6 Books to Read in 2020

I really love to read. It helps me to organize my thoughts, gives me inspiration and helps me escape when I need to.

Confession, when I was a teenager, I struggled with reading. I would sit down to read a book and halfway through the first paragraph I would find my mind wandering thinking about my day or what my friends were doing while I was reading. That struggle kept me away from books for years. I would go back and forth between fiction and non-fiction and often have three or four books on the go at once. I envied friends and family that could sit down with a book and read it from cover to cover in a week (you might be one of those people and if you are, I totally applaud you!). I even joined a book club once thinking that might force me to read but confession… I think I only completely read one of the books from cover to cover in the two years I was in the club (The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd – so glad I read this one), but I enjoyed the night out as a young Mom and I was introduced to quite a few really good books, a great group of women and some good food and wine.

Fast forward to now and although I still tend to have a few books on the go at once, I thoroughly enjoy reading and make it a part of my every day and now I appreciate it. The best books are those that are recommended to you by a trusted friend.

So, I have curated for you, a list six books that you must read this year! Each of these books will give you guidance in your quest to lead a better, more fulfilled life. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

1. Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chödrön

This book is not a new one (written in 2001), but a must-read for anyone who is conscious about their journey in life and their impact on others. By starting where you are, you can embrace rather than deny the painful aspects of your life and develop the courage to work through them to discover joy, well-being and confidence.

2. Girl Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis

As a stand-alone or as part of the two-book series by this amazing woman, Girl Stop Apologizing gives you tangible advice on how to achieve your goals and the steps to get there. Rachel’s style of writing is an easy and often very funny read and makes you realize that you are not the only one struggling. This book gave me a lot of courage to seize control of my life and stop making excuses. (Once you’re done this one, move on to Girl Wash Your Face ;-)

3. Patriarchy Stress Disorder by Dr. Valerie Rein

I have to be honest, the title of this book first scared me as I wasn’t sure what I was getting into – but don’t let it. I used this book every morning to set the tone of my day, reading it with a cup of tea and my journal. This book will definitely be a re-read for me this year. Women are notorious for holding themselves back and not thinking they are good enough. The imposter syndrome’s inner voices (Valerie calls them your “Prison Guards”) are a constant chatter sometimes talking you out of taking risks and moving forward in your life. This is a must-read book if you want to dig deep and make change.

4. Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott

This incredible book is for the leader or the want to be leader in you. Kim teaches you how to create more effective relationships in your workplace regardless of the number of people you are leading.

5. A Man Called Ove: The Life-Affirming Book That Will Brighten Your Day by Fredrik Backman

I made sure I read the book first before watching the movie (although I must admit I watched the trailer first so that I could visualize the characters better). I am a huge fan of Swedish author Backman’s style of writing. This book is funny, sad, heartwarming, and character-rich – a perfect break from the crazy world. Ove is a grumpy yet very lovable character who will touch your heart and remind you of people in your life you care deeply about.

6. The Noticer: Sometimes All a Person Needs is a Little Perspective by Andy Andrews

This first book in a trilogy of self-help fiction books is perfect for today’s world. “Jones” guides a small town through their problems by giving them “a little perspective” – noticing things that they might have missed. Even the simplest of actions that you can take in life can make a big impact on yourself and others. This book helps you find strength and move beyond your problems.

Take time for yourself every day and enjoy a good book – if you don't like actual reading, try the audio versions. Reading is a part of my Me60 routine (more on that in a future blog!) Send me your favorites so I can read them too!