My favorite reads of 2019!
- Lexie Ruscheinski
- Dec 14, 2019
- 5 min read
It is no secret that I am all about empowerment and inspiration, especially when it comes to books written by empowering woman for the everyday female. Ever since graduation, I had made a promise to myself that I would get back into reading. I was a HUGE book work/book nerd growing up and I really had the urge to get back into once I started the #adultlife.
In this post, I'll give my review of these incredibly impactful books and why you should be following these amazing ladies.
Book #1: Girl, Wash Your Face By: Rachel Hollis.
Okay, this book had been on my "to-read" list for quite some time. I had seen this book all over my feed on multiple girls' Instagram stories and posts. I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy! I had thought the title was so clever and was already pulled in by the front cover. The quote on the front cover says it all "Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be". That is exactly what this book does. From feeling inadequate, to procrastinating, to feeling like we have to make ourselves smaller, Rachel is there to provide comfort, advice, and empowerment to girls who feel like they have to dim their light because of what others', including significant others, family, and friends, may think. This book is all about manifesting your goals and understanding your own unique super powers as well as beginning the process of undoing any negative thoughts and lies that we have believed about ourselves. I would highly HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who frequently suffers from "the imposter syndrome" (yours truly over here!), and someone who needs a kick in the behind to get started on those long pushed away goals and dreams.
Book #2: Girl, Stop Apologizing By: Rachel Hollis
ANOTHA (excellent!) ONE by the wonderful Rachel Hollis. In my opinion, Rachel was meant to empower women and to write these books that make us feel like we're having a heart-to-heart with our girlfriends or sorority sisters at the nearest Starbucks. Similar to her first book, Girl, Stop Apologizing, plants the seeds of confidence and reassurance that we are not here to please others, so we should break out of the mold we had been forced to fit into and to blossom into the BOSS BABE we were meant to be. From starting a side hustle, to a full on business, or even thriving and pushing goals in a career you're already in, we should not apologize for leveling up and being our best selves. As women, we find ourselves apologizing far too often for thinking and acting "outside of the box". Girl, Stop Apologizing is an incredibly uplifting reminder that we truly do not have to live up to anyone's expectations but our own.
Book #3: Becoming By Michelle Obama
One of my favorite first ladies EVER. An advocate for health, children's rights, and physical as well as mental health, Michelle Obama has truly always been an inspiration and someone who genuinely cares about the physical and mental well being of our nation. This book is special to me as it was given to me by my big, Olivia. Olivia is someone who inspires me and encourages me and I could not be more honored by this gift. I enjoyed Becoming because Michelle took us on a journey of her personal world, From her beginnings in Chicago, to college and law school, to her marriage and even adventures in the white house. She talked about her triumphs as well as her struggles. These triumphs and struggles made these seemingly untouchable humans that we think the world of, human. I find it so important to understand that even though we look up to these authoritative figures and celebrities, we must keep in mind that they are still human and they do go through things, hard things, just like we do. I love here the backstories of our heroes because we realize that they are just like us and that we CAN be just like them. Nothing seems like an impossible dream. I am truly in awe of Michelle's outlook on life and reaching for the stars, she writes in such a way that makes you want to achieve the highest of heights. We were truly blessed with an incredible first lady and family!
Book #4: Own Your Everyday By: Jordan Lee Dooley
If you follow me on social media then you have heard me absolutely RAVING about this book. A very similar tone to Rachel Hollis books as this book aims at the everyday girl who is looking to get the most for herself EVERY SINGLE DAY of her life. Jordan talks about owning who you are and going after what you want career and life-wise, even if it is scary or other's do not understand. She touches on how it is okay to change your mind even if you are late into your college career. Overall, JLD explains that is okay to live your life or build towards a life that is best fit for you. Her use of the term "sister" makes her so personable and relatable that you just can't help but feel pulled in and excited to hear what she says next.
Book 5: 12 Rules for being a Powerful Woman By: Sarah Ordo
Okay, I must admit I am still in the midst of reading this book, but I can already tell it will be a book that I will treasure and rave about for years and years to come! I have been following Sarah over the past year on Instagram and on her podcast "Her Best F***ing Life" and I am in awe of her spunky, inviting, and electrifying personality! She is so dedicated and puts herself into everything she does, including this book! Expletives and all, Sarah talks about what it means to be a powerful woman (hence the title!) and that we have to put the WORK in to be successful, driven, and our own powerful self.
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