I loved reading as a child and young adult. It set me on a path towards a liberal arts major in college and, ultimately, law school. As an attorney, I read hundreds of pages of material every week, but it's not the sort of stuff that sparks the imagination.
So, when I was pulling together a list of goals for 2017, I decided to read 12 books this year just for fun.
As part of this goal, I got a public library card. Strolling aimlessly through the stacks was every bit as magical as it was as a kid, but produced a truly random reading list. In the future, I hope to be more intentional about what I read. I also hope to aim higher. Turns out it didn't take long to finish 12 books after all!
Without further ado, so far this year I've read:
- My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
If you've heard her speak recently, you have already heard many of the anecdotes that comprise this book.
- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.
If you pick this up--after you finish--I'd recommend watching Cory Booker interview Trevor. The interview is available on YouTube here.
- On Immunity by Eula Bliss.
I was expected something more... scientific.
- Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin.
Because my friends who are moms had a lot to say about this one and I wanted to join in on the conversation.
- Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes.
Her narrative voice is unique. I enjoyed the insight into Christina Yang's character on Grey's Anatomy.
- Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson.
If for no other reason to have that awesome book cover sitting on your nightstand.
- Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari.
Funny and sad all at once. I've you've been on Tinder, Bumble or one of the other dating apps recently you'll find yourself nodding i agreement.
- Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson.
Because when I read the reviews for Furiously Happy, lots of folks said this was the more entertaining of the two.
- Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance.
While likely not the gem for most readers, there is an excellent chapter in here about big law recruiting from the perspective of someone who had excellent grades but a poor upbringing.
- The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.
An ex asked me to read this book, which seems to be a frequent topic of dinner party conversation. I took the online assessment and was surprised by the results.
- The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan.
Could have done without the love story, but otherwise enjoyed this.
- The AirBNB Story by Leigh Gallagher.
I received a free copy from AirBNB. The business student in me enjoyed it--this is like one long HBS case, but the "superhost" in me was turned off.
If you've heard her speak recently, you have already heard many of the anecdotes that comprise this book.
If you pick this up--after you finish--I'd recommend watching Cory Booker interview Trevor. The interview is available on YouTube 
I was expected something more... scientific.
Because my friends who are moms had a lot to say about this one and I wanted to join in on the conversation.
Her narrative voice is unique. I enjoyed the insight into Christina Yang's character on Grey's Anatomy.
If for no other reason to have that awesome book cover sitting on your nightstand.
Funny and sad all at once. I've you've been on Tinder, Bumble or one of the other dating apps recently you'll find yourself nodding i agreement.
Because when I read the reviews for Furiously Happy, lots of folks said this was the more entertaining of the two.
While likely not the gem for most readers, there is an excellent chapter in here about big law recruiting from the perspective of someone who had excellent grades but a poor upbringing.
An ex asked me to read this book, which seems to be a frequent topic of dinner party conversation. I took the online assessment and was surprised by the results.
Could have done without the love story, but otherwise enjoyed this.
I received a free copy from AirBNB. The business student in me enjoyed it--this is like one long HBS case, but the "superhost" in me was turned off.
I'm looking forward to spending more quality time at the library this year, but also need to tackle the remainder of my 36 goals list. I haven't crossed many items off the list to date and we're already five months into the year!
