Books to Read (or Listen to) Right Now
For some of us, 2020 has put a bit of “extra time” on our plates. For me, working from home since February means that I no longer have to spend time on my commute to and from the office and I no longer have to get up early everyday to get ready to go into the office. This year has also meant that my weekends aren’t quite as busy as usual, which means I’ve had plenty of extra time to devote to other hobbies & activities. For me, I’ve been allocating some of that time to reading more. I always have a reading goal that I set for myself each year, and since 2020 has been one heck of a year even though I haven’t quite been keeping count, I’m sure I’m close to my goal for the year. If I haven’t already passed it. I’m trying to read at least 10 pages per day, which if I’m honest, is a great place to start, but I rarely can stop at just 10 pages.
Especially if the book is any of the books I’ve recently shared on my blog as my 5 favorite books I’ve read so far this year. Since these books were certified unable-to-put-down-even-if-I-wanted-to type books, I wanted to share them with you as well! If you’re working from home and social distancing on the weekends, chances are you’re looking for ways to fill your time for the foreseeable future, so there’s no better time than now to try to tackle your reading list. I’m one of those people who has a stack of books at home that I haven’t read yet, but I continue to buy new books before I get to the bottom of the pile. Personally, I like the idea of having a number of books around me that I haven’t read so when I get the urge to start a new one or maybe pause my current book and start reading another from a completely different genre, I’ve got plenty of options.
Here’s a few of the books I would recommend reading that I’ve finished and enjoyed (an understatement) so far this year.
Untamed
Holy moly, get ready for this book to shatter the cage you’ve been living in. Well at least it did for me. Glennon Doyle is back in Untamed to recall her story of finding freedom in her life from the cage that bound her. Her story shows how you can overcome addiction, societal norms, familial expectations, and more to live a life that represents your true & most whole self. If you don’t come to the realization that you’re a freaking tiger/lion/lioness by the end of this one, it’s obviously because you already know you are one!
Big Magic
As I’m writing this, I haven’t quite finished this book, but it needs to be on the list. For those of us who constantly pursue and seek out creativity in our lives, in Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert is here to discuss how to see it, harness it, and live it each and everyday. And for those of you who don’t believe you’re a “creative”, well, she’s got news for you. Just by being you, yes YOU, you are automatically a creative being. It’s how we uncover and express that creativity that’s different from person to person. If you’re looking for some Big Magic in your life, this book is it.
The Night Swim
This book brings about the intersection of the podcasting age, the Me Too movement, and a society of people who are obsessed with true crime. Which is why, for me, The Night Swim by Megan Goldin was hard to put down. This was a Book of the Month pick that I could not wait to arrive in my mailbox, and it sure did not disappoint.
An Anonymous Girl
An Anonymous Girl, or really any of the books by co-authors Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, is an obvious choice to add to this list. Entertaining and interest-peaking from cover to cover. I really can’t get enough of these two authors and the unique characters, storylines, and twists + turns they write together. Beyond An Anonymous Girl, I would also recommend You Are Not Alone, and The Wife Between Us.
The Glittering Hour
For the romance + historical fiction lovers, this one is for you. I am a huge fan of books that take place in historical times, especially the 1920’s high-society glamour of London, which is why I am not surprised that I completely fell in love with The Glittering Hour by Iona Grey. Following the life of Selina Lennox, a beautiful, young socialite with a penchant for scandal.
If you’re on the hunt for some new books, I would definitely recommend a subscription to Book of the Month! One of my hang-ups when I am looking for new books is finding out about new authors, and that’s not a problem with Book of the Month. With 5 books to choose from each month, all from different genres, and the option to skip the month, I’m not surprised I’m still a loyal subscriber after 2 years. If you want to give BOTM a try, use this link to get your first book for just $9.99, and then $14.99/month after that!
What’s a favorite book you’ve read so far this year?
About the Author
Creative Marketer | Passionate Storyteller | Brunch Enthusiast
Leena Asuma is the CMO and blogger extraordinaire here at Gals That Brunch, which is perfect because digital marketing, creating beautiful things in Photoshop or Canva, and telling stories are a few of her favorite things. When she’s not brunching, you can find Leena shopping, reading, or making her boyfriend take pictures of her outfits for her fashion blog. If you want to learn more, check out her website or show her some love on her (one of many) Instagram profile.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, Gals That Brunch will earn a commission. Keep in mind that we only share about companies that we truly believe in.