September Book Recap

Sharing a September book recap and if I’d recommend adding these to your TBR list! 

Hi Hi friends! How’s the week treating ya? I hope you’re having a great one so far. I’m here working on SEO all day – one of my least favorite parts about being a blogger. Blahhhhh- and looking forward to a hot yoga class this afternoon.

For today’s post, I’m sharing a recap of the books I’ve read in September and if I’d recommend adding these to your list. I always love to hear about your book picks, so please share what you’re reading in the comments section. 🙂

September Book Recap

All Things New

I was unsure about adding this to the recap because obviously we don’t all have the same beliefs, and I never want anyone to feel isolated or left out. One of my favorite things about having ya’ll as virtual BFFs is the fact that we have a ton in common, and probably some differences, too. It makes life more enjoyable and exciting to be surrounded by various perspectives and viewpoints.

In the end, I wanted to add it because it’s been a part of my life lately, and I’m sure many of you would enjoy hearing about this rec.

I’ve been going through this Bible study on 2 Corinthians for the past month and a half and have already learned so much from it. As someone who always felt intimidated by reading the Bible, this has been a great introduction to it, especially since I’m able to study and discuss with such a lovely and brilliantly intelligent group of ladies. We meet weekly and chat about what we’ve learned, and the conversations have been so meaningful for me.

If you’ve been wanting to read the Bible, I highly recommend doing a study like this as a way to gain more knowledge and understanding. I feel like I’m actually learning instead of simply reading passages, and this way, I’m more easily able to apply these principles to my life. We’ll finish this study early next month and cap it off with a celebratory lunch before starting our next study. 🙂

From Amazon:

The city of ancient Corinth was much like our own modern-day cities: a melting pot of electrifying cultural experiences to be had, along with the myriad pitfalls of spiritual depravity. Still, Paul wrote to the church of God in Corinth. Meaning God’s church is meant to thrive in any city and every circumstance in which we find ourselves. Paul’s letter is as timely as ever. Over 8 sessions, Kelly Minter will lead you through the Letter of 2 Corinthians, exploring the anchoring truths of bearing treasures in jars of clay, meeting Christ through a pressing thorn, opening wide your heart in the midst of hurtful relationships, and what it means to embrace the lost and lonely as ministers of the new covenant. Each of us has a message to proclaim and live by: Because of Jesus the old has gone, the new has come.

I’m Glad My Mom Died

What a turn in topics, eh?

TBH, the title of this book kept me from wanting to read it, despite the overwhelming positive reviews. “She’s GLAD her mom died?” It’s… a lot.

But, this has ended up being one of the best books I’ve read (listened to this one on Audible and highly recommend) in a long time. It’s profound, heartbreaking, optimistic, hilarious, and beautifully written. Just as a trigger warning, it does include some heavy topics like mental and physical abuse, and eating disorders. While these are prevalent themes in the book, it wasn’t overwhelmingly graphic to read. 10/10 would recommend.

From Amazon:

A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life.

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

In I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly, she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“Hi Gale!”), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships.

These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.

Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I’m Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.

November 9

I’ve learned the Colleen Hoover is hit or miss for me… and this one was a miss. I just didn’t get as wrapped into the plot, which had a lot of potential. Her writing often feels lackluster and doesn’t allow me to become truly invested in all of the characters she creates. 3/10.

From Amazon:

Beloved number-one New York Times best-selling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.
Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move.

Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in LA together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon – and simultaneously his novel – be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?

The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan

I ordered this book after Lisa Moskovitz, RD was a guest on the podcast. I enjoyed hearing about her philosophy and wanted to see what her eating plan guidelines included, especially since I’m often looking for new recs to share with clients. This one is AMAZING. It’s simple enough for beginners to follow, but also will encourage more experienced macro trackers to approach it in a new way.

You can check it out here and use the code CORE20 for a discount. (Not affiliate, just happy to spread the word.)

What did you read in September?

What’s next on your TBR list?

xoxo

Gina