Best Reads: Five Books To Read This Year.

If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads.

–Ralph Waldo Emerson

I first read this quote when reading Benjamin Hardy’s article ‘You Make Or Break Your Life Between 5-7 am‘ on Thrive Global. Ralph’s words caused my eyes to shine and in my mind, I had a light-bulb moment. They seemed true to me; ‘seek not the miner of gold but the gold mine too‘.

Reading through this article reminded me of why I make an effort to rise up very early every morning. It is not that I hate sleep; and definitely not that I have so much spare time. It is my passion for reading, learning new things, unlearning the wrong things I have learned over time and relearning the best lessons I have already learned that leads me to books. Reading once isn’t good enough: twice and thrice is great.

Wisdom Is Knowledge Applied. Books Are A Powerhouse Of Knowledge

– One Of A Kind.

It is safe to say that most millennials read; it is even safer to say that most millennials don’t read the traditional way. While trying not to sound stereotypical, it is important to acknowledge the fact that most will choose a tweet over a paragraph; an image caption over the description of the same image should it be a page long; and a movie over a book.

Not that information is only available in books, no. However, there is something about reading that opens up your mind; it makes you see the world in new light; it makes you woke.

Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light. —Vera Nazarian

Good Reads; Bad Reads.

As we praise books, it is important to note that not all reads are good reads; and not all books are bad reads. Good reads speak to you, they arouse your emotions, they touch your soul. A bad read must be the one that doesn’t let you finish it because it doesn’t appeal to you.

A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.

–Neil Gaiman

Books To Read In Your Twenties

In the past year, I had hoped to read 100 books, however, I landed at 20-25; just a quarter of my target. This year, I have purposed to hit 100 and surpass it. I have devised a plan to read two books in a month; being on my fourth book right now is a move in the right direction.

Are you in your twenties? This is for you.

1. The Defining Decade by Meg Jay – reading this book in 2017 is one of the best things I did for myself. It made me understand why I do some of the things I do. Seeing as a good book shouldn’t be read once, I look to read this again this year.

2. The Opposite Of Loneliness by Marina Keegan – I would love to read this for one reason, it is a book of remembrance. Shortly after graduating from college in 2012, Marina Keegan died tragically in a car accident, leaving behind a trove of beautiful short stories. The title essay is a look at the unique experience of college and, given the circumstances, a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life itself.

3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – such a surprise it is that I haven’t yet read this book. I have queued it in my ‘to read’ list of books. A timeless novel about pursuing your dreams and listening to the still, small voice within you along the way.

4. The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer – Learning that it’s OK to ask for help is one of life’s hardest, yet most important lessons. Your twenties are a difficult time. Better to learn that lesson now. The cover of this book is thought-provoking; just like you, I am excited to read it.

5. Not That Kind Of Girl by Lena Dunham – I don’t know why this book seems to be about me just from looking at the cover. For this very reason, I add it to my list of books to read this year.

So…

There are many more books out there for you to read. These might be directed to millennials but life lessons know no age. Pass through that bookstore and pick a book to read. Share what you learn with others, it is more fun that way.

Happy week!