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I’ll be honest, I had this blog scheduled to go live right around the new year but the move (and life!) got in the way and I realized I hadn’t even read five books! I made it a priority to get back to reading so I could give you my recommendations for cozying up this winter.
So many people ask me how I find time to read in my life and my answer is: I prioritize it. It’s so easy to watch Netflix all night or scroll on my phone but I make it a point to end my days with a book. I love the routine of reading before bed. It calms my mind more than any other bedtime routine! I also don’t go anywhere without my kindle. I’ve become that girl reading on her kindle instead of browsing on Instagram. It’s quite liberating!
5 Books to Read this Winter
1. City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
This was on my must read list! I love Elizabeth Gilbert (she also wrote Eat, Pray, Love and Big Magic… among others!) so knew I had to read this when it came out. It’s a beautiful story about a young girl who was basically thrown into New Your City to grow up and find her own way. I really enjoyed this from cover to cover!
2. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
I love how this story came together throughout the book. A fascinating read about a network of female spies during World War I. The author describes this novel as a “mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.” I couldn’t put this one down.
3. Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
This book has taken the world by storm and for good reason! Fair warning though: I thought this would be a fun, lighthearted book about love and desire (similar to City of Girls) but it was much darker, heavier book. Still an amazing read.
4. Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love by Jonathan Van Ness
My love for JVN runs deep. So obviously I grabbed a copy of his memoir and devoured it! He has had an incredible journey to truly loving himself. I want everyone in my life to read this book! Pretty sure I read this in less than 2 days.
5. Normal People by Sally Rooney
This wasn’t my favorite book but I did capture a human essence that is rare to find in fiction these days. It’s a love story that dives into the intricacies of the class system, first loves, family and friendship. If you’re looking for an engaging, quick read, this is for you! Fair warning: I found the ending a bit of a miss but enjoyed the rest of the book.
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YES, Jonathan Van Ness is PHENOMENAL! If you can handle heavier books, I can recommend How Not to Die by Khalil Rafati and Know My Name by Chanel Miller. You will love them! I need to read Three Women and City of Girls too!
Awesome! Thanks so much, Cassie!
I seriously need to read City of Girls. And I second you on Three Women, I’ve been recommending it to everyone
So glad you agree, Kayla!