When I finally wind down, it's refreshing to reach for a book instead of turning on the TV. I think it's important to fit in screenless time each day.
Personally, I'm all about non-fiction. I know a lot of people love fiction as a means to escape, but I look at reading as a means to relate. That's why I often choose autobiographies. Whether it's about Mindy Kaling or Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I love hearing about their journey and the life lessons they picked up along the way.
So, if that's what you're into, I have a handful of good-reads that touch on themes of self-confidence and feminism. Many written by millennials for millennials.
Here we go!
First one up, Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.
Since 2016, the duo has been "killing" it with their true crime podcast, My Favorite Murder. I'm a huge fan so when they announced they were releasing a book, I knew I had to have it. Karen and Georgia share intimate stories about growing up as latchkey kids in the 80s and 90s, their struggle with depression, losing loved ones, but also how they found themselves and learned how to self-advocate. The California natives cement the idea of trusting yourself, and getting out of uncomfortable or dangerous situations by screwing politeness. It reads like notes from two older sisters, giving you advice about how to become a stronger version of you. Karen and Georgia are also incredibly hilarious, as you can see from the photo below, it's a great balance.
Next one up, You Are A Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero.
I think the following description perfectly sums this book up. "In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, bestselling author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bitesized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, helping you to: Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want."
It took me longer to get through this one but the central message is to stop caring about what other people think and understand you can only control aspects of your own life. It's about gaining your power back, and who doesn't want to learn more about that?
You Don't Have to Like Me: Essays on Growing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding Feminism by Alida Nugent.
I couldn't put down this book. Aldia is witty and a straight-talker. She shares her experience about growing up biracial in Brooklyn, how navigates romantic relationships, overcoming her own negative body image, and ultimately breaks down what feminism means to her.
This review nails it. "'Feminist' is not a four-letter word, but Alida Nugent resisted it for a long time. She feared the 'scarlet F' being thrust upon her for refusing to laugh at misogynistic jokes at parties; she withered under the judgmental gaze of store clerks when buying Plan B, and she swore that she was 'not like other girls.' But eventually, like so many of us, she discovered that feminism is an empowering identity to take on."
The 218 page read hits the spot.
Scaachi opens up about her experience with "gender roles," colorism, and finding her own path within two cultures. I really like how raw her story is, she's not afraid to tell-all.
Here's a short rundown review from the link. "Alongside these personal stories are pointed observations about life as a woman of color: where every aspect of her appearance is open for critique, derision, or outright scorn; where strict gender rules bind in both Western and Indian cultures, leaving little room for a woman not solely focused on marriage and children to have a career (and a life) for herself."
Ilza Schlesinger is one of my top three favorite comediennes, not to mention she's from Plano, Texas! If you have ever watched her standup on Netflix, you get why she is such a jewel. Her book, Girl Logic:The Genius and the Absurdity points out the ridiculousness of how we can get trapped inside our own heads over the most mundane situations, but also shares ways to combat the "mind tug of war."
"Girl Logic: a characteristically female way of thinking that appears contradictory and circuitous but is actually a complicated and highly evolved way of looking at the world. You end up considering every repercussion of every choice (about dating, career, clothes, lunch) before making a move toward what you really want. And why do we attempt these mental hurdles? Well, that's what this book is all about."
It's funny and helps you take a look a serious look in the mirror.
If you've read any of the above, feel free to leave your thoughts on the book! What goodreads for millennials are on your list?