Somehow, we made it to June of 2022, which means it's time for another mid-year book review. My reading habits have been all over the place so far this year, with inspiration striking for weeks and then disappearing for others.

I'm a bit behind on my reading goal for the year, clocking in at 19 books so far out of 52. I'm hopeful that summer will make up some of that ground, but I need to start prioritizing engaging fun books to do so. It's okay if not every book is academic or a famous scholar's best work. I love to learn and read books that challenge me, but reading can also simply be fun. So this year is about the joy of reading whatever I want!

Regardless, here are a few of my favorites from the year so far:

Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

If you haven't read a Taylor Jenkins Reid book yet, you are really missing out. The format of this one threw me off at first, shifting perspectives every few lines, but then it grew on me. I felt immersed in their conversations and got to know each bandmate's personality very well. It is simply a dynamic book, with the fun and glamour of a rock band/groupie lifestyle, but the emotion and challenges of a team amidst individual struggles. I would still probably pick The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo above this one, but overall I would give it 4.75/5 stars.

“I think you have to have faith in people before they earn it. Otherwise, it's not faith, right?” -Taylor Jenkins Reid

My Body by Emily Ratajkowski

I read this book during covid isolation and was enthralled. Emily's experience as a model is so empowering and disheartening at the same time. It is crazy to realize how much of her story is experienced by many women, most of who simply have to brush off the sexism or harassment in order to continue in their jobs or avoid stigma. I highly recommend this book to all people, especially men!

“Men never notice the overcalculating that women do. They think things happen "for some weird reason" while women sing songs and do backbends and dance elaborate moves to make those things happen.” -Emily Ratajkowski

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

I've listened to Brene Brown's podcast before, but this is the first book of hers I've tackled. My respect and interest in her work have increased tremendously upon completion, and later in the week, I completed a work training based on her as well. The Dare to Lead training emphasized rumbling with vulnerability, braving trust, and learning to rise. We discussed values that we hold above all else, and that we can turn to in times of question; I decided that my two core values are currently gratitude and self-respect... I am getting a little bit away from the book itself, but I wanted to emphasize the ability to operationalize her work and apply lessons to your own life.

Specifically, in Atlas of the Heart, I took away the importance of boundaries and wanted to focus on this more as a practice in my life. If I set healthy boundaries, I am more present and able to stand up for myself when those boundaries are crossed.

"The heart of compassion is really acceptance" -Brene Brown

Trust Exercise by Susan Choi

I don't know if this should count as a favorite because I honestly have no idea what I read. It was one of those books that I pushed through because I wanted to finish, but stopped processing along the way when it got confusing. Regardless, maybe you should give it a chance and let me know if it makes more sense.

“Possibly first love, despite all the fuss, is only mating with ideas attached.” -Susan Choi

Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Harper

My Aunt read this book first and recommended it, but didn't love the ending. I went into it with low expectations, not anticipating how engaging the story would be. Without giving too much away, my Aunt felt that there was no resolution, and the story was a drawn-out circle. While I agree that there was no expected plot resolution, I argue that the ending was simple and raw, and beautiful. It speaks to the reality of romance and life situations getting in the way. It speaks to the moments that connect us over time no matter what. And it speaks to the challenges of letting people go, but possibly finding what is meant for you in a different way.

“Does letting go mean losing everything you have, or does it mean gaining everything you never had?” -Miranda Cowley Harper

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

I am a HUGE Shonda Rhimes fan... If only she knew that my car is nicknamed Shonda the Honda in her honor.

I wouldn't say that this is the most groundbreaking book in terms of content and execution, but very interesting as a fan!

“Her toolbox is full. She has learned to not let go of the pieces of herself that she needs in order to be what someone else wants. She’s learned not to compromise. She’s learned not to settle. She’s learned, as difficult as it is, how to be her own sun.” -Shonda Rhimes

May the rest of 2022 bring even more great reads!

x fight on