My Favorite Books

Most of us have been in quarantine of some form or another for almost a month now (if not more!) and although I know this time brings a lot of uncertainty, for some people it can also bring a lot of growth, new hobbies, new appreciations and even lots of time.

I decided to compile a list of my favorite read for all of you. I am breaking them down into a few categories- fiction, personal growth, and business

I will start with the most fun, easy reads that I have really enjoyed. These novels are ones that I have read over the years and they still resonate with me and every so often something in my every day life reminds me of the beautiful stories. I also want to tell you guys my secret to really enjoying fiction books- Audible! I listen to almost every one of my fiction books- it helps bring them to life because the narrators bring such character and spunk! Highly suggested you try ;)

Americanah- First off, I want to say that I love Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's writing. She might be my favorite authors. Her stories come to life- I feel like she takes me on a journey into her world and she does it so perfect. This book was the first one I read of hers and I instantly fell in love. Americanah tells a story of a young Nigerian women who immigrates to the US to attend University- throughout the book she recalls on stories of her past with a beautiful love story embedded in the writing. A MUST for fiction lovers.

The Language of Flowers- Probably my second favorite books of all time. Vanessa Diffenbaugh tells the story of a foster child who becomes a flower arranger and starts to use flowers as a way to communicate with the world. If you weren't in love with the art of telling a story or sending a message through flowers, this will definitely be life changing :)

The Murmur of Bees- This is my current read right now as we speak and I am already totally engulfed into the plot. This Mexican fiction book by Sofia Segovia was the first of hers to be translated into English. The book tells the story of a mysterious child that has the power to change a family's history in a country on the verge of revolution.

Half of a Yellow Sun- If you enjoyed Americanah, you will love this! Another good one by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Her books take me into a world I did not know much about, and I feel like I am getting a slight glimpse of what life is and was like in Nigeria. This novel takes place prior to and during the Nigerian Civil War in the end of the 1960s and the effect it has on the dynamic relationships of five different people's lives.

And the Mountains Echoed- Most known for his book The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini changes his style of writing in this book by bringing you a story, but each chapter is written more similar to short stories each told by a different character in the plot.

The Namesake- If you haven't already notices, I have a thing with cultures ;) This book is no different. Author Jhumpa Lahiri examines the little things involved with being caught between two very different cultures, both of which have distinct religious, social, and ideological differences. The way the story of an Indian couple who moves to the US is told really shows how difficult it is to move across the world, not just physically.

The Water Dancer- I actually first of this book from Oprah's Book Club and WOW it is so good! I listened to this book mostly while driving and every time I got to my location I stayed in the car to wait until the chapter ended because I was so curious to know what happened. This is the first novel out of Ta-Nehisi Coates and I cannot wait to see what his next book is. I'm not going to say much more, because I really want you guys to listen to it (yes, this one is amazing on Audible!)

Personal Growth Books:

The Gifts of Imperfection- After a really hard breakup I went through a long phase with Brene Brown. This is one of many of her good books (The Power of Vulnerability is also amazing) At a time when I was very confused of who I am and what I'm supposed to do, this book gave me a lot of ease and comfort. If you want to "Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are" this is the book for you.

The Five Love Languages- In a relationship? Looking to find one? Trying to mend a relationship? Or even if you just want to understand deeper the power of relationships, this book is for you! Gary Chapman simplifies the reason why some relationships last and others don't. I can tell you that this has really helped me in my relationship and also helped me understand what I need.

You Are A Badass- I feel like right now a lot of us need motivation- this book is here to help! Don't forget, YOU ARE A BADASS!

The Obstacle is the Way- For all you Tim Ferris fans, this book will teach you how to make lemonade out of the lemon. The Obstacle Is The Way is based on Stoic philosophy, and is structured around three disciplines: perception, action and will.

The Talent Code- I feel like this one is also perfect for this time period as we are all embarking on new hobbies and great capabilities. Daniel Coyle looks at scientific findings and shows how the brain can actually be physically rewired and developed by training and how greatness isn't born, it's grown.

Vagabonding- An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel- Need I say more?? The long time traveler and author Rolf Potts explains how anyone with an independent spirit can achieve the dream of extended overseas travel. So, who's coming with me?!

Start Something That Matters-Blake Mycoskie, the founder of Toms Shoes (You can read my article about inspiring companies to learn more of why I love them) wrote a book about his journey into making a Toms. If you are looking to start a meaningful business or if you want to know how you can make a difference, you'll love what Blake has to say.

Lean In- Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, writes a great book about women in the workforce, leadership and so much more. Great read not only for the women in the crowd!

Business-related Books:

Never split the Difference-Okay guys, this is really the ONE book you should definitely read. Maybe even once a year... Learn the art of negotiation through Chris Voss-a real FBI hostage negotiator agent. Life is all about negotiating- whether it's with your kids about going to sleep at a certain hour, or getting a salary raise, this book with teach how how to gain an edge in every situation.

Good to Great-This book helps you understand better why some companies become successful while others don't. Jim Collins researched some of the best companies in the world and came out with really interesting data that you might be interested in if you want your business to succeed.

Do the Kind Thing - I want to start by saying that Daniel Lubetsky was a personal mentor to me (yeah, I grabbed him after I heard him speak and pitched Rusty's to him) . He is the mastermind behind Kind Snacks- a company that inspires and motivates me personally. This is for those of you looking to create a more compassionate world through ethical business practices. Better put: "For the socially conscious, the intellectually curious, or the creative soul"

Delivering Happiness- Last but definitely not least, I loved this book by Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappo's shoes, who created a totally innovative and new business model with a really interesting and different business environment. This book is a close look and an inside eye into the start of what a consumer-based business looks like.