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Newbie Bookworm Reading List

Believe it or not, I wasn’t a big reader growing up. I actually had a very hard time learning to read and write. Spelling was a complete nightmare for me. I would have rather had the flu than go to a verbal spelling bee. Okay, so that still might be true, public speaking AND spelling, shoot me now! I think that's why reading was never fun for me, it was completely anxiety-filled. It was just something I had to get through, something that needed to be done for school. There was no way I was going to read for fun because it was so difficult to just read for class. I read so slowly and I’m a little embarrassed about it, even today. 



Years after school my lust for learning kept growing and growing. I was bored and really wanted to learn new things about life/people/relationships/business. I was dreaming of sitting in class, learning all day! That would be so awesome! Well... after college that’s a little harder. My love for learning was all there, it was just HOW was I going to learn without going to class? 



My question was answered, unintentionally, when I got into a serious relationship with Matt. He encouraged me to start reading. Every night I used to go to sleep watching t.v., what a bad habit, I know! With Matt around, he suggested I start reading in bed so he could go to sleep while I had something to do that wasn’t watching t.v. What also eased my anxiety about reading and being a S L O W reader was that Matt claimed to be a slow reader too! And he’s one of the smartest people I know. And I really don’t think he reads slow, I think he’s a fast reader! So little by little, I read a page or two before bed, with no TV in a bedroom my life completely changed. Now, I love to read! 



Now I read at least 30 minutes a day!  I read about 15 minutes before bed depending on how long I can keep my eyes open. This new nightly ritual of winding down before sleep is just what I need! I get the large majority of my reading done in the morning after I wake up with a big cup of coffee.  I usually have two books going at the same time one business or self-help book in one fiction book. That way I don't feel like I'm working all the time. 



I also really love to listen to books while I am editing photographs and while in the car. Why not learn and grow while you're just sitting there?!?! It’s a great way to get information and be entertained while doing mundane tasks! I highly recommend audiobooks, I love them, as you will see from my list.



12 Books To Put On Your List:

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You Are A Badass At Making Money - Jen Sincero

If money is on your mind it’s a great way to address your thoughts on it and work to figure out what the hell is happening.  The exercises really can help you get over some of your blocks with money. 


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168 Hours - Laura Vanderkam

I absolutely loved this one! if you're wondering where your day went, Laura will tell you. It's also great tips for your day and family time management. 

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The Civility Solution - P.M. Forni

If you need advice on how to deal with mean people, this is an oldie but goodie.

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Present Over Perfect - Shauna Niequist

I really love learning more about Shawna and her honesty in this book. She really reminds you and helps you be there with intention.



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Daring Greatly - Brené Brown

Okay she's the greatest! This is one of those books that you read again and again!  She encourages you to be your best self by putting yourself out there!





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Educated - Tara Westover

The craziest part of this one is it's true!  You just got to read it!





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The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid

This one took a surprising turn and I loved it! It was way more than a gossip book!

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Never Tell - Lisa Gadner

This one hooked me from the first chapter, a page-turner, I couldn’t put it down!

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Little Fires Everywhere - Celeste Ng

Reading about a fellow photographer’s story is intriguing. But this is more than about one photographer, it’s about a small town and how different backgrounds collide. 

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Happiness For Beginners - Katherine Center

I love this one because it was about backpacking and finding yourself but WAY different than Wild.

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Wonder - R. J. Palacio

This was a fantastic story, I know it’s made for young adults but this is a must-read at any age!


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The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah

I absolutely loved this one on Alaska culture. I did think a section of a dragged on a little too long but great overall!




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Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens

Getting drawn back to the swamps and all the animals that live there took me back home. The relationships and mystery kept me opening the book, racing to the end.

9 Must Listen to Audio Books

Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams - Gabrielle Bernstein

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life - Mark Manson

How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t: 14 Habits That Are Holding You Back from Happiness - Andrea Owen

How to Win Friends & Influence People - Dale Carnegie

Take Control of Your Life - Mel Robbins

Crushing It! - Gary Vaynerchuk

Taking the Work Out of Networking - Karen Wickre

ZAG: The Number-One Strategy of High Performance Brands - Marty Neumeier

Girl, Wash Your Face - Rachel Hollis

*All the links to the books are Amazon Affiliate links. I get a small commission when you use my link to keep reading great books. Thanks so much for supporting my small business!

Pin photographs by SCStockshop.


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