Book Nook Picks! Let's Get Reading!
As a college student with a husky baby, insatiable reading habits, and often cramped living quarters; it’s been a constant battle to keep all of my personal reading in line. I often frequent the library and have started listening to more audio books and podcasts in order to curb book related expenses, but it’s hard not to just (possibly haphazardly lol) dive into a good book. Do you have this book problem too? I’ve always been an avid reader, and it’s valuable to have a personal library! Here’s a small portion of what I’ve loved reading (mostly when on break from classes) in the last two to three years. Books so interesting I had to buy them, happily discovered them in a donation bin, or previously purchased them and had to bring them to California with me!
Here they are…
1,001 Pearls Of Yoga Wisdom, The Fashion File, Vintage Style, and My Story are the four books I brought with me when I first moved to California. It was difficult to only bring four, but they are abundant in inspiration and have proved to be excellent choices. I do miss my book collection back home though.
1,001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom by Liz Lark
I’ve had this book since I was eighteen! Holy moly! This book taught me everything I needed to know about yoga as a novice yogi. I am not professional by any means, but the illustrated tutorials and depth of information provides a wealth of knowledge for anyone - yes even the professionals.War Dogs by Guy Lawson
* Audio Book Link, free with Audible trial
If you enjoyed the flick and want a little more substance and a little less flash than the movie, definitely give this book a try.The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Absurdly relatable and incomprehensibly depressing. If you are into classics, or the human existence (at all) this is a good place to start.The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman
Set during the advent of World War II, this story is heartwarming and profoundly agonizing. I spent a good few days around a pool during the summer reading this and had to put it down at times due to the bravery of the characters, and the obviously outraging times. The book was so good, I still haven’t seen the film.Gonzo Girl by Cheryl Della Pietra
It’s hard to believe that this novel isn’t an autobiography. Apparently the author was an assistant for the late gonzo writer Hunter S. Thompson. Depravity and hilarity abound, read this if you’re interested in what it would have been like to work for a drug addled pioneer.Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick
* Audio Book Link, free with Audible trial
Hilarious and definitely reflective of the millennial zeitgeist. Even if you don’t love Anna Kendrick, you will love this book.Power Networking by Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas
A little dated compared to the recent spectrum of networking resources, but there is something to be said about tried and true pillars of networking. If it’s a staple, it will work. That goes for anything that seems “old,” just because it’s “old” doesn’t make it irrelevant. You never know what hidden gem you may find that will help you with your goals.The Autobiography of Gucci Mane by (you guessed it lol) Gucci Mane
* Audio Book Link, free with Audible trial
If you haven't read this yet and you’re flying this holiday season, or if you commute on the daily this is a good read. The reason for that, is that it is pure entertainment. This autobiography will make the most out of your travel time.!! BEASTIE BOYS BOOK by Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz !!
* Audio Book Link, free with Audible trial
* Check out Mike D’s “Echo Chamber” Radio station on Beats1
Even without the authorship of the late MCA (Adam Yauch) this book compiles a lot of Beastie-isms that even the most dedicated fan would NOT know. It gives you a huge glimpse into the inner workings of their respective lives, and is definitely the Beastie encyclopaedia. Give it a go, it’s got a lot of interesting collaborations in it as well.The Fashion File by Janie Bryant
This read is most certainly dedicated to all of those Mad Men loving fashionistas. Janie Bryant is such a talented costume designer, and she really highlighted her genius process behind costuming Mad Men. I love how intuitive her creativity is when she is designing for characters, check out her latest work on Why Women Kill!Vintage Style by Sarah Kennedy
I bought this book when I was twenty two and really starting to hone in on my style, I remember wearing the cutest lace romper from Ark & Co and my coveted Jeffrey Campbell Lita’s with studded heels, no less while standing at the register waiting to make my purchases. I felt so fashionable and wanted to learn as much about fashion as possible. This book has been my handbook ever since. I hope it will be yours too.My Story by Marilyn Monroe
Heart wrenching, unapologetic, and awe-inspiring. Marilyn Monroe is obviously an enigma, and a legend. She deserves so much more credit than most people give her, and an exceptional point to make is that she created the person she wanted to become. She wasn’t happy with what was given to her in this life, and she rewrote her path. She dedicated herself to her goals and did the work. So many people could learn a thing or two from Marilyn Monroe.
Two additional books you should give a chance, that aren’t pictured here:
Slumberland by Paul Beatty
* Audio Book Link, free with Audible trial
Full of adventure, Angeleno humour, and rife with profanity. A great choice for any obscene music lover/character; you know the type. They will enjoy this book, this was one of the first books I picked up when I moved to California and I often re-read it to capture that moment again. Ah, memories.Choke by Chuck Palahniuk
* Audio Book Link, free with Audible trial
Palahniuk strikes again, this author also wrote Fight Club and Invisible Monsters. Dark, a little morbid, and always captivating. If you want to disappear into the twilight and don’t mind, this is a do.
As a disclaimer: Each book title/description is an Amazon Affiliates link. Should you decide to purchase through an Amazon link on this post, a small commission is made for this website.
Are you a reader or do you prefer films/movies? What books have you read recently that struck a chord with you? I want to hear from you! XOXO