I've read a countless number of books but very few have clearly stood out as ones that were able to transform my thoughts, emotions, and perspectives on the more earthly and eye-opening things I tend to miss. I highly recommend these ten books because of their respective, precise voices and stories being told out of mere and raw reality.
Whether you're into comedy, drama, mystery, or non-fiction, this group of books presents a variety of each. I felt attached to each protagonist or author and I hope you will too.
1. Love Does
"Love Does" by Bob Goff was one of the most outstanding pieces I've read. Strongly believing in my faith and God, Goff was able to help me step into the direction towards my beliefs. Through his hilarious stories and heart wrenching memories, he paved way for me to step into my own senses and become a lover to all people because love does.
2. I'll Give You the Sun
Jandy Nelson's "I'll Give You the Sun," has the power to make me laugh, cry, and think all on the same page. The story switches off between the narrators Jude and Noah, who are twins that happen to be best friends until a life altering moment splits them in half. The situations the twins go through are so real and raw and it made me realize to stop wasting my time on people or things that are negative, and to always do the things I'm passionate about.
3. The Year of Yes
Shonda Rhimes, best known as the creator of Thursday night's lineup of "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," and "How to Get Away With Murder," wrote "Year of Yes" during a pivotal year of her life. The hope and inspiration that is attained through her stories comes from solely her experiences. She is a prominent figure of excellence in Hollywood because first off, she's black, and second off she is a woman. Her year of saying yes to everything that she feared undoubtedly led to her success in health, work, and parenting. Her voice continuously inspires me every day.
4. Tuesday's With Morrie
5. Where'd You Go Bernadette
6. The Girl on the Train
Paula Hawkins' "The Girl on the Train" is full of suspense and twists on every page. I was unable to put it down because of the intriguing characters, including a spot on representation of an alcoholic, and thickening plots with the relationships between each person. I'm a huge fan of mystery and murder and this has definitely made the top of the list in that category for me.
7. Me Before You
"Me Before You," written by Jojo Moyes, is a wonderfully developed story between a quadriplegic and his new caretaker. The consistency of the characters' actions are what the real world looks like. Then the adaptation from the book to the movie - the screenplay written by Jojo as well - was outstanding.
8. Wild
9. Luckiest Girl Alive
10. The Happiness Project
Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project" was by far my favorite read this year. The way I now focus more on the idealistic things instead of materialistic things is because of her story that helped me shape my own. This simple read can change your life in drastic ways.
