Back to School
Dear readers, I have a confession to make. I am a HUUUGE bibliophile. I’m talking THE Donald kind of huge. It’s fantastic and I really think people are gonna love it. I know words, and I know the best kind of words from books. People who read a ton are super cool and know the best words. (This has been proven by science). I wanted to switch it up and recommend my 15 favorite books to inspire and make you think! REAL THINKING YOU GUYS! So get out there and grab that thing that has a bunch of papers binded together and that tell you something. Take that thing and go sit outside in the perfect weather. Get out there and be somebody you Hulu whores!!! (Slaps you on your ass). #COACHLIFE
- Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay….Nobody is perfect and Roxane writes HILARIOUS short stories about wanting equality but also wanting some asshole to hold the door open for her. Are manners dead?!?!?
- Mindfulness by Ellen J Langer….This badass is the O.G researcher. If you loved Psychology, you will enjoy pages and pages of case studies all gently telling you to open your goddamn eyes and pay attention!
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates…Fucking sprint to the store and get this. As an open letter to his son in a world where Black parents have to teach their kids how to interact with cops, this book is a serious mic drop. Listen to every talk he gives, read every article, and soak in the eloquence of his serious and heartbreaking words.
- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert….She wrote Eat Pray Love ya’ll!!!! What happens though after you have a huge success and people expect greatness of you 24/7? Elizabeth has inspiring ways to talk about creativity and how it finds and eludes you. Artsy people? This is for you.
- You are a Badass by Jen Sincero…Ever wonder why I say badass all the time? She will rock your world if you are feeling stuck or down in the dumps. In her world, there is only awesome.
- Quiet by Susan Cain…I LOVED this book. As a true introvert who has performed for thousands of people, it is fascinating to understand the true differences between introverts and extroverts. She also has a baller Ted Talk.
- Gulp by Mary Roach….SCIENCE!!! Finally a funny book on science stuff. Mary has multiple books out about what happens when you die (STIFF) to what happens when you have sex (BONK). Gulp was my favorite about what happens when you eat to when you poop. She is the Jon Stewart of science books. SO FUNNY.
- I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai… If you haven’t heard of this amazing young woman, STOP LIVING UNDER THAT ROCK! She was shot by the Taliban for wanting to go to school and after STILL WENT. Her story makes us all look like pussies.
- Animal Liberation by Peter Singer… Warning! Do not read this book unless you can handle the truth. You will learn of the horrifying things we do to bunnies for mascara and torturous ways we run the meat industry. Not for the weak of heart but bonus points for being an aware human being. Peter Singer knows his shit and doesn’t preach. He just tells it like it is. (sassy finger snap!)
- Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks… Ever wonder how people get struck by lightning and can all of a sudden play the piano?!? I know everyday right? You guys, I cried when Oliver Sacks died. His writing is beautiful and he sucks you into every word. (If you really want a sobfest read his last piece on craving simple Jewish deli foods before he died).
- Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen… It’s true, some of the shit we learned in school is total bullshit. This book straightens out the facts. (Extra interesting if you grew up in Texas) #sorrytexas
- 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami…OK OK you hyenas I finally have non-fiction on the list. Murakami’s books are legendary and this story takes the cake. If you enjoyed 1984, get your George Orwell t-shirt on and grab a copy!
- Through the Language Glass by Guy Deutscher… Is your blue really my blue? Sometimes it’s NOT! Mind blown. This book is dense but will truly challenge your brain.
- Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie… Nigerian writers are the bomb.com and Chimamanda’s books are a freaking delight. Her story follows a Nigerian girl’s coming to America and THEN what happens when she returns! DUN! DUN! DUN! Also, special shout out to another of her books We Should All Be Feminists. So good. So real.
- How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran… Short stories about being a fierce kween?!!? Did you like Tina Fey’s Bossypants? Caitlin’s British humor takes the cake and everyone hails her as the feminist heroine of our times.
So go grab a book you weiners!!!! I would love to know your favorite reads in the comments!
Books B Kool, Julia