You know how we all have little idiosyncrasies that make us weird special? We sometimes aren’t even aware of something being strange until someone else points it out. (I.e. my mom taught me to make scrambled eggs in the microwave and I thought everyone did it that way for a while). So growing up one of the highlights of the week when I was kid was getting to go to the library. And checking out the max amount of books permitted… or videos! But let’s be real, Blockbuster had the good movies. Anyways, I’m a big fan of the library. Always have been. It’s not something I think about that often as being different until my friend recently pointed it out. I know that you can read from a screen (blogger here… duh) but I love holding a book, flipping the pages, and I think it’s great I don’t have to commit to buying a book (anyone else decluttering?)

My love affair with the library started as a kid tagging along with my dad. He had such an emphasis on learning, encouraged asking questions, and it was kind of a bonding experience.

Fast forward a few years when a new student came to our school. He was cute and from Ireland and so interesting and all the girls wanted him. I decided he would be my boyfriend. (Heaven help him). Cut to us hanging out for the first time in the same library I frequent today. I brought him brownies I had made (he never even saw it coming) and I think we opened some books at some point… we were in the same AP class and I was trying to study but I remember without any words actually being spoken we kind of decided to ditch the third wheel study partner and after that we were inseparable.

So I guess you could say I have some fond memories of the library. After high school, I interned in D.C. for the Lubuto Library Project which builds libraries for kids in Africa and was started by a group of librarians. I have an affinity for learning and am always trying to better myself in some way. I bargain with myself if I’m renting a non-fiction book, I’ve got to read a book about money management too. I rented an absurd amount of books before my last trip… no like actually absurd I think I brought 8 books. (I thought people may want to read on our boat?!) The travel blogger in me knew better than to pack books I’d have to lug around but I was practically salivating at the idea of having time to read them. I wanted to share some of my favorite with you guys. I’m always looking for new books to read. What are your recommendations? I’d love to hear Xo

You are a Badass by Jen Sincero. This is like the self help book for people who hate self help books. She is funny and swears and has been in such low points in her life. She didn’t really start making money until she was 40 and now she pulls in 7 figures and travels the world. Badass indeed. I kind of needed a kick in the butt motivation-wise and didn’t really dig into her books until I got home but they did give me some much needed inspiration and some reminded me of some things I already knew but for some reason it really clicked when she said it (is that what an epiphany is?) (especially about finances) and they made me really excited for the future and all the things I’m going to build. One take away is the month before I go on vacation I work harder than ever and that’s always the month I have the highest income of the year. I need to start treating each month like I’m about to go on vacation and not lose that hustle. And I have some big picture ideas now I can’t wait to apply.

The Nightingale I read this 800 page book on my flight home from Europe in one sitting. Set in Paris and it starts out with, “Oh, there will never be another War like the Great War… Ok but the Germans will never infiltrate France… Ok but they’ll never take Paris. Impossible!” The main character I admired so much for her bravery and wit. I don’t want to give too much away but she does unthinkably heroic things. Talk about inspiration. And also made me never want to complain about anything. ever. again. Such a good book! It’s almost like one of those survival shows you watch that make you feel alive. The guy next to me on the plane kept commenting on my facial reactions but I was immersed in this story.

How to Murder Your Life I thought this book would be kind of inspirational. Well I was in for a surprise! Inspirational if you want to know what not to do. haha. The author is transparent in the best way. I wouldn’t even say she struggles with addiction because she embraces her addiction. Cat Marnell was a beauty editor at one point and has lived such an interesting life it’s worth the read.

What Remains & Fairy Tale Interrupted: What Remains is by Carole Radziwill (Of HONY fame and she’s always been one of my favorites – so down to earth and she brings some intelligence). She was a producer for ABC News and married a prince of Polish ancestry who was cousins with JFK Jr. and she was best friends with Carolyn Bessette. I really enjoyed her writing style and like her even more now. Fairy Tale Interrupted was written by JFK Jr.’s assistant and shares her memories and experiences of him and Carolyn Bessette.

I’m reading The Miracle Morning right now and can already tell it’s one of those books that gives you tips to improve your mindset which I’m very into.

Happy Reading!