Books to enjoy, and re-enjoy

The past month or so I've enjoyed reading some of these for the first time, and others I've had the usual pleasure of re-reading them, because they are so good.

"The Boys of My Youth" by Jo Ann Bead: A recent goodie. Picked this up for $2 at Iliad Bookstore in Burbank (cool place - if you've never gone and you live in LA, do it). These are wittingly funny autobiographical short stories from the author's childhood that show how they impact adult life. A fun and enjoyable read.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: Everyone knows this book, and there's a million things I could say about the Alchemist that I love. I first read this years ago when a guy I was dating gave it to me as a coping mechanism for our impending breakup. Depressing, but I do refer to this book for inspiration in many facets of my life. One of my favorite lessons to take from this book is that most people give up on something because it gets SO hard, but that is when you are also closest to getting where you want to be. So even though it seems impossible, press forward.

Hard Questions, Heart Answers: Sermons and Speeches by Bernice A. King: Written by MLK Jr.'s youngest daughter, this book is held near and dear to my heart because I went to one of her speeches at my university and she signed my copy back in 2006. This is a collection of powerful sermons and speeches by MLK as well as his daughter's own speeches, as she has grown to continue his legacy. I read it again every year around MLK day and it is such a treasure of mine.

Buddha, His Life and Teachings

Kindness, Clarity and Insight: The Fourteenth Dalai Lama

These books on Buddhism were so perfect for me to read based on where I am in life, but I feel like anyone could take that from these. I have enjoyed learning more about Buddhism, as I've been interested in the practice for a while, but not particularly too educated on it. Anyone who is interested in seeking a deeper meaning in life, can learn from these.

"Not That Kind of Girl" by Lena Dunham

"Is Everyone Hanging out Without me (And other Conerns)" by Mindy Kaling

I adore these women authors and actors below. I admire women and men who can turn painful life struggles into comedy in retrospect. It's so relatable and makes us all feel a little more normal and not so crazy. Plus I love to laugh and these guys put me in such a great mood. READ THESE BOOKS!