Books I’ve Read Recently (And Whether or Not You Should Read Them).

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

Plot: At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby’s guestroom. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Life raises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him –Via Goodreads

Favorite quote: “When you sit there and wish things had happened differently, you can’t just wish away the bad stuff. You have to think about all the good stuff you might lose, too. Better just to stay in the now and focus on what you can do better in the future.” 

My thoughts: I read this book in one day. I loved it, until I didn’t. And I can’t tell you why without spoiling the entire book. So, there’s that. It was my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book and I’m so excited to read more of hers, I just didn’t love ____ about this one (I refuse to be someone who spoils things). I will say this: It was a genius plot, great writing, and amazing characters. 

Should you read it? Probably? This is hard!!

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis 

Plot: “I believe we can change the world. But first, we’ve got to stop living in fear of being judged for who we are.”

Rachel Hollis has seen it too often: women not living into their full potential. They feel a tugging on their hearts for something more, but they’re afraid of embarrassment, of falling short of perfection, of not being enough.

In Girl, Stop Apologizing, #1 New York Times bestselling author and founder of a multimillion-dollar media company, Rachel Hollis sounds a wake-up call. She knows that many women have been taught to define themselves in light of other people—whether as wife, mother, daughter, or employee—instead of learning how to own who they are and what they want. With a challenge to women everywhere to stop talking themselves out of their dreams, Hollis identifies the excuses to let go of, the behaviors to adopt, and the skills to acquire on the path to growth, confidence, and believing in yourself.” -Via Goodreads

Favorite quote: “If you aim at what you can hit, you’ll likely get there every time: Never any higher, never any bigger, never any better. But if you aim far above your own head, even when you fail you’ll fly so much higher than you can imagine.” 

My thoughts: I read Girl, Wash Your Face at a pivotal time in my life, and it was full of EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Funny enough, Girl, Stop Apologizing turned out exactly the same. It came out during a terribly dark time and smacked me all up and down with exactly what I needed to hear. I’m very thankful for that. 

Note: I know Rachel Hollis can be a polarizing topic with people. I adore her, many people I respect don’t. I’ll say this (and only this, because there’s no point in talking about it): I am of the belief that you don’t have to agree with every single thing a person says and does to learn from them. I am also COMPLETELY against the whole “cancel” culture that seems to be thriving right now. If you don’t like her, don’t read her book. That’s all! 

Should you read it? Yes! 

November 9th by Colleen Hoover 

Plot: “Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?” –via Goodreads 

Favorite quote: “A body is simply a package for the true gifts inside. And you are full of gifts. Selflessness, kindness, compassion. All the things that matter. Youth and beauty fade. Human decency doesn’t.”

My thoughts: The second this book ended, I was so sad, because I immediately missed it. I’ve been thinking about it ever since I closed it. It was beautiful and let me get completely lost in a story. I loved it! This was my first Colleen Hoover book and I immediately requested everything she’s ever published the second this book was over. 

Should you read it? YES!