My 2020 Favorite Reads

It was really hard to pick 12 books out of 106.

I am aware that these books are not new 2020 releases, but I am not one to follow trends, so here you will find the best of what I decided to read this year. No matter when the book was published.

My December Reads

Monthly wrap up for December

Together by Christmas

• AUTHOR: Karen Swan
• TOPIC: Novel

Lee, an ex was correspondent, moves to Amsterdam to build a new life. Jasper, her 5 year old son, is her whole world, friends have become family and work is good. Only the nightmares are not going away, which increase when his old work partner Cunningham, whom she didn’t speak to for years, decides to go back to Syria without telling anyone. But inside of her she knows: he wants to right a wrong he did to her and costed their friendship, before becoming a father. Lee also meets Sam, the first man she has ever allowed into her home and heart, who gets very attached to her son Jasper, making her put her guards down, dreaming for the first time of a happy ending. But he also lets her down and she looses hope again. Will Cunningham come back alive and make up with Lee? Will Sam manage to be forgiven by Jasper and find a plane in his and Lee’s life? An amazing story plenty of unexpected surprises. Really recommend.

The Christmas Party

• AUTHOR: Karen Swan
• TOPIC: Novel

Three sisters are suddenly confronted with their past and upcoming futures, when their father ( the last knight of Ireland ) unexpectedly passes away, leaving a castle to deal with. The will leaves a lot of bitterness, as the castle is left to Willow, the youngest who escaped to Dublin years prior and never came back, and is forced to make a deal with the only buyer available…the same one her father said no to before passing away. Ottie, the eldest, is into a relationship with an older married family friend, and parked her dreams as an artist, waiting for him to leave his wife. Pip, the middle sister and the wildest one, only thinks about her horses, not noticing that the love of her life has been right in front of her the whole time. All three sisters will find their way to a better future, full of love and fulfilled dreams, but not before having to face a past so dark that no one was aware of. Various secrets and unexpected plot twists intertwine the whole story, though I must say that between all her reads so far, this is probably my least favorite. Still got 4 stars and would still recommend!

The Christmas Lights

• AUTHOR: Karen Swan
• TOPIC: Novel

Bo and Zac are living the life of the Instagram power couple, travelling the world exploring secluded off-track paradises, and getting paid to do so. Along with them, Lenny their photographer, feels more like a third wheel than a travelling companion. When they reach Norway right after Zac’s proposal, Bo starts to feel the need to live offline a bit, having moments that are private and only for them. But it seems too much to ask and it is starting to take a toll on their relationship. Things get worse due to the presence of Anders, their guide. Him and his grandma have been both through losses and pain in life, and they connect with Bo in ways that she can barely understand. Her own past and her present fear of a stalker bring her back to reality, and closer to Anders every day that passes. The connection to her nomad life is about to get broken once she realizes that her love has shifted and that what she was scared the most about and running from, was closer to her than expected. Another amazing novel from Karen, I simply cannot get enough if her. Highly recommend!!

Christmas in the Snow

• AUTHOR: Karen Swan
• TOPIC: Novel

Allegra is as successful as it gets. But it is hard to be a female in the harsh world of hedge funding. And this becomes even more apparent when the new “star boy” of the company, Sam, is brought in to close on the deal she was working on, and when she is almost pushed into a sexual harassment territory to keep her job, she decides to quit. At the same time, a past family secret is coming to life when Allegra gets a call from Switzerland to get a DNA test done as they seem to have found the remains of her deceased grandmother, who disappeared 50 years prior. Issue is, the grandmother she knew and loved died in England, few years before. Decided to get at the bottom of it, Allegra and her sister Isobel fly to Zermatt, and in between skiing and enjoying, they will unexpectedly cross paths with Sam and discover so many secrets about their family history, that will change their lives forever. Great read again by Karen. Loved it!

Christmas at Claridge’s

• AUTHOR: Karen Swan
• TOPIC: Novel

Though I absolutely loved the book, don’t let the title fool you…there is nothing festive about this book. Now that we cleared that off, I would totally recommend to read it anyhow. The plot twists are so intense that I couldn’t put the book down as I was so excited to find out what happened next. This slot is also too small to write the whole plot summary, as there is simply SO much going on. Clem is living her life recklessly between too much partying and drinking, and the whole story unfolds one night when late for a party, she decides to take his brother beloved prototype bike to reach there faster and ruins it. Because of that, his brother looses his contracts and almost his company. Determined to do something about it, with the help of her friend and designer Stella, Clem starts designing clothes and bags using the scrap leather of his brother’s factory. It is an instant success but not enough to make the cut. Clem decides to auction her mother’s Christmas gift: a vey rare Birkin. But the whole family is there to witness it and stop talking to her all together. Unexpectedly, a new business lead comes up, but Clem is requested to attend the meeting. The person standing in front of her is a guy that she met at that first party and left a mark on her. It is clear that the meeting was set up only for him to see Clem again. Her brother lands the contract but there is a catch: Clem would need to be in charge and travel to Portofino to handle the project on site. Her stay unfolds million ghosts from the past, revealing secrets so deep that she tried to hide for more than ten years and compromised her life and her relationship with her mother until than.

The Twelve dates of Christmas

• AUTHOR: Jenny Bayliss
• TOPIC: Festive Novel

I laughed. I loved. I read it in one day. I wish she wrote more books. I will for sure look out for whatever is next for her, because this book was just great. Only downside, though small enough to be forgiven: I already could tell how it was going to finish a few pages in. But never the less, was a great read and strongly recommend it. After 5 years with ZERO dates, Kate is forced by a friend to enter a 12 dates of Christmas campaign to get herself out there. She is set up by a company to meet 12 different man matching her profile, in 12 different places. Though she finds some possible candidates, they all end up having something that doesn’t add up, something that doesn’t make her sparkle, as her dad would say. She spends her time with her friend Laura, her family, on dates, working on her freelancing designing job, enjoying the holidays and making the reader feel inside a true Christmas town. All sparkled with the usual gossip and community feeling of a small town, and peppered with more misunderstandings and fights and heartbreak that you could count. Only while dating all these man, she will come to realize that what her heart truly wants was standing all along in front of her…her whole life. Will he feel the same way for her? Read to find out.

In a Holidaze

• AUTHOR: Christina Lauren
• TOPIC: Festive Novel

I have seen everyone reading this novel and of course, I couldn’t resist. I loved it because it was different, because it wasn’t your usual cheesy romantic festive novel and it had a twist to it that made it interesting. But most of all, it made me laugh: the way it’s written just make you feel inside Mae’s head and experience things as she does. Mae is spending all of her Christmases at her family friends cabin, where parents, friends and relatives have been meeting since before she was born. Days are filled with family traditions and true festive cheers, and most importantly, Andrew is there. And she has been in love with him forever. On the last day, the hosting family announces that they need to sell the cabin as it is getting too costly to upkeep, and her world tumbles. On her way to the airport back to real life, she makes a wish: she wants the universe to show her what will make her really happy, but just as she thinks this, she and her family get into a car accident. When she regains consciousness, she is back in the cabin, and back in time. In a groundhog style story, she relives her days over and over again, and she tries to find a way to break this spell. While doing this, she gains courage to profess her love to Andrew…but will he feel the same? Will she get what she wished for and find happiness? MUST READ

Wrapped up for Christmas

• AUTHOR: Katlyn Duncan
• TOPIC: Festive Novel

A really cute festive story, full of love, friendship and a sprinkle of family drama. Cannot wait to read more from her. Angie finds herself heartbroken and jobless just before the holidays. Her boss, and what she thought to be her future husband, has cheating on her, and is about to get married to someone else. Back at her parents place, determined to find a new job to get back to her life, she meets Nick, who pays for her breakfast the first morning she is back, as her card is declined. He reminds her too much of her ex, so despite his kindness, she is adamant not to think about him at all. She spends time with her soon-to-be-mom best friend, who submits her CV to the mall where Angie used to work in her teens. She gets the job and starts bumping into Nick more and more often. What she doesn’t know, is that he works for the mall management. Nick starts enjoying Angie’s company, and they fall for each other more and more each day, with Angie making Nick feel what Christmas is all about. Nick’s father tries to get in between their relationship, by setting up Nick on dates with Ivy. Luckily, they both only want to stay friend, but this secret, along with Nick true identity, is in danger of ruining Angie’s trust in him. Angie finds purpose by running a charity project at the mall, and when a job presents itself in a town nearby in a non-profit, she decides to stay. Will she be able to forgive Nick?

We’ll Always Have Christmas

• AUTHOR: Jenny Hale
• TOPIC: Festive Novel

Noelle is a single mom to Lucas, who gets fired just before Christmas. As if that, and moving back with her parents, wasn’t enough, she also discovers that her family’s bakery, founded by her late grandma and currently run by her dad and grandpa, needs to shut down as the landlord is increasing the rent. She is heartbroken, but adamant to find a solution to keep her childhood dream open. When she finds a job as a caretaker for William, the richest person in the city, and moves into the mansion with her son, she meets Alex, William’s grandson. Alex and Lucas become immediately close, and Noelle’s heart is both full or hope and fear, especially when she finds out that Alex is her bakery’s landlord. Spending more and more time together, Noelle, with her charm and spirit, creates a beautiful relationship with William and helps him and Alex find their way back to each other after a lifetime of misunderstandings. William holds a secret in his heart that weirdly connects her to Noelle, unbeknownst by both. Noelle is falling more and more for Alex, and despite her initial fears, he chooses her over his career and as a Christmas miracle, not only she finds the love of her life and a father for her son, but also manages to keep her beloved bakery open and in the family. Loved it and read it in one day. Books like this make you feel like there is hope in the world.

The Perfect Present

• AUTHOR: Karen Swan
• TOPIC: Festive Novel

I loooooved this book. It took me a bit longer to read as it’s a large book and during the work week I have less time. And I totally think this should be made into a movie, because it has so many plots and unexpected twists. Laura lives by the beach side with her boyfriend, her dog, and best friend Fee. She lives a quiet life but she makes bespoke unique charms that she is starting to get famous for. That is how she meets Rob, who wants her to make a special necklace for Cat’s birthday. This entails that Laura has to meet 7 important people in Cat’s life, and to make this an easier task, Rob arranges for Laura to join them on a trip to Verbier, where all 7 people will be. Laura gets a taste of life as a rich and famous, and while there, she rediscovers the life she used to have, leaving Rob speechless and intrigued, and they share a secret kiss. Laura is also charmed by Cat, who decides to help Laura launch her business in the city. While the two of them spend more time together, Laura discovers that Cat and Rob’s life is not as rosy as it seems, discovering a life of infidelity, loss and pain from Cat’s side. Laura has to deal with her own heartbreak when she realizes that her boyfriend has been having an affair with her best friend, only to realize that it’s probably for the best as she is falling more and more for Rob. I will leave the end for you to discover, as there are more unexpected twists to this story, that will only reveal themselves at the very end. Must read!

The Christmas Party

• AUTHOR: Carole Matthews
• TOPIC: Festive Novel

Louise is a single mom, living back with her loving parents. She finally landed a decent job, but her boss is the worst she can ask for. The story unveils during the office Christmas party, where she gets rescued by Josh, the star of the office, who is gentle, kind and attractive. Around them, we discover stories of unhappy wives, infidelity, office power games, and the party ends tragically for the two male characters that deserve it the most. Love wins in the end for all female protagonists: Malissa, the CEO’s wife, finally leaves her drunk husband and starts over; Kirsten, also leaves her cheating husband after her love of her life comes back to sweep her off her feet; and Louise decides to open up to love with Josh, who ends up spending Christmas with her family. Cute story. Liked it but didn’t love it.

If Every Day Was Christmas

• AUTHOR: Donna Ashcroft
• TOPIC: Festive Novel

I love to read novels that are so descriptive, you almost feel you are inside the book. This was one of them. Meg has a Christmas shop in a small town in Scotland. She adores Christmas and wants all 365 days of the year to be as happy as Christmas day feels. Because that is the only day her family used to come together back home and put the fighting aside. And this year, she vows at the Promise Tree to have a Christmas quietly and alone. That doesn’t quiet materialize when her mum and younger sister rock up unannounced. And her dad follows shortly after, trying to patch up his marriage. Someone else is also trying to be alone: Tom, a was-famous singer and guitar player, arriving in town to help out an old friend for the season. Tom hates Christmas, because that is the day his wife left him three years prior. And he stopped playing, because that was the only reason his wife married him: not for love, but for fame. But Tom cannot resist Meg’s infectious positiveness and glitter, and while they both fight their demons amongst the adventures of a small town under Christmas, they both find a way to love again.

Christmas at Tiffany’s

• AUTHOR: Karen Swan
• TOPIC: Novel

Cassie is about to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary in Scotland, surrounded by her childhood best friends. But that is the night her life will change forever, when she finds out that what she considered her friends, has been having an affair with her husband, under her nose. And worse? They have a son of 3 years. Totally devastated, she is whisked away immediately by her friends, who plan for her a year of renewal and discovery: she will spend 4 months living with each of them in turn, in their own cities: NYC, Paris and London. While she reinvents herself in and out during her adventure, she will not realize that an unexpected friend was the one who was really helping her recover, sending her secret lists and messages that force her to rediscover life. Why this book wasn’t made into a movie, is beyond me. I think it would be perfect. Loved it so much and can’t wait to read all her other festive books in the new weeks. Absolutely recommend.

Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery

• AUTHOR: Jenny Colgan
• TOPIC: Festive Novel

This is what fairy tales sound like. Even though I didn’t read the previous two novels from the same series, it was a good book standing on its own. Polly is living the life she dreamt of, in a little community, baking and running her own business, sharing it all with the love of her life, Huckle. When her best friend falls pregnant ( unsure of who the father might be ), it sets Polly’s life in motion. Huckle wants to have a baby and get married, but she keeps blaming her busy life for not putting a date to it all. She takes on too much, unable to say no to anything or anyone. She makes amends with a father she never met before, on his deathbed. Nearly loses Huckle while trying to protect her best friend’s secret, but as all fairy tales…there is a jaw dropping ending to it all: her friends, family and community put together a perfect impromptu wedding for her. And they live happily ever after…Liked it, but didn’t utterly loved it.

Christmas Shopaholic

• AUTHOR: Sophie Kinsella
• TOPIC: Festive Novel

This book deserves more than 5 stars! I finished it in one day, because I simply couldn’t put it down! I cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard while reading a book. I was giggling to myself the whole time. It’s about Christmas, it’s about family ( the good and the bad bits ), it’s about friendship, but most importantly, it’s about resilience. I loved Becky’s character as she reminded so much of myself: never giving up and always looking out for others, to ensure everyone around is happy. The novel was wittily written, never sloppy or boring, with a lot of plot twists to keep interesting. It was my first read from her, and I cannot wait to explore more! If there is only one book you need to read this Festive December, than let this be it!

My November Reads

Monthly wrap up for November.

If I never met you

• AUTHOR: Mhairi McFarlane
• TOPIC: Novel

Laurie and Dan have been together for 18 years. Yeah, I know! And when she least expects it, he decides it’s time to let go, just when she is about to hit 40 and ready to have kids. Not even a month after, he is already out with someone else, and surprise? She is pregnant. Laurie tries her best to keep a straight face at the office ( which she shares with Dan ), and in a twist of fate, she gets stuck in the lift with the gigolo’ of the office, Jamie. After their close encounter, he doesn’t seem that bad after all and they strike a deal: they decide to fake to be in a relationship, so she can revenge herself to Dan and he can fake to have a serious girlfriend, which is all he needs to get his promotion to partner in the firm. But as expected, the game can only last that long…what if others find out? And what if the game turns into something real? Absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read more from her.

The two lives of Lydia Bird

• AUTHOR: Josie Silver
• TOPIC: Novel

Lydia has the perfect relationship with Freddie, her high school sweetheart, and they are about to get married. But, he gets killed in a car accident on her birthday, while driving with his best friends Jonah. To fight grief, she uses pills to sleep, and she gets transported in al alternative life where Freddie is very much alive…so much that it feels true and she is able to live all that the accident has taken away from her. But at what cost? Will she live her whole life in this double existence? Or will she find strength to start living again, and maybe fall in love once more? Very well written, end a bit cliche’.

Finding your own North Star

• AUTHOR: Martha Beck
• TOPIC: Self development

My 89th read of 2020 is a book that I have been waiting to read for as long as I can remember. The title “Finding your own north star” was just calling to me, and it is exactly what I was hoping for, and more. Plus point: Martha Beck, the author, writes in a witty and humorous way, with plenty of anecdotes that just helps you to get the point.

Heart Bones

• AUTHOR: Colleen Hoover
• TOPIC: Novel

From one of my favorite writes, I was really looking forward to read this one. A bit too “young adult” fiction for my taste but still a great read. When Beyah’s mom dies from overdose, she has no choice but to leave her trailer park home in Kentucky and ask her estranged father for help – at least until she doesn’t start college thanks to the volleyball scholarship she worked so hard to get. Once she arrives in Texas, her world changes. She gets a half-sister, and meets Samson. Initially not interested in anything aside making it through the summer, Beyah and Samson end up recognizing something in each other that will make them inseparable: pain, loss, survival. But Samson gets suddenly arrested. Will Beyah throw her future away to be by his side? Will she wait for him? Read in one day.

The Dinner List

• AUTHOR: Rebecca Serle
• TOPIC: Novel

I gave 4 star to this review because the book left me confused. Imagine you have a wish: you can invite whoever you want to your birthday dinner. Sabrina writes down her names while still in college, prompted by her flat mate and best friend Jessica. She chooses 5 people and changes them as time goes on. Her final list is: Audrey Hepburn, Conrad – her teacher, Anthony, her father, Jessica, and Tobias, the love of her life. But some of the people attending dinner are no longer in the land of the living: including her father, than abandoned her when she was five, and Tobias too. Maybe a lesson about forgiveness and moving on? Not sure, but still loved it and read it in one day.

How do you like me now?

• AUTHOR: Holly Bourne
• TOPIC: Novel

Tori, during a leap year following a life crisis in her early twenties, writes a book. And she becomes famous. And she meets Tom, “The Man on the Rock”. Fast forward 6 years, she is entering her 30’s, all her friends are getting married and having kids…and she is still with Tom. But something is not right. And for the love of her, she can’t seem to write that second book everyone is waiting for. Written in a funny, witty, sincere way. Laughed the whole time and loved it. Can’t wait to read more from her.

The Middle Finger Project

• AUTHOR: Ash Ambirge
• TOPIC: Business/Self help

All I want to say is: don’t think about it and JUST BUY THIS BOOK!! It’s probably the best book I have ever read. Witty, funny, no BS, true, transparent, and immensely inspirational. It’s not only a book about how Ash built her empire, but it’s also a book that moves you, pushes you, gives you a fire in your belly, that makes you want to go out there and absolutely kill it! Full of tips, real life experiences, and just a lot of energy to make you believe in yourself and never take s*&# from anyone. Just do you, believe in yourself, you are amazing and you are enough! Loved it more than I can put into words.

Modern Lovers

• AUTHOR: Emma Straub
• TOPIC: Novel

I am a bit unsure about how to review this book. It’s an ok story but with zero purpose if I must be honest. Zoe and Elizabeth are friends since school and live 2 seconds from each other, and they had a band with Andrew and Lydia during college time, being relatively famous thanks to a song that Elizabeth wrote. Fast forward, Zoe and his wife Jane have a restaurant and a daughter, Ruby. Elizabeth and Andrew get married and have a son, Harry. Lydia is the only one who chased her music career, becoming super famous, but passes away at 27 and a producer wants to make a biopic about her life, but to do so, Elizabeth needs to give away the rights of her song, almost costing her her marriage. Harry and Ruby hook up, Andrew is lost with no career or purpose, Jane and Zoe struggle through a rough patch in their relationship. Old secrets surface that almost break both families, and that is about it. Disappointing. Shame.

Born for this

• AUTHOR: Chris Guillebeau
• TOPIC: Professional self discovery

What happens if you have no idea what is the job you are meant to be doing? What is the one thing that resonates the most with you and brings you joy, money and flow? Chris takes you through in detailed step what you need to find out. And bonus: he doesn’t preach on one style of professional choice, but gives ample options for both a 9-5 job and self-made entrepreneurship alike. Must read!

The Black Widow

• AUTHOR: Dan Silva
• TOPIC: Thriller

ISIS claims responsibility for an attack against a jew community in Europe. The attacker is a woman, a black widow, who was married to a militant who died in combat and who is now seeking revenge. Gabriel Allon, future Chief of Israeli intelligence, knows it is not going to stop there. There are special agents from the caliphate recruiting potential black widows in Europe and he wants to stop this at the source: a man called Saladin, ISIS chief. To do so, he recruits Natalie, who undergoes a special training to become a black widow, and successfully makes it to Syria undercover. Will she come back alive? Will there be another attack? Who will win, Saladin or Allon?

The Power of Habit

• AUTHOR: Charles Duhigg
• TOPIC: Self Development

This book was an amazing insight on how habits are born and what are the elements that create them: cue, routine, rewards, and cravings. It takes you through individual, community and company habits and how these can affect how we live and work, with great narrative examples. The good news is, that habits can be changed: with a good dose of belief and willpower. Great read and recommend!

One Small Act of Kindness

• AUTHOR: Lucy Dillon
• TOPIC: Novel

I literally couldn’t put this down, and read it in 2 days over the weekend. Libby’s husband lies end up costing him his job, and he relocates with his wife outside London to take over the family hotel that is in heavy need of a refurb. Alice, has an accident on her way to their hotel but loses her memory as a result of it. Libby decides to help her out by hosting her until her memory is back. Luke, Jason’s brother, is also back in town and somehow knows Alice…but she doesn’t remember and during some research, she slowly finds out she actually has a name, a life and a boyfriend. While she tries to go back to her previous life, Alice starts working in Libby’s hotel and help her out with the refurb as Jason left Libby due a fight over money and didn’t come back. Alice realized her boyfriend was a liar, but she find out she is pregnant…will leave the end for you to discover!

Desperate in Dubai

• AUTHOR: Ameera Al Hakawati
• TOPIC: Novel

Only someone who lives in Dubai will be able to fully appreciate this story, as the references to certain locations and lifestyle habits are just SO DUBAI. The story unfolds in multiple ways, recounting the adventure of different women living in the city, from different backgrounds and countries. Nice read.

Mindset

• AUTHOR: Dr. Carol Dweck
• TOPIC: Psychology

There is two type of mindset: fixed and growth. Each person can have either or, or use both depending on the occasion. The book goes through the various characteristics of both mindset and how these apply in various life situations, from personal to professional. A great insight on different types of personality that make us either stuck in our way or ready to grow and develop.

My October Reads

Monthly wrap up for October.

Never Saw You Coming

• AUTHOR: Hayley Doyle
• TOPIC: Romantic Novel

Zahra leaves Dubai for Liverpool to finally finish university. But mainly because, her long-distance boyfriend lives there and she wants to surprise him and start living their life together. But, he is married. She needs to go back to Dubai, and on her way to the airport she has an accident with Jim, Jim, has never left the UK. He is broke, works at a toll station since 8 years, and the only good thing that ever happened to him was winning a new BMW on a radio show. The car that Zahra just drove into. From there, it’s a 24 hrs of whirlwind adventure, where Jim help Zahra get to the airport. Will she stay? Will she leave? What Jim will do with his life? Read to find out!

A Man Called Ove

• AUTHOR: Fredrik Backman
• TOPIC: Novel

This is the second book I read from the author, and I must admit that I really enjoy his no-nonsense humor and way of writing. Ove is the weirdest and most anti-social/OCD man you will ever meet. After loosing his wife to cancer, he spends days plotting how to take his own life: because life without her, means nothing. Easier said than done, as a new family moves in across the road, and unwillingly compromise his plans. You will discover that Over has a bigger heart than you thought possible, and that he will find something worth living for. Read it!

The Power of your subconscious mind

• AUTHOR: Dr. Joseph Murphy
• TOPIC: Self improvement

I have always stayed away from this kind of books until a friend of mine told me it changed her life. So I read it. I am not religious and I do not believe in a greater power, but the book is written in a way that is comfortable if you share my same beliefs. The whole points of the book is: you are your mind, whatever you think will become true, and your subconscious mind is able to transform your life. I have started to apply some of the lessons of the book to my everyday life, and I am looking forward to see the results. Read it, it’s worth it and eye opener.

What Happens Now?

• AUTHOR: Sophia Money-Coutts
• TOPIC: Romantic novel

Lil relationship of 8 years finished 6 months ago and she decides that it is time to go back on the dating scene. Thanks to an app, she finally gathers enough courage to get out there, and luckily, her date goes great. Max is gorgeous, funny, sexy…it goes more than great, they end up in bed. And never ears from him again. Finding out that he is a famous climber from a right aristocratic family, doesn’t help matters when 6 weeks after, she realizes she is pregnant. What happens now? Will Lil keep the baby? Will Max be back in her life? Cute breezy read.

One Million Followers

• AUTHOR: Brendan Kane
• TOPIC: Business

When I started this blog adventure, I wanted to learn more about how to make it successful. This came up as one of the top books in the world for it. It goes through in detail, and providing real life example, all the most important social platforms: how they work, how much it costs, how to make the most of of them, how to get better results, with a lot of tips and recommendations. The reality: social media is hard work. Was worth reading and would recommend. If for anything else, at least to get a good understanding on the social media world in general and how it works.

The Testaments

• AUTHOR: Margaret Atwood
• TOPIC: Sci-fi

This book was good! The first part of the story, Handmaid’s Tale, was so painful I could hardly finish it. My bad for reading it in italian maybe. Basically, you cannot read this book without reading the other, as it’s a sequel. Imagine that the US goes totally crazy and decides to install a new government were woman mean nothing and there is a weird religion worshipped that seems like Christianism but really isn’t. Women are not allowed to do anything, from reading to studying to having a career or choosing their own husbands They are divided between Aunts ( women sort of police/college professors ), Marthas ( servants ), Handmaids ( only worth as they can have children ) and Wives ( from good families hence married to the Commanders, but often unfertile so need to have their husbands lay with Handmaids to have kids ). Horrible reality to think of. The story of this book is particularly interesting as the main Aunt character is actually a double agent who helps this surreal world, Gilead, tumble. All thanks to Baby Nicole and the Canadian May Day assistance. Interesting reading indeed!

Sex and Vanity

• AUTHOR: Kevin Kwan
• TOPIC: Romantic novel

Mmm…I am troubled. I was really looking forward to his book after reading all the other 3, and I am not saying it wasn’t good, but it wasn’t wow and as funny as the others. Read in 2 days, still had the wittiness that you would expect from his style of writing, but it wasn’t “quiet there”. Lucie, barely adult, is invited to her friend’s wedding in Capri. She meets quiet and intriguing George, and for how much as she tries to resist her own feelings, they end up kissing and as thing heat up, they discover they are being filmed by a drone hired for the wedding. She escapes, trying to do damage control to ensure the video doesn’t surface but she it too shocked and doesn’t want to see George again. Fast forward years, in NYC, she is now engaged to Cecil, who is so wrong for her under so many levels, but he is from the right family and as a couple, they look perfect to the outside, ticking all the right “society” boxes of fame and wealth. George reappears in her life, and she doesn’t want to be near him. But another stolen kiss takes place…and she tries to forget it even happened. Will she stay with Cecil? or find a way into her heart to realize that she wanted George all along?

Talking to strangers

• AUTHOR: Malcolm Gladwell
• TOPIC: Human psychology

I know a lot of people out there actually loved this book. It was on my wish list and decided to put it on priority once I saw a friend talking wonders about it…but was it really all that I expected? Unfortunately not. I like the way that the book was using many real life examples to explain a point, but I found that in the end, that took the spot light of the book. I guess the author wanted us to be intuitive about his argument, by digging deep into the scenarios and having us do all the work. All I really got from this book was: we cannot really read people, no matter how good we think we are / facial and behavioral clues are not always 100% accurate when trying to detect liars / we default to truth, meaning that we already think the stranger in front of us is saying the truth, and we look for the best in people / we cannot understand mismatch people ( those who don’t behave the way we expect them to ) / coupling – a stranger behavior is connected to place and context.

Read in 2 days. Wouldn’t run to buy it.

My September Reads

Monthly wrap up for September.

The Unhoneymooners

• AUTHOR: Christina Lauren
• TOPIC: Romantic funny novel

Olive has a twin, Amy, who gets married to Dane. She can’t stand his brother, Ethan since they first met. On the day of Amy and Dane’s wedding, the whole party gets food poisoning aside Olive (who is allergic to seafood) and Ethan (who never eat buffets)…and there is a fully paid non-refundable honeymoon to go to. You guessed it right: Olive and Ethan are going…They both hate the idea of it, but pushed by their respective siblings, they have no choice. Plus Maui is not a bad place to go even if it means going with the person you despise the most! But, as time passes by, they discover that they initial dislike was born out of an old misunderstanding, and they actually don’t dislike each other company. In fact, they love it! Will their unexpected Hawaii romance resist once back to real life? How will their siblings take it?

100$ Startup

• AUTHOR: Chris Guillebeau
• TOPIC: Business / Startup

I have recently became obsessed with learning about startups. This is probably the best book I have read so far about the topic. It contains a lot of real tips and life examples on how to do it right, making it an easy read and very straightforward to follow. I literally finished the book in 2 days.

You can pick up the book and almost use it like a bible on what to do / how / when and I felt it was totally realistic and achievable. Compared to other 2 books that I have read this same month, this was by fat the best. Short, clear, to the point, inspiring.

Escape from cubicle nation

• AUTHOR: Pamela Slim
• TOPIC: Business / Startup

My second read of the month of “startup obsession”! Pamela also writes in a very clear and detailed way the step by step module of freedom from corporate world into the kingdom of self-made opportunity. Contains a lot of real life stories and links to useful websites.

Well written in an easy to understand language for those who never ventured in this reality before. Found it very useful, insightful and would definitely recommend if you have a bit more time to read about the topic.

The 4-hour work week

• AUTHOR: Timothy Ferriss
• TOPIC: Business / Startup

Last book for the month of startup binge. I know there is a “craze” around how amazing this book is…but is it really? If you asked me to choose between the other 2 and this, definitely do not buy this one. While reading it, you wonder: is this even for real? His many testimonials of successful people who followed his advice and made it, make you think that yes, it’s real. But to me it’s stuff from another planet. I have to give it to him: he must be one of the smartest and most skilled man alive, and I found very useful the amount of tools, links, practical step-by-step advice that he gives. But again, for someone new to this world, it’s a bit much. Maybe get into it when you are a pro and want to take your business to the next level.

The Truth

• AUTHOR: Neil Strauss
• TOPIC: Biography / Relationships

All I can tell you is: expect the unexpected! When I picked up this book years ago in an airport, I thought I was getting my hands onto a book about relationships…you know, the usual. Do this, don’t do that, etc…Ohhh. How wrong I was? It was for sure an entertaining reading: the guy can write in a funny and witty way and in all honesty, it was hard to put the book down. But “the truth” is, that the book is about his personal journey through sexual addiction, during which time he literally tries EVERYTHING out there when it comes to this topic…only to realize in the end, that his true love to that one special woman is all he needs. Sounds cheesier that it is in reality, so will let you discover it on your own!

Normal People

• AUTHOR: Sally Rooney
• TOPIC: Novel with a touch of romance

I tried, I really did…she has a hell of a publicist because both her books are million copy bestsellers but at least this one is not as bad as the other one. I apologize beforehand for the very crude summary of the plot.

Low class boy meets rich girl because his mom works at her house…they become best friends since kids but he is popular and she is not so they keep their friendship a secret…things become heated and they still keep things hidden…they continuously miss each other by being in a relationship when the other is not but never gathering enough courage to confess their love to each other. The fact that she was brought up in an abusive home doesn’t help. Happy ending? Unsure, it is indeed hard to understand.

All I ever wanted

• AUTHOR: Lucy Dillon
• TOPIC: Romantic novel

On a pre-Christmas trip around London, little Nancy makes a wish when he sees her father being unpleasant to her mummy and brother…problem is, he does. And Nancy stops talking. Things between Patrick and Caitlin were already not great, but he asks for a divorce when he wants to move to another city for work and she refuses to move with him, uprooting her life and the kids. To make things easier, Eva, Patrick’s widowed sister, agrees to open her house to the whole family to make Patrick’s kids visitation time easier and closer to his new job. No one ever thought that Eva, and her adorable dogs, will be saving this family’s future, and giving Nancy her voice back…all the while giving her a chance to find love again.

The New Girl

• AUTHOR: Daniel Silva
• TOPIC: Spy fiction

How I love a well written spy fiction! Especially if based on a certain amount of real facts. Read in 2 days, unable to put it down!

The new ruler of Saudi Arabia goes against all odds and hires the help of the Director of Israeli intelligence, to find out who kidnapped his only daughter from the school in Switzerland where she was hiding and studying. Everyone is involved: UK, USA, Russia, KSA…Who is attempting to overthrow the kingdom of the prince that was revolutionizing KSA and the Middle East, bringing it into the 20th century? Will leave it to you to find out. If you like this type of reads, you will love this one.

My August Reads

Monthly wrap up for August

Open House

• AUTHOR: Jill Mansell
• TOPIC: Romantic novel

Anything that Jill writes it’s so easy to read. A girl with a gift for clairvoyance goes back to her hometown after her ex-boyfriend has an accident and tragically looses his memory. He thinks they are still together and totally forgets breaking up with her. She still drives back as much as possible to be with him as his family is not as supportive as you would expect them to be…but that means, she is trapped. She reinvents herself, gets a job as an event planner in an actual castle, turns the business around into a successful venture, and ends up falling in love with the actual prince charming. She already knew this would happen: she saw it in her dreams when she was a kid. Will she stay loyal to her estranged boyfriend who lost his memory? or follow her heart that leads into the prince’s arms?

Big Little Lies

• AUTHOR: Liane Moriarty
• TOPIC: Light thriller / domestic violence

This marks her last book, I read them all. I love anything she wrote and highly recommend reading all of her books. I have never seen the series but this book is an amazing, though sad, tale of 3 woman that cross into each others life due to the fact that all their kids go to the same school. They couldn’t be more different, but a tight friendship is born. 2 of them share the same secret: domestic violence and abuse. The book is wittily written and full of many moments of surprise, with a happy ending for the 2 women who suffered so much in their lives until now. Must read!

Billy and Me

• AUTHOR: Giovanna Fletcher
• TOPIC: Romantic novel

A movie superstar is in a small town filming his new movie. He immediately falls in love with a girl working at the local café. She cannot believe this to be real, and since she neve did anything with her life anyways and the job was just a temporary arrangement to stay closer to her sickly mother, she decides to accept his invitation to move to the big city with him. Leaving everyone behind and putting away her dream: open a coffee shop of her own. How much is she willing to give up to be with him? She loves him, but…how about her own dreams? Her own priorities? Will she stay? Or will she leave?

A Brief History of how we f@#$%& it all up

• AUTHOR: Tom Phillips
• TOPIC: History of humanity

If you need to read one book about human history, this is the one! I am overall very much interested in this topic, but I have always found books related to it incredibly heavy and boring and long. So this is the perfect, funny, witty way to read about history without giving up after one chapter of the book.

This Charming Man

• AUTHOR: Marian Keyes
• TOPIC: Novel / domestic violence

The style of this book is very different than all the other books that I have read from her. And I didn’t realize until well into the book that the topic at hand was again domestic violence. 5 different woman bring the story to life, they don’t know each other, you will read the story and only than realize, that they have been affected by the same heartbreaking fact: they have been abused by the same man, an untouchable politician. But they will find a way to come together and bring him to justice. In the mist peculiar of ways.

It Ends with Us

• AUTHOR: Colleen Hoover
• TOPIC: Novel / domestic violence

Another one of my favorite writers. Another book on the topic of domestic violence. Girl meets boy on a rooftop. They don’t exchange number but there is a spark. She opens her own flower shop and hires a girl to help her out. Turns out, she is the sister of the mysterious man. Through a series of unexpected turns of faith, they keep meeting and begin a relationship that turns into marriage. But, he hits her. And that brings back memory of abusive father and Atlas…her childhood friend, the only one who knew what she really went through. And he is in Boston too. He tries to help her, to end this marriage that cannot continue as it is based on abuse. But she finds out she is pregnant, just when she gathered enough courage to leave. Will she forgive her husband and stay? Or will she and Atlas finally start the relationship that was always meant to be?

Inquisition

• AUTHOR: Alfredo Colitto
• TOPIC: Historical fiction

1300’s. Templars are under the Church scrutiny, chased around all Europe, tortured, imprisoned, killed. And man are starting to be found with their hearts converted into iron. A physician, too curious about this alchemy miracle, decides to help a Templar that is seeking justice and an answer to these events, despite his involvement being so dangerous to cost him his career. But he cannot help himself: he needs to find the formula that converts hearts into iron. Can Alchemy be the way to eternal life?

How will you measure your life?

• AUTHOR: Clauton Christensen
• TOPIC: Personal development

The book’s intention is designed to help any reader—student or teacher, mid-career professional or retiree, parent or child—forge their own paths to fulfillment. But personally, I was expecting so much more from this book. Hence I got little to say about it.

The Paris Secret

• AUTHOR: Karen Swan
• TOPIC: Romantic Novel with a thrill

Two apartments are left untouched for 70 years. They don’t only have a lot of rare art inside them to discover, but they also hide a huge family secret that will almost tear an influential family apart. It will take a deep research into art and past to clarify that this family’s ancestors where not buying art to get their ticket out of a Nazi controlled Paris during WW2, but they were actually helping out other Jewish families to escape to safety, using art dealership as a cover.

My July reads

Monthly wrap up for July

La Cattedrale del Mare

• AUTHOR: Ildefonso Falcones
• TOPIC: Historical novel

A 700 pages book. In Italian. Took me a whole month to read it! But you are lucky – Netflix has the series available, which I have watched after reading the book, and it is one of those rare times when the fiction actually matches the book 100%. It is a great story that I have enjoyed a lot, based in the Spain of the 1300’s, and I am a sucker for a good medieval tale. A boy, born in the poorest possible circumstances, gets a chance to a new life thanks to his father’s sacrifice by moving to Barcelona, the only city where a man can actually be free. He will grow to be a strong man, loyal to his heart and beliefs more than to man, he will go from rich to poor, from war to peace, through tales of hate, love, revenge, religion and persecution. Loved!

Confess

• AUTHOR: Colleen Hoover
• TOPIC: Romantic novel

Read in the record time on 1 day! From one of my favorite writers, a story full of intrigue and definitely not granted: fate, young love, art, pain, loss and confessions. A young artist opens his gallery only once a month…and he paints confessions. Strangers leave slips under his door with their most hidden secrets, and he brings them to life by painting them. Left suddenly by his girlfriend that was supposed to help him on the only day of the month that he opens for sale, he has no choice but to give the job to a young girl that knocks on his door looking for work. You can imagine the rest…but you will be incredibly surprised by what happens in between! Must read, just like everything else she writes!

My June Reads

Monthly wrap up for June

Chilka’s Journey

• AUTHOR: Heather Morris
• TOPIC: Historical novel

Her other book was more my taste, and a far more powerful story, but any novel based on this heartbreaking time in history is worth reading to better understand our past, and to ensure we do not repeat our mistakes. Once released from the german camps, Chilka ends up in the russian camps as considered a dissident. So the whole of her life is spent in concentration camps, trying to survive minute after minute. Her resilience, her acceptance of reality and her ability to find the little positives in life, will enable her to survive, and help others in the process.

Grit

• AUTHOR: Angela Duckworth
• TOPIC: Self improvement

When this book came out, I saw a lot of people recommending it, so of course, I was interested to read it. It is definitely another take on what makes people successful and how. More than your IQ, or skills, or talents, it’s how bad you want it, how much you practice and how much you believe in yourself that makes the difference. Easy to read but boring at times. Nothing special.

Fellside

• AUTHOR: M.R. Carey
• TOPIC: Thriller

I liked his other book better…this one was very slow until page 127 and than boom! Couldn’t put it down. It’s a heartbreaking story of a woman in an addictive relationship, that is put wrongly in prison accused of killing a young boy during a fire that she apparently caused while being under the influence in drug. But she didn’t do it. She develops a relationship with the soul of this small boy, who will help her survive the hardship of prison, and prove her innocence. slow start, but amazing after!

Everything I never told you

• AUTHOR: Celeste Ng
• TOPIC: Novel

Again another book with a slow start…again another book not as good as the other one from the same write…again an amazing ending. One sister is found dead in the lake, and no one will ever find out why. The family is destroyed and the more the time passes, the more they realize they didn’t even know their own daughter. I would still read.

Where the Crawdads Sing

• AUTHOR: Delia Owens
• TOPIC: Novel

I guess it was a month like that. Another heavily recommended read, another slow start and than I couldn’t put it down. Had a bit of a hard time due to the use of deep south US slang, but the story of this teenager girl, living in the marsh, abandoned by her whole family, surviving alone, learning to live, grow and love, will really amaze you. Read it!

Dare to Lead

• AUTHOR: Brene’ Brown
• TOPIC: Leadership

I like her TED talks better. Her book is almost too biographical and I struggled to finish it even though I agree with her theory about leadership: use your heart and empathy and everything will work out. I personally believe there are better books about the topic out there so I would personally not waste my time with this one.

My May reads

Monthly wrap up for May

Sword of God

• AUTHOR: Chris Kuzneski
• TOPIC: Action Novel

Great action novel, spanning from Vietnam to US to Saudi Arabia. A retired marine is called in to save the world from a gruesome attack in the holy city of Mecca, that could affect the whole world. The worst part: one of his past marine partners is at the root of it. Loved it, great read.

Becoming Michelle Obama

• AUTHOR: Michelle Obama
• TOPIC: Biography

I should never read biographies…they are not my cup of tea. The read was long and painful. I decided to read it based on recommendation, but it was so detailed and boring that it took me forever to finish. It was indeed interesting, to get to know her whole life, from where she was to where she is now, but I still wouldn’t bother.

Regretting you

• AUTHOR: Colleen Hoover
• TOPIC: Romantic Novel

You should know by now that I absolutely love her. I adore anything she writes and I am slowly going through all her books. All of them are hard to put down and get read in 2 days! This novel has it all: family, friends, mother daughter relationship, coming to age, deceit, cheating, love…well written and not cheesy at all. Don’t want to say more, just read it!

Feel the Fear and do it anyway

• AUTHOR: Susan Jeffers
• TOPIC: Self improvement

A great book that goes through the reasons why so often we don’t take risks in life because of fear. But is fear really all that bad? Is fear really “a thing” or only something in our mind? Fear will always be there so you might as well do it anyhow! Read it, it will help ( PS: there is a post in my blog about this book as well, for more insights )

Seven Letters

• AUTHOR: Sinead Moriarty
• TOPIC: Novel

Touching story about a family that loses her “glue”, Sarah. Unexpectedly and with no warning, Sarah falls in a coma and ends up brain dead. She is pregnant. Her loved ones left behind, struggle to decide her fate, to keep her on a machine sustained life to give her unborn baby a chance, or come to terms with the reality of things. Between a divided family, will they take the right decision?

Inferno

• AUTHOR: Dan Brown
• TOPIC: Action Novel

Nothing to say here as I am sure you have all seen the movie, but this was in spanish. I always try to read a bit in spanish and italian once in a while to ensure I do not forget the language. If you didn’t read it though, do yourself a favor and read all of his books. He is a genius.

My April Reads – part II

Wrap up for the month of April. My biggest achievement so fa with 13 books in a month. All thanks to lockdown.

My April Reads – part I

I Figli di Dio

• AUTHOR: Glenn Cooper
• TOPIC: Historical Novel

Glenn Cooper is one of my favorite writers, and I always read him in italian as I can find his books only there. This is a story of 3 girls, all called Maria and from different parts of the world, coming from poor family and very devoted Christian families. The are all kidnapped at the same time, and released after being impregnated in a laboratory only to simulate the immaculate conception in order to aid the birth of a new church. Loved it.

Nine Perfect Strangers

• AUTHOR: Liane Moriarty
• TOPIC: Novel

Another of my favorite writers. In this story, 9 strangers book a vacation in a holistic retreat to find themselves again, but they end up pray of its crazy owner. With all the best of intentions to help her guests be the best they can be and overcome past traumas, she goes a bit too far in her intents. Luckily, the group sticks together, learn a lesson or two along the way, and manage to escape and start over again…much or less cured.

The One Thing

• AUTHOR: Gary Keller
• TOPIC: Business

You know when you thought that multi-tasking would take you places? and it’s one of the best things in life. Forget all of that. This book shows you, in detail, that dedicating yourself to only ONE thing is the best decision you will ever make. Stick to ONE thing and you will be more productive, and more successful. Read it, it’s an eye opener!

Flawed/Perfect

• AUTHOR: Cecilia Ahern
• TOPIC: Teenage sci-fi

I honestly didn’t know this was a young adult book when I set to read the last 2 books from one of my favorite authors. And actually, it was amazing. I could not put either of them down. It is based in a future society where anyone who doesn’t abide to the law is marked as flawed and has to live a separate existence with its own rules.

But of course, as in every good story, there is a part of the society that is trying to destruct this system and bring the world back to unity and equality. One girl, becomes the symbol of this movement despite being marked as Flawed, and she will unwillingly become the hero and bring the world back in order, marking the beginning of a new era.

The Moment of Lift

• AUTHOR: Melinda Gates
• TOPIC: Autobiography

I have become interested to read her story after hearing her efforts to support woman equal rights. This book is filled with her own experience and battles to bring the Gates foundation to make real progress in bringing woman around the world to the same level of men. In every aspect.

City of Girls

• AUTHOR: Elizabeth Gilbert
• TOPIC: Novel

Finally another book from this amazing writer. Eat, Pray, Love will forever be one of my favorites. A novel based in NYC just during WW@, a girl and her love for costumes, a theatre and its performers, life as a young woman in a world that judges you for anything you do. She will find her life purpose by designing costumes for the theatre, but the hustle and bustle of the city and her wrong friendships will almost compromise her future. But a second change will be given to her, enabling her to start a new despite it all. Loved it!

Only in London

• AUTHOR: Hanan Al-Shaykh
• TOPIC: Novel

No comments about this one. Simply – do not read!

Being the Boss

• AUTHOR: Linda hill. Kent Lineback
• TOPIC: Business/Leadership

Is is hard to find a book business book out there about leadership. Most are either redundant or simply put you to sleep. Especially the Harvard Review ones. This one was the best one I have ever read, well written and useful.

The Rescue

• AUTHOR: Nicholas Sparks
• TOPIC: Romantic Novel

I have watched all of the movies out there based on his books, but this is the first novel I am actually reading. For sure, it won’t be the last. A fireman that loses his dad very young and blames himself for it, saves a woman and his autistic kid in the middle of a hurricane. Slowly they get close, the kid really attaches himself to him, but his past demons don’t allow him to open himself up. But as always, a happy ending is just around the corner.

L’Ultimo Giorno

• AUTHOR: Glenn Cooper
• TOPIC: Novel

Read in italian. A scientist discovers a compound that takes you into a place that proves that life after death exists. But once you try it, you never want to come back. And the suicides increase, all over the world. It is sold like the new drug on the block and people cannot get enough of it. Read it to find out how it ends.

What are you hungry for?

• AUTHOR: Deepak Chopra
• TOPIC: Health

A book about the connections between the mind and the body, and how this affects our body weight and our life.

Night Circus

• AUTHOR: Erin Mongenstern
• TOPIC: Novel

What a book! So hard to put it down! Two magicians are brought up their whole lives to play a life-long battle to determine who is the best illusionist. A night circus is the stage, but no one knows. And only the one who survives, wins…READ IT!

My March Reads – part I

My March Reads – part II

My Grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry

• AUTHOR: Fredrick Backman
• TOPIC: Novel

Imagine you have a not-so-easy life and you are 7, and decide to write a book. This is the tone of the book. A grandma makes up stories of fairy tales and quests to keep her granddaughter strong through all that is about to happen to her. Loved it!

La Corona del Diavolo

• AUTHOR: James Rollins
• TOPIC: Thriller

Read in italian. It’s one of those books I fall in love with and than want to read anything from the same author. This is about the mystery and suspense behind a piece of amber that contains a lost species that could change the world as we know it. Couldn’t put it down.

10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World

• AUTHOR: Elif Shafak
• TOPIC: Novel

I love Elif, I read all of her books and this is one of her best ones. When you die, does it just stop? Or there are 10 min and 38 sec of brain activity? And if yes, what happens than? A story of women from the Middle East, abuse, prostitution and pain, but how friendship saves the day. All told by a dying woman in her 10min and 38 sec.

Conversations with Friends

• AUTHOR: Sally Rooney
• TOPIC: Novel

I bought this book based on reviews, as everyone was talking about it. And now I remember why I rarely do that. It was a painful read, writing style wasn’t great, it’s a story about mental illness, extra marital relationships and how love wins in the end. I wouldn’t bother.

How Hard can it be?

• AUTHOR: Allison Pearson
• TOPIC: Novel

I can’t remember the last time that I laughed so hard while reading. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. It is actually a sequel and I didn’t realize I watched and loved the movie ( How don’t know how she does it ). Middle age woman is struggling in a dead matrimony, fighting off menopause and the extra kilos that come with it, while trying to get her career back on track. Hilarious!

Leaders Eat Last

• AUTHOR: Simon Sinek
• TOPIC: Business/Leadership

I love anything from him. Whatever he says, always resonates and makes sense. I found this book to be a bit too long and narrative for the message that he was trying to send across, but never the less it hit home as it was exactly talking about my latest boss, that failed me so badly. So it reminded me of what I shouldn’t be doing when I get my next opportunity to be a leader myself.

Growing up Bin Laden

• AUTHOR: Jean Sasson/Najwa and Omar Bin Laden
• TOPIC: Biography

I read all of Jean Sasson books, and I “have a thing” for books about the Middle East, especially when they recount true stories about woman and their lives. This one was a real insight on the Bin Laden family, from the very beginning until the events that brought to September 11. Recounted by his wife.

13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do

• AUTHOR: Amy Morin
• TOPIC: Self-Improvement

I have read already her other book which is more generalically talking about mental strength, and enjoyed it as well. But this was very interesting because it was tailor made for woman. Why woman act a certain way? Is it so embedded in our DNA due to the way our brain works? Or just because since we are small kids, we are taught that we should act one way or the other “because that’s just the way it has always been”.

Unexpected Lessons in Love

• AUTHOR: Lucy Dillon
• TOPIC: Romantic Novel

Should you marry someone that doesn’t feel right? Just because he seems like the perfect man? Or maybe you just love the idea of it? Just as she is on the way to her wedding and about to decide to call it all off, a twist of fate actually works in her favor…

The Life-Changing Magic of not giving a F**k

• AUTHOR: Sarah Knight
• TOPIC: Don’t give a F**k

Not that I really needed this book as I naturally rarely give any, unless for very particular people and circumstances…but I can see why some people might need this book as an eye-opener. Fun read!

The Beekeeper of Aleppo

• AUTHOR: Christy Lefteri
• TOPIC: Novel

Always up for a good Middle Eastern story and was really looking forward to this one, but what a disappointment. The overall idea was good, recounting the hardships of Syrians fleeing their country to find a new life elsewhere. So badly written, it was a pain to read. Don’t bother.

My February Reads

Monthly wrap up for February

Everything is F***ed – a book about hope

• AUTHOR: Mark Manson
• TOPIC: Life

Sequel to the ever famous first book, just as funny and witty to read, saying it as it is, focusing on what humans believe in, to survive.

Little fires everywhere

• AUTHOR: Celeste Ng
• TOPIC: Novel

Beautifully written, a great plot about family, friendship, complicated human relationships and adoption. How sometimes your mom is your biological one, and sometimes it’s not.

Unstoppable

• AUTHOR: Ben Angel
• TOPIC: Self Improvement

If you are low on energy, focus and drive, it’s interesting to discover in this book how the problem may lay in your body balance more than your mind. Everything is connected and one always affects the other. The author went to great extremes in terms of exams and gadgets to reset his body, but even for those who don’t have access to the same, he explains in details all the changes you can make to your life, to reset your body and soul.

5 Mila Watt di Stelle

• AUTHOR: Minnie Darke
• TOPIC: Novel

Read in italian. Funny story about how we sometimes let the stars guide our lives, how we are scared to put our emotions out there with the fear of being hurt. Imagine getting to the point of changing the horoscope of the magazine you work at, just so that your crush might be affected by reading it, and change his mind on what to do? Exactly…that bad!

The Crossroad of should and must

• AUTHOR: Elle Luna
• TOPIC: Self discovery

Are you really doing what you love and should be doing? or are you just following what you and society thinks you should be doing? If you are at a crossroad, unhappy with you job and need inspiration on how to take the leap, this book is for you. It is a quick read: I was done in one day.

The Inspirational Leader

• AUTHOR: John Adair
• TOPIC: Business/Leadership

Painful read, there is so much better out there on the topics. Don’t waste your time…doesn’t even deserve one star.

Surrounded by Idiots

• AUTHOR: Thomas Erikson
• TOPIC: Humas relationships

I was expecting more front this book. Though it touched on a very interesting topic ( how different mindset of people think and act in diverse ways / how different people are / how it’s easy to misunderstand people from a different personality ) it didn’t quiet get there for me. Still, an interesting read.

Love, Iris

• AUTHOR: Elizabeth Noble
• TOPIC: Romantic Novel

Tess has a secret, and the only person she can confide in is her beloved grandmother. But Iris is slipping further away each day. Fate brings chance into her life, who’s heart goes out to Tess, knowing what it’s like to feel alone. As their unlikely friendship blossoms, Tess feels inspired to open up. But something still holds her back – until she discovers Iris has a secret of her own. A suitcase of letters from another time, the missing pieces of a life she never shared.

This Could Change Everything

• AUTHOR: Jill Mansell
• TOPIC: Romantic Novel

What if one mistake could change your whole life and open your eyes to amazing new possibilities? On the one hand, if Essie hadn’t written that letter – the one that only her best friend was meant to see – then she’d still be living like an actual proper grown-up, and with the wrong man. On the other hand (if her true feelings hadn’t accidentally taken the internet by storm, that is) she wouldn’t have moved into the attic flat on the square. She would never have met Conor. Or got to know Lucas…Unputdownable!

My January Reads

Wrap up for the month of January.

The Virgin Way

• AUTHOR: Richard Branson
• TOPIC: Business/Leadership

First time I read something from Richard and now I get it…his view on leadership, fun, risk taking and zero BS explains why he is where he is today. Super funny to read and highly recommend.

The Man who didn’t call

• AUTHOR: Rosie Walsh
• TOPIC: Romantic Novel

I love a good untraditional love story with suspense. Imagine you meet a man, spend six glorious days together, and fall in love. And it’s mutual: you’ve never been so certain of anything. So when he leaves for a long-booked holiday and promises to call from the airport, you have no cause to doubt him. But he doesn’t call. Your friends tell you to let it go, but you know inside that you should wait. And you were right to wait, but you won’t like the reason why he disappeared. Unputdownable. Read it! And let’s hope she will write more!

The Greek Escape

• AUTHOR: Karen Swan
• TOPIC: Romantic Novel

Slow start, but what a story! Running from heartbreak, Chloe Marston leaves her old life in London for a fresh start in New York, working at a luxury concierge company. Joe Lincoln is one of her clients, and when he asks her to find him a house in Greece, Chloe has no idea how this assignment will change her life forever. Loved it!

Ship of Brides

• AUTHOR: Jojo Moyes
• TOPIC: Novel

Another of my favorite authors. With this book, I read all of her books. What a disappointment though, with a boring story that was painful to finish. In Sydney, Australia, four women join 650 other war brides on an extraordinary voyage to England—aboard HMS Victoria, which still carries not just arms and aircraft but a thousand naval officers. Rules are strictly enforced. But the men and the brides will find their lives intertwined. And for Frances Mackenzie, the complicated young woman whose past comes back to haunt her far from home, the journey will change her life forever.

When to Jump

• AUTHOR: Mike Lewis
• TOPIC: Life and work

I picked up this book in a time in my life when I questioned everything, especially job wise: am I doing the right thing? Shall I change jobs? If you are in the same boat, this book is for you. Stories of people who listened to a voice inside them and took a leap of faith to follow their dreams, might help you clear your thoughts.