What I Read in November
The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp. // "Reading, conversation, environment, culture, heroes, mentors, nature – all are lottery tickets for creativity. Scratch away at them and you’ll find out how big a prize you’ve won."
I read this one during my lunch breaks at work and really enjoyed it. It was fascinating to look at creativity and habits through the lens of dance and choreography, especially since I know NOTHING about that world. There was much in this book that applied to my own creative endeavors, and I loved her style of writing. Creatives, grab this one! It's good stuff.
Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed. // "You will learn a lot from yourself if you stretch in the direction of goodness, of bigness, of kindness, of forgiveness, of emotional bravery. Be a warrior for love."
I'm a Cheryl Strayed fan-- loved Wild and ADORED Tiny Beautiful Things-- so I was excited to see something new from her. I pre-ordered this baby on Amazon before even reading anything about it, so I wasn't really expecting it to just be a book of quotes, many coming from other things she's written. I blew through this one in a matter of minutes, and as always, loved the raw and honest wisdom she brings. It would make a great gift for a friend, but don't expect totally new material from Strayed or a novel or memoir of any kind. Visually interesting quotes, short and sweet mantras, and sayings of the kick-ass variety are what this book is all about.
Readings for Meditation and Reflection by C.S. Lewis. // "
It's no secret I love C.S. Lewis. I grabbed this one to get to the free shipping amount on Amazon (no shame) but it didn't blow me away, considering how it was all excerpts from other books he's written. I always think I'm going to like books like this, and I do in the sense that it's quick and easy to read a chunk over breakfast or on the go, but I really just love getting into the full books instead and getting the complete context. If you want a taste of Lewis and his writings broken down more by topic, this is a great place to start!
Dream It. Pin It. Live It. by Terri Savelle Foy. // "Writing your dreams and goals enables you to stay focused so you are more likely to avoid distractions."
I wrote a full review on this one HERE!
After You by Jojo Moyes. // "You don't have to let that one thing be the thing that defines you."
This was the sequel to Me Before You, a book I read back in January because my dear friend Amber sent it to me. I loved MBY, and cried big old tears at the end. This sequel though? It didn't wow me in the same way. It wasn't as moving, as poignant, as powerful. It wasn't bad...but it just wasn't as good. It was slow and I didn't connect with Louisa in the same way, but I'm still glad I read it and experienced more of her story and her growth, although it could have (and should have) been so much richer.
Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, and a Dream by H.G. Bissinger. // "I just felt something pulling at me, nagging at me, a soft voice telling me to do it, to see for myself what was out there and make the journey before self-satisfaction crept in for good."
I read this one for #COLLABOREADS this month as part of our Non-Fiction November theme, so read my thoughts there!
Did you see I made a gift guide of all the best books (and magazines) to give as gifts?!
Now, what did you read this month? Anything I should add to my to-read list?