Hello & happy February! I’m thrilled to bring this month’s books to you.
Find A Way | You know how you find an outfit and it seems like it will be absolutely perfect fit for you but while it fits, no matter how you try it just isn’t doing anything for you? I felt that way about this book. I wanted to love it, and was pretty excited about the story line. I even felt it would be a shot of inspiration at the start of the year, but I really struggled to connect with the author. It’s a memoir about Diana Nyad who at the age of 64 accomplished the super human task of swimming from Cuba to Florida, a goal she’d failed to reach in her 20’s. While I admired her tenacity to follow through on a dream, the book simply wasn’t what I hoped for.
The Wedding Dress | This was a fun lighthearted read. Of course I loved the wedding angle. It felt like a grown-up version of Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants but with a wedding dress fitting different women across multiple generations.
Kabul Beauty School | This book is a clear favorite by a long shot. It has so many elements that I’m drawn too: a woman living overseas, cross-cultural relationships, & the entrepreneur struggle. The memoir by Deborah Rodriguez follows her life as she moves to Kabul Afghanistan and starts a beauty school to train women there to be bread -winners for their families. I listened to this one on audio and was so intrigued by the twists and turns in Deborah’s life as well as the women she came into contact with. There were some heartbreaking stories that were painful to hear/read, but very redemptive and hopeful over all.
Adobe Photoshop CS5 Digital Classroom | As a rule, I generally try not to review books I’m not yet finished with, but this is a worthy exception. As I am teaching photography this book as has been incredibly invaluable. I love the simple lessons that I can teach my students, while picking up tips myself. I am so grateful this recommendation was shared with me. It’s one that will stay on my shelf!
The Best Yes | Here’s another one I’m only halfway through with, but I’m certain it will only get better and the first half has been like a much needed snow day in the middle of a busy stretch (not that I'm praying for a snow day or anything .....). I’ve been highlighting, quoting, taking photos of key lines, and becoming that friend who weaves the book into every conversation. Lysa TerKeurst does a wonderful job of breaking down why women often over commit and gives strategies on how to say a “Best Yes” instead of endlessly pleasing others and feeling the weight of an overwhelmed schedule. A fabulous how-to I cannot recommend enough!