Happy New Year, my dear homies!
As we embark on a fresh journey into the new year, I find myself making the same bold proclamation as before. Brace yourselves because here it comes...
THIS YEAR, I WILL READ MORE BOOKS!
But let's be real for a moment, does this resolution actually stand the test of time? Absolutely not. It fails, and boy does it fail miserably. I start the year with a surge of determination, picking up lengthy business books that turn out to be painfully boring. And just like that, all the gumption and excitement I had at the beginning of the year evaporate into thin air. With this approach, I typically end up averaging around three books per year – one business book, one self-help book, and whatever manga my daughter is engrossed in at the time. Oh yes, manga counts too! It's all about finding that perfect balance, my dear homies.
However, this year, I've decided to ignore my past failures and boldly make the same grandiose proclamation...
THIS YEAR, I WILL READ MORE BOOKS!
And by "more," I mean a whopping 22 books. Now, you might be wondering, what will make this year different? Well, my friends, the answer lies within all of you and a meticulously crafted plan, of course! My online accountability homies will always have my back, and together, we'll conquer this challenge.
So, what's my master plan, you ask? Let me break it down for you:
Switch up the genres frequently to avoid getting bored.
Join a book club for a vibrant community and engaging discussions.
If a book fails to spark joy, channel your inner Jay-Z and say, "On To The Next One!"
Enlist the participation of my daughter in this challenge. After all, I need some in-house support too!
Create a list of books I intend to read throughout the year, so I'm not scrambling to find my next read.
Dedicate quality time specifically for reading and make it a priority.
Now, here's a fun fact. This will actually be my third consecutive year attempting this challenge. As a result, I have an ongoing list of books that I've been meaning to read someday. And you know what? I've added that list to my current #22booksin2022 reading list, and it has grown to a staggering 40 books! As someone who easily gets overwhelmed, having options feels great.
In the spirit of positivity, I'm excited to share the list from which I'll be selecting the 22 books I plan to read or reread in 2022:
- The Anomaly by Herve Le Tellier
- The Unapologetic Guide To Black Mental Health by Rheeda Walker
- Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
- All About Love by Bell Hooks
- How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- What Happened To You? by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
- I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't) by Brene Brown
- Cheeky by Ariella Elovic
- The Language of Emotions by Karla McLaren
- American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
I first learned of the novel American Spy, in spring 2019 while browsing NPR's website. Wait, that sentence sounds hella millennial, doesn't it? To make this book choice even more of a millennial's choice, Obama included American Spy on his 2019 summer reading list. That is when I said Flip Yeah this girl is going to read this book ASAP.
THREE YEARS LATER...
One book that has eluded me is "American Spy" by Lauren Wilkinson. I first discovered this intriguing spy novel on NPR's website in the spring of 2019. And guess what? It made it onto Obama's 2019 summer reading list! That's when I thought, "Flip Yeah, this girl is going to read this book ASAP."
Now, here I am, three years later, and "American Spy" is still on my list. But mark my words, my dear homies, I will finally delve into this gripping novel THIS YEAR!
- I Used To Have A Plan by Alessandra Olanow
- To Be Young, Gifted, and Black by Lorraine Hansberry
- The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C Bogle
- Slavery By Another Name by Douglas Blackmon
- Common Wind by Julius S. Scott
- Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau
-The 2000s Made Me Gay by Grace Perry
- Ace Of Spades By Faridah Abike-Iyimide
- Parable Of The Sower by Octavia Butler
-The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
-1984 by George Orwell
-His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie
-Killer Cults by Stephen Singular
-Tomorrow They Won't Dare To Murder Us by Joseph Andras
-Genius & Anxiety by Norman Lebrecht
-Redhanded by Suruthi Bala and Hannah McGuire
-Calm The Fuck Down by Sarah Knight
-The Healing Path of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi
-The Shack by WM. Paul Young
-Educated by Tara Westover
-The Soul Of Black Folk by W.E.B Dubois
-Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C Gibson
-Lord Of The Flies by William Golding
-All Adults Here by Emma Straub
-Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
-The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
-The Yoga Store Murder by Dan Morse When a senseless murder happens at a popular athletic store, LIT-TER-LY down the street from where you currently live, you stop and say what the fuck. When a book is written about the tragedy, you read it. The Yoga Store Murder is based on the brutal murder of Jayna Murray in 2011 by a fellow co-worker. This appalling murder was etched into my memory forever.
*I know I spelled literally incorrectly, don't come from me, homies.
-Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
-The Archer by Paulo Coelho
If you have any book recommendations or thoughts on the books listed above, please don't hesitate to share them. Drop your insights in the comments below; I'd love to hear from you!
Oh, I almost forgot! I'm sure you've been dying to ask, "How can I join the challenge?" Well, fret not, my friends. Use the templates below to let everyone know what you're currently reading. Make sure to tag me @TikimaReneeFitness and use the hashtag #22BooksIn2022. You can also check out my progress there as well.
Let's make 2022 the year of literary adventures and endless imagination. Together, we'll conquer this reading challenge and create a community that thrives on the joy of books. Happy reading, my wonderful homies!
