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The Top Five Books I’ve Read This Year
This year, I was on a mission: I wanted to read fifteen new books. I landed upon a variety of books whether it be self-help, motivational or memoirs. I was seeking knowledge. After completing my reading list, I was able to narrow down the top five books, which is not as easy as one might think. The top five were chosen based on engagement, new lessons and relatability.
5. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
As mentioned previously, I was in search of knowledge. It was only right that I read Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 when seeking new information. Bradbury depicts a world where reading is not allowed. He raises the question of who holds the power when information is being destroyed? I found this book to be very entertaining and informational. I recommend everyone read this book at least once.
Standout quotes:
“A little learning is a dangerous thing.”
“If you don’t want a man unhappy politically, don’t give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one. Better yet, give him none. Let him forget there is such a thing as war.”
4. Life in Motion by Misty Copeland
Despite those who know me on a personal level, Misty Copeland’s Life in Motion did not make it on my list for biased reasons (although I am a ballerina as well). My opinion is unbiased. Yes, Copeland does talk about the struggles of being a professional dancer, but she also provides insight into working hard as an African American woman, family struggles and the importance of owning one’s choices. I found it hard to put this book down and ended up finishing it within three days.
Standout quotes:
“I had to fight. There’s an old adage in the black community that we have to be ten times better just to get as much. I took that to heart.”
“Walk into a room, knowing you are somebody, somebody special. Don’t ever let them smash that or pull you down.”
“No matter how interesting or exotic the place we were visiting, I remember yearning to get back to “the city.” I always felt like New York was moving and growing without me, and I was missing it all while I was away.”
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
I’ll be honest. I landed on this book because I was watching one of Michael B. Jordan’s interviews and he shared that this book is one of his favorites. He also said that he learns something new everytime he reads it. He wasn’t lying. After reading this book, I felt inspired. Paulo Coelho tells the story of a shepherd named Santiago who is in search of his “Personal Legend.” This book teaches the importance of listening to your heart, owning your choices and more. I would suggest reading it more than once because new lessons appear each time, especially throughout different moments of your life.
Standout quotes:
“Well, maybe I want to know the future so I can prepare myself for what’s coming.”
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
2. We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
I have to be honest. I found it very difficult to put Gabrielle Union’s We’re Going to Need More Wine in second place. It could’ve easily been placed as number one. I went back and forth on getting the book because it wasn’t a typical chronological story. Union shares a variety of short stories that tackle racism, rape, pregnancy and quite frankly, working your ass off. I found myself laughing out loud with this one.
Fun fact: I finished this entire book in one day, which proves how amazing it is.
Standout quotes:
“A note for the novice cheater: never, ever cheat with someone who has less to lose than you.
“You’re gone have to do twice as much work and you’re not going to get any credit.”
“Men must mentor girls as they grow into women, guiding them to find their own validation so they don’t seek it elsewhere in negative ways.”
“People underestimate the power of conversation.”
1. Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It by Charlamagne Tha God
As some might’ve guessed by now, Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It, secured the number one spot. Although I wrote a review on this book prior to this post, I still felt the need to share the significance of it. This book is one for the culture. I’ve highlighted so many quotes/lessons in the book because they are timeless. When anyone asks me what book I suggest, this is always the first one that comes to mind. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Standout quotes:
“When you hold yourself accountable, what you’re really doing is freeing yourself from mental bondage.”
“Smart people learn from their own mistakes. Wise people learn from the mistakes of others. It’s easier than you think to be wise.”
“You are getting better or you are getting worse. You never stay the same.”
“Ryan Seacrest is out there in a meeting somewhere right now getting more paper. I can make it to my meeting, too.”
“Often the smartest moves you make will be the ones that don’t make you a pretty penny—at least at first.”
“What seemed to be a dead end was actually God setting me up for my next winning move.”
The picture above includes my book collection from earlier this year. Since taking this photograph, I’ve added more books to my collection.
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