What Are You Reading!?!?
Hey y'all happy 2024!! I am praying that 2024 is everything that you say or intend for it to be. We are going to kick the first official blog post off talking about books. I have a love for reading. I have been an avid reader for the quite some time- most of my life actually. Initially I was on the train of self help or professional development type books. Three years ago, I jumped into Black romance and I am standing on business about it ever since. Probably 80% of the books I read in 2023 were about Black love.
I wanted to quickly share my top five books from 2023. If you have read any of these, let me know. If you are thinking that you want to get into Black romance, I highly recommend these books. The first book is one that Ive read at the beginning of the year since 2019. It is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I have learned so much from this book. It is filled with so much wisdom in his simple truths of how you can live your life. I'm not gonna go into like super detail but the agreements are: be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, and always do your best. I tried to start the year with this book because it just sets the tone of a mindset shift from coming off of the end of the year.
The next book is Devout by Tekerrah Allen. She is a great author. Her writing style is the best I’ve read so far. It will have you sliding down the wall or even putting yourself in some of the scenes, visualizing the characters throughout her books. The main characters Denny and Neeka…omg. Is it an obsession? Maybe it was toxic love! This book unpacks dealing with mental health, communication, love, family, life, EVERYTHING! When I read a book, I have to finish a chapter at a time. I am not a fan of stopping in the middle of a chapter. Well with this book,I did not go to work one day because I was so into this book and I'm not embarrassed about it. Not the least bit ashamed. The raw emotions expressed throughout this book are like none that I’ve ever read before. I had to sit with myself for a few days after reading this book because I was a mess.
The next one is Needful Noor also by Tekerrah Allen. This book is CRAZY! It dealt with obsession, lies, deception, love, trauma, and death in the most cryptic way. Sometimes when you read books, you will say, Oh, I kind of anticipated that happening. I saw none of the twist and turns that happened in this book, the ending blew my glasses off! I don't anticipate reading a ton of her books because they are heavy, but the ones that are sprinkled out have been have been amazing.
The last one is my most recent finish or most recent is Muted Hopelessness Series by Love Belvin. This book took us on a journey from watching two kids grow up from very different backgrounds: abuse, wealth, trauma, death, matriculating through their roller coaster college career, dealing with life changing experiences some good and some not so good, adult life, and then finally rekindling and falling in love. The roles for the main characters Ashton and Tori felt a little reversed as the book progressed, but ultimately became full circle. The vulnerability shared in this book was so good! This is another book that had me up well past midnight!
And as just when it was over, I was like, Oh my God, I need time to process, I actually wanted to read it again as soon as I got to the last page! It was just that good!
I am looking forward to hitting my goal of 50 books this year. I have already laid out my books for January since it will be a challenge hit…..I GOT THIS! Reading for me, is an escape from the real world even provides balance for me. It puts me in this fantasy world that allows me to dream, fantasize, fall in love, realize what's important, what matters, getting my attitude adjustment, character development, personal development, all the feels!
Are you reading anything this year? Even if it's one book, don't extend yourself beyond what you're capable of doing. If it is zero books, that is you business.
I appreciate you for reading my posts! I look forward to sharing more of my thoughts on various topics in 2024.
With Love,
Krissy