I'm a firm believer that you are what you read, so the first few books you read this new year will set the tone for the rest of the year. Like the clichéd expression says: new year, new you, and there is no better way to kick off the best version of yourself than curling up with great reads that are both inspiring and powerful.

1. The Book of Joy

This extended interview between the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu is a great read for anyone who needs to be reminded that our current sufferings and trials aren't the end all be all. Like these two great men explained and Douglas Carlton Adams transcribed, the darkest moments we face often lead to our greatest joys and important evolutions of who we are.

2. The Book of Unknown Americans

Cristina Henríquez's novel is especially relevant for today's social climate. No matter where you stand on the issue of immigration, no matter your political affiliations, the most important thing to remember is that we are all human and that the issue of immigration isn't just an abstract topic, it affects living beings. Henríquez reminds us of this quite clearly through her honest portrayal of the alienation and the discrimination that everyday people face just for trying to do what is best for their families.

3. the sun and her flowers

Rupi Kaur's latest spectacular collection of poetry could teach us all how to be strong women. Her words and thoughtful illustrations remind us not to be afraid to be vulnerable but, instead, to use our vulnerability as power and as our greatest sources of strength.

4. I Was Told There'd Be Cake

In a both funny and honest series of essays, Sloane Crosley shares her experiences in following her own path despite the missteps and mishaps along the way. Reading Crosley's essays allows us to follow along with her quirky personal growth and her ambitions to make it big. Her message is clear: Never be afraid to go after what you want, and don't give up despite what happens along the way.

5. The Love of the Nightingale

The Love of the Nightingale is a play written by Timberlake Wertenbaker that is a modern interpretation of the Greek myth of Philomele. Through a series of tragic events, the young Philomele learns that to give in to silence is to give in to tyranny and discrimination, and it is a lesson that applies to us all. In 2018, stand up for what you believe in, and never give in to silence.

Overall, 2017 seems to have been a rough year for us all. But 2018 has brought us the great opportunity to wipe the white board clean and start a new version of ourselves that is embodied in these great pieces of literature: joy, compassion, self-love, risk-taking, and the strength to stand up for others. This new year, let your reading habits demonstrate who you are and who you want to be.