What I Read — November 2022
Usually when I write these book blogs, I try to put my favorites at the top, knowing that some people may not read the whole article. (If you read it all the way to the bottom, thank you, I love you.) This month this simple task proved to be incredibly challenging. I devoured all of these titles and felt a sort of satisfactory fullness I haven’t for a while. If some of these are outside of your usual scope of reading, I encourage you to give them a try… you never know what you may discover along the way.
In 2019, I inadvertently completed the 52 books in 52 weeks challenge and have decided to attempt the same challenge from here on out… mainly because my to-read list is out of control! Normally, I’ll have a physical book and audiobook going at the same time, so for review clarity, I will put either duration or pages for the stats based on how I completed the book.
And, if you’ve been following along, you know I’m well over my 52 books in 52 weeks challenge for the year (yay). That said, I’m always on the hunt for a good read, so please keep sending your suggestions.
Here’s everything I enjoyed this November:
The Gifts of Imperfection
Brené Brown
Stats: Self Help, 4 hours and 31 minutes
Quick summary
Brown shares the ten guideposts for wholehearted living in which we are our most authentic selves, operating from a place of worthiness without shame. Here’s a quote that resonated with me: Perfectionism is a self destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect, and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimize the painful feelings of shame, judgment, and blame.
What I thought:
Read this immediately after finishing Atlas and it cut me to my core. This book had chapters that pinpointed me down to the smallest fear. I felt seen, understood and reassured that I can get what I want by being my most authentic self. I know I’ll be reading this one again and again.
Who should read it:
Any of my likeminded homies dealing with (or avoiding) anxiety, perfectionism and shame.
The Atlas of the Heart
Brené Brown
Stats: Psychology, 8 hours and 29 minutes
Quick summary
Atlas is a guidebook of 87 unique emotions. When we’re limited in our ability to precisely articulate our emotions, we’re deprived of the connection we can have with other people, a necessity for the human race.
What I thought:
This was recommended by a friend going through an extremely difficult time, and I think it may be one of the most important books I’ve ever read. Please read this at all costs. It will help you connect with others in ways you don’t even know. If you’ve ever listened to Brené Brown’s TED Talks, you know how engaging she is. Her audiobook does not disappoint and feels more like a podcast than a book.
Who should read it:
Everyone. Do it now.
The Cartographers
Peng Shepherd
Stats: Fantasy, 400 pages
Quick summary
Nell Young was on her way to a promising career as a cartographer at the New York City Library when she was unceremoniously fired by her father after a fight over a cheap gas station map and essentially blacklisted within the cartography community. Since the incident, she’s had zero contact with her father, until she is notified of his sudden, suspicious death. Going through his desk, she finds the map tucked away in a secret compartment, leading her on dangerous adventure to find out what it all means and who may have murdered her father.
What I thought:
I didn’t know I could be enthralled by the world of maps, but here we are. Part fantasy and part thriller, this book scratched an itch I didn’t know I had.
Who should read it:
Anyone looking to get lost in a thriller of a slightly different subject matter.
Hester
Laurie Lico Albanese
Stats: Historical Fiction, 336 pages
Quick summary
Set in the early 1800s, Isobel Gamble and her new husband sail from Scotland to Salem looking for a new life after financial ruin. Isobel is a talented stitcher, seeing and hearing colors call to her. After much difficulty, she finds work in their new home. Her husband sets sail again soon after their arrival, leading to Isobel’s chance encounter with aspiring novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne. The two grow closer, where Isobel and her perfect stitching starts to inspire his work.
What I thought:
LOVED. First, the fact that the main character has synesthesia (a psychological condition I’ve always been fascinated by) lent to an immersive, experiential read. I also loved the concept, albeit fictional, that this is how Nathaniel Hawthorne was inspired to write The Scarlet Letter. Lastly, I identified with the character from a fiber arts and creative perspective.
Who should read it:
People looking for a vivid historical fiction.
The Extended Mind
Annie Murphy Paul
Stats: Psychology, 10 hours and 23 minutes
Quick summary
This book explores how we can use our environment, our bodies and our social connections to extend our intelligence and creative thinking outside of “just using our head.”
What I thought:
I first put this on my TBR after they interviewed the author on the Happier podcast. I found it to be incredibly interesting and beneficial in learning ways I can approach problems I can’t really wrap my brain around.
Who should read it:
Anyone interested in growing their cognitive and problem solving abilities.
How to Host a Viking Funeral
Kyle Scheele
Stats: Self Help, 5 hours and 37 minutes
Quick summary
Scheele is a motivational speaker and artist who hosted a Viking funeral for his 20s on his 30th birthday. After receiving countless emails from fans wishing they could have a Viking funeral for their regrets, he decided to create a giant dragon ship out of cardboard and torch more than 20,000 submissions. Along the way, he sees common themes in the regrets and shares his insights while describing the physical shipbuilding process.
What I thought:
This was delightful. It was interesting to hear about the project itself from a process standpoint and how it related to our regrets. All of us struggle with parts of ourselves and this is what connects us.
Who should read it:
I honestly don’t know many people who wouldn’t like this one. It’s a light and easy read.
No Meat Athlete
Matt Frazier, Matt Ruscigno, Brendan Brazier
Stats: Health, 272 pages
Quick summary
The subtitle really says it all. This book aims to help vegetarian and vegan athletes properly fuel before and after endurance workouts and has some training advice in the second half.
What I thought:
I did get some good information, but the majority of the book was aimed at convincing people to try a vegan diet for the first time or to run their first 5K. I think the main issue was that this book tried to please too many audiences. I was really hoping to get more information on macros while I was training for half marathons, which I did get, so it was a valuable read.
Who should read it:
Anyone convinced that you can’t do endurance sports without eating meat.