1st Half of 2024 Reads
Why I selected these books and what I got from them (with links to purchase from Bookshop - if you're able to purchase, I recommend shopping from your local bookstores)
The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD Can Conquer Chaos, Find Focus, and Get More Done by Terry Matlen
Being diagnosed with ADHD for the first time in my adult life at 32 years old this year was both eye-opening and frustrating. I found myself in a dance between gratitude for the ability to appreciation why I am the way I am or do things the way I do them and extreme frustration for not knowing sooner or being able to “change”. While there were parts of this book that didn’t fully resonate with me, a lot of this book helped me feel seen in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I find this book useful both for those navigating their own ADHD and those in relationships with someone with ADHD.
Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deeper Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol by Ruby Warrington
I’ve battled with being sober curious for quite some time now. After a few experiences with alcohol that I found equally heartbreaking and terrifying, I was in search of some inspiration as I started dabbling in living without alcohol. More on that coming soon (currently 78 days without), but for anyone sober curious, Ruby’s book is a really lovely introduction to forgiveness, acceptance, and learning more about how alcohol plays a role in our lives.
Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul by Melody Beattie
My mom introduced me to this book a few years ago after hearing an entry during a yoga class she attended. She continues to share snippets with me on occasion via text and it is a lovely way for us to connect with each other. This book is a great quick read for a little morning inspiration. I find myself returning to this book year after year whenever I need a little heart opening reminder that life is beautiful, there is love all around us, and everything will be OK.
Never Leave the Dogs Behind: A Memoir by Brianna Madia
Brianna Madia’s first book, Nowhere for Very Long, is a book I simply could not put down once I picked it up. While I don’t know if she would call herself a poet, I find her writing to be such a beautiful play between ordinary writing and poetry. This second book is no different. I find myself craving more and more each time I read. This time, however, I decided to read it all in smaller doses. So that I may enjoy it just a little bit longer.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
My father shares books and book recommendations with my sisters often. They’ve had that in common for many years. The only book recommendation I can remember receiving over the years was The Da Vinci Code. Last year, I read Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb and really loved the book. I sent a copy to my father. While it wasn’t his typical read, he agreed it was quite eyeopening. Recently, after a night of drinks and singing and laughing with my father, the two of us started talking about books. He disappeared from the living room, returning with his copy of The Last Lecture. Receiving his copy of this book brings me to tears nearly every time I open and read the book. I am forever grateful.