Reading is a wonderful joy for me; it feels like being wrapped in a cozy comfort blanket! I love curling up in bed with a good book, even when I know I should be tackling my to-do list. One of my favorite little pleasures is starting the day with a nice, slow read while everyone else is still asleep! And ending the day in my favorite spot with a great book? It just doesn’t get better than that! If I get off work early, sneaking in some afternoon reading feels like a sweet little treat. A couple of years ago, I thought it would be fun to challenge myself to read 52 books alphabetically- it wasn’t. While I only managed to check off two from that list, I discovered many other fantastic reads that just weren’t on the challenge list! I’m really good at making lists, but following them? Not so much!
I will not be committing to a specific challenge. My goal is to read 20 books purely for enjoyment and unrelated to school. I want to avoid fanfiction, webtoons, web series, or light novels. I’m looking for actual books, including poetry, short essays, or novels. I don’t have any particular preference.
So far, I haven’t finished a book yet, but I am in the middle of reading a bunch of books that I hope to finish by the end of the month.
My Current Reading List
Overall, I have enjoyed every book I’ve read and would recommend any of them.
Mickey7 by Edward Ashton
So this is being made into a movie called Mickey17 with Robert Patterson. I didn’t even know the novel existed until I saw it available on Kindle Unlimited. I’m really enjoying “Mickey7” by Edward Ashton! It follows Mickey Barnes, an “expendable” crew member on a colonization mission to the icy planet Niflheim. He takes on dangerous tasks, knowing he can be regenerated if he dies. Although he’s not treated well by command, he finds support among his fellow crew members. I’m only eight chapters in, but the world-building and character introductions have me excited for what’s to come!
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
I’m going to be verrrrry honest: I was reluctant to read this because it’s a TikTok book. I’ve given a few books recommended by TikTok a shot, but I have to say, my experience with Booktok has been a bit underwhelming. It was so underwhelming that I thought Booktok was a scam. I couldn’t understand why people enjoyed books like “Den of Vipers” or anything by Colleen Hoover, so I took my time with this book. Many called it a romance or smutty novel, which made me skeptical. However, I’m completely obsessed now that I’m 300 pages in! I even pre-ordered the last book before finishing this one or reading the second book.
Black Friend: Essays by Ziwe
Y’all, I love Ziwe, and I’m still pissed that Showtime had the nerve to cancel her show two years ago! It’s a total injustice! Her book and the essays within are a brilliant mix of humor and intelligence. I was especially captivated by the glimpses into her incredible work ethic and those unforgettable moments from her iconic interviews. You’ve got to check it out!
Good Morning, I Love You: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire Your Brain for Calm, Clarity, and Joy by Shauna Shapiro
I recently picked up a book about mindfulness, and I was really delighted by how the author combines a warm, friendly tone with solid scientific insights. I can’t recommend it enough to friends and anyone eager to grow into kinder, more compassionate people! I love how Shauna shares her personal stories and the ways she navigated different experiences. Plus, the workbook style is fantastic—there are fun sections that encourage you to practice and jot down your thoughts!
