What’s on my bookshelf?
Today’s roundup of book recommendations
One section of my bookshelf that I colour coded with the Jane Austen collection, a couple memoirs and some novels.
“Every great writer is an even greater reader.” That is what I wrote in my personal statement when applying to the London College of Fashion to study Fashion Journalism and Content Creation. Three years later, I still stand by that statement. So today, I’ll be sharing some of my favourite or most impactful books in my bookshelf. Now, I have many books so this will definitely be a series. So in no particular order, here are the first five:
Finding Me - Viola Davis
I have read many memoirs but this…this is by far my favourite. Just like her acting performances Viola Davis offers a raw, real and delicate narrative of her life while equally demonstrating her strength. As an actor, you only really get to see the roles she plays in her movies. This book reveals what it took to get to the level she is at now, in not only her career, but her life. The road to your dreams is not always linear, but people like Viola show it is possible. Creatives, I implore you to read this and get inspired.
In this autobiography, she was looking forward to having an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). I read that a couple weeks before it actually happened for her which felt so full circle.
Bamboozled By Jesus - Yvonne Orji
When I tell you I laughed out loud, I mean rolling on the floor laughing (sometimes on the train). Actor and comedian Yvonne Orji managed to infuse every page with her infectious humour to tell the tale of how Jesus transformed her life. We all have our own walk with God and this book describes how she chose purpose over potential to create the life of her dreams.
I can testify, Jesus can be very funny sometimes and I’m sure I’ve also made Him laugh with some of my decisions. It was refreshing to read of someone in such a secular industry boldly declare their faith and give praise where praise is due.
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
If you have watched the movie, your perception of this storyline is probably different to the bookworms. Fitzgerald invites you to the roaring 20s, the golden age after the First World War. The economy was booming and the hope for the American Dream was ever present. But from the perspective of the characters, we are faced with the reality of capitalism, class, gender roles and love. Is this a tale of fated romance, or the futile pursuit of meritocracy?
I have a love-hate relationship with this book. As mentioned in my last blog post, I was an A-Level English Literature student. From the battered cover, you can guess that I studied this. My copy is full of highlights and annotations.
Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
A tale of two sisters, alike in appearance yet defined by character; One of sense, the other of sensibility. When both faced with the similar failings in relationships, each sibling responds in an opposing manner. We are forced to decide whose reaction was wrong, or perhaps if there is truth in each.
This is probably my favourite Jane Austen book. As someone with 4 sisters, I enjoyed reading through their experiences of connection despite their opposing personalities. I found that in life, our mind as well as our heart deserves equal space and control.
I want to die but I want to eat Tteokbokki - Baek Sehee
Was this a light read, no. But was it worth it - of course! The format of this book is displayed as a transcript of conversations with Sehee’s therapist as she navigates through the struggles of life and tries to make sense of it. I felt as though I was third wheeling in an intimate discussion of pain, trauma and a glimpse of hope. She had voice recorded these discussions to listen back on, but today, they have an even greater purpose.
When reading, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by her courage to not just share this, but to actively try to work through the experiences and thoughts in her mind that constantly try to bring her down. That is true power, the choice to try.
That’s it for today folks! These are just five books that I chose to share today and I’d love to hear your opinions on them, so feel free to read and let me know your thoughts on Instagram. I advise pairing one of these good books with a warm cup of tea and you won’t see the hours pass as you indulge. Make sure to subscribe for updates on our next post!
