve read this year, What I Know for Sure has been the most impactful on my mental health. This book of short stories that recount different moments in Oprahs life helped me understand that I create my own happiness and how to dive deep into that place when Im feeling low. The chapters have names like joy, resilience, clarity and they all give you something to think about and hold on to. I am very thankful that I decided to give this a read because it felt like a choice I made out of love for myself and that shit is amazing!

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