Hi there everyone!

It’s your girl here again with a quick one to usher you into the new year. Yes!! 2021 is just a few hours away and like most of you, I’m counting down the minutes.

Having spent the greatest part of my year under lockdown, I found great company in books, especially e-books. Some of these books left very good impressions on me and so I’ve decided to share with you all. For anyone who appreciates a good read, this post is for you. The idea for today’s post was suggested to me by a friend (who shall not be named) and I think it’s a great one so here goes:

1. A WOMAN IS NO MAN (ETAF RUM)

I love this book because not only does it appeal to the feminist in me but my overall love for human advocacy. I think this book gives voice to many of the unspoken struggles that the demands of our culture and society have on us. It unapologetically unveils the sad truth which is that we have willingly or not become slaves of the very expectations and demands that we (or our ancestors) have set for ourselves. This book is a story about 3 generations of Palestinian-American women who are struggling to express/suppress their individual desires within the confines of their culture.

In this book, you’ll read about a girl who’s forced to become a woman, a wife, and a mother because that’s what she has to be. You’ll read about a mother who has to bury her shame and guilt, a mother who can’t empathize with another woman’s struggle because there’s no room for that in her culture. You’ll read about a daughter who’s destined for a similar fate but dare’s to dream and fight for her own path. You’ll read about a son who had to let go of his dreams in order to fulfill his role and duty as the first son. You’ll read about how the stress of the family’s demands can turn a young lovely boy into a bitter, drunken, wife-beating husband. This is a must read.

• BORN A CRIME (TREVOR NOAH)

I really like how Trevor Noah went about this book. He was able to describe the apartheid era and its relevance all the while telling his own story. He describes a childhood that most can relate to and yet there’s still a part of his story that is almost tragic and unique to the likes of him i.e growing up in a place where you don’t really belong. This book tells many stories; the story of the hustling youth, the story of the love between a mother and her son, and some bit of the South African history. It’s a perfect blend of honesty, tragedy, drama and comedy. If there’s any autobiography to read, it’s definitely this.

• THE RICHEST MAN IN BABYLON (GEORGE S. CLASON)

I’m not one for self-help, motivational books but this one came highly recommended so I had to give it ago. The plan was to read one chapter a day and discuss its contents but I ended up finishing it by myself. I still enjoyed reading it and learnt quite a few interesting things I hope to apply in my own life. If you want to learn some good tips on money management without the whole boring technical terms, you should try reading this book.

• THE SMART MONEY WOMAN

Another good book for the modern day lady who’s looking to get her finances, and her life in general, in order. The characters in this book are very relatable and in the end, one is forced to reflect on her life and her circle of friends. I think every lady should read this.

• WHEN SORRY ISN’T ENOUGH (GARY CHAPMAN & JENNIFER THOMAS)

“To err is human, to forgive is divine”. In our social world, it’s impossible to not offend or be offended. Reading this book, I have come to appreciate the need for apology and the various ways to express true regret. You’ll learn from two professional counselors with years of experience, the various apology languages and how to effectively apologize. I certainly have gained a good amount of knowledge from this book. A very good read.

• BECOMING (MICHELLE OBAMA)

I am only ten chapters into this book and I already feel close enough to Michelle. The reason I wanted to read this book was because I wanted to get to know the most idolized black woman yet on a much personal level .i.e get into her head and understand her thought process. I think “Becoming” is Michelle’s own way of reaching out to all the girls out there and reintroducing herself to anyone who cares enough to find out. It’s a very deep, rich and relatable book. This is another autobiography I recommend greatly because of the rich experiences and depth of knowledge it’s infused with. I look forward to what the next chapters promise.

Here’s a list of more books I enjoyed reading this year, and I believe my book-lovers would enjoy:

• The Memory of Love (Aminatta Forna)
• The Sun and Her Flowers (Rupi Kaur)
• The Wife Between Us (Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen)
• Dear Wife (Kimberly Belle)
• The Mistress (Danielle Steel)
• Then She Was Gone (Lisa Jewel)
• I Found You (Lisa Jewel)
• The Devil Wears Prada (Lauren Weisberger)
• Me Before You (Jojo Moyes)
• The Girl You Left Behind (Jojo Moyes)
• It Should Have Been Me ( Susan Wilkins)
• Speak No Evil (Uzodinma Iweala)
• Two Can Keep A Secret (Karen M. McManus)
• One Of Us Is Lying (Karen M. McManus)
• One Of Us Is Next (Karen M. McManus)
• Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
• To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
• I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings (Maya Angelou)

Which of the above books have you read? What is/are your favorite read(s) so far? Share with me.

As we enter 2021, I wish you and yours the very best of the year. I wish you a peaceful, joyful, and adventurous 2021. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.

Happy New Year lovely people.

Xoxo,

Yarh.