Recently I read a quote that said in order to be a good writer, you have to read. As someone who has spent my entire career as a writer, that made perfect sense to me. I’ve always been a big reader. I mean to the point of devouring one book after another. It’s almost like feast or famine with me. Either I’m reading books non-stop or I’m not reading at all.
Well, in 2018 I jumped all the way back in to my reading habit and I don’t have any plans on slowing down. I managed to read more than a dozen books last year and I’m sharing some of my favorites below. Also, I had been going back and forth about starting a book club since last year. I’m guessing now is as a good a time as any. So, I’ll be rolling out the Motivated Mama Squad Book Club. (the name may change lol) Click here if you’d be interested in joining. Now, on the the books!
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of the first books I read last year. I’m a fan of her work and I’ve been going through a few of her books. This one tells the story of a young woman from Nigeria who moves to the US for college. The book follows her life through both countries that includes her love life in both countries. I enjoyed it because it showed her unique outlook as someone who is seen as a Black American in some circles but she doesn’t relate to the culture. The story of her family is really insightful. It’s a really powerful look at race and identity. I’m looking forward to the production of it starring Lupita Nyong’o. I think it’s going to be a television mini series.
Becoming by Michelle Obama – I pre-ordered this book as soon as I’d heard that I could. It was on my doorstep the day it hit bookstores. I read the story of my Forever First Lady and found myself surprised at how much my experience growing up resembled hers. It was such a good read that felt like a conversation with a friend. She details so many things about living in the White House that you never knew you wanted to know. She also touches on things that we all want to know *cough cough* current politics. I made my way to see her for her Los Angeles stop on her book tour. It was so good! You can read about my experience here.
Long Division by Kiese Laymon – This was a really interesting read. There were twists and turns that I didn’t expect – including time travel. It’s a coming of age story set it post-Katrina Mississippi. The book has two stories that are interwoven . The main character, City, is given a book called Long Division where the main character shares his name. Reading this book takes him on a journey that I didn’t expect. It’s at times funny and full of surprises. I read this as part of a book club I’m in. We had a HUGE discussion about it with lots of clashing opinions!
Related: My Current Book Binge
Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston – This is another book I pre-ordered it as soon as I heard about it. Zora Neale Hurston interviewed one of the last know enslaved Africans years ago and it’s a fascinating read. I felt obligated to read it. It felt like I was reading the stories of my ancestors in a way that seemed more personal than before. Most other things I’ve read have been told in a way that was just being documented for the sake of history. This read was him, in his own words, in his own dialect. It was heart-wrenching to read his longing for Africa.
He was an old man when he was interviewed by Zora but had been in this country since he was a teen. He experienced one tragedy after another and still stood strong. Tired, but strong. It took decades for this book to be published. When Zora tried to publish it in her lifetime she was turned down because she didn’t want to change his dialect. She wanted it purely in his own words. She was right to fight for that. It’s one of the things that makes this book so effective, gripping and in my view, a must read.
White Lies by Emily Harper – I read this book on vacation over the Summer. I felt like I needed something light to read while hanging at the pool. This was the perfect choice. I was just an easy and fun read that I was able to zoom through. It follows a twenty-something year old career woman and her quest to find “the one”. It’s funny, light-hearted and everything you’d want from a beach read!
Hunger by Roxane Gay – This is a fascinating memoir where Roxane Gay is nothing if now raw and honest. She takes us through a childhood sexual assault that prompted her to gain wait to feel safe and unseen. Because, in her mind, no one would want a big girl. Her story can not have been an easy one to tell. The things she shares made me wish this was a book of fiction. You know people live through so much but hearing it in their own words makes it all too real. This book feels like her reclaiming her body after so many years of hiding in it. After reading this book, I have other books of hers on my list. Next up for me by her is Difficult Women.
Honorable Mentions
And because I don’t want this post to be 10,000 words long, here are a few more honorable mentions that I read last year:
Blessed Life by Kim Fields
Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life Of Zora Neale Hurston by Valerie Boyd
Live Your Dream: How to Cut the Crap and Prioritize Your Your Purpose by Laura Bennett
Goal Setting to Live Your Dreams by Bola Onada Sokunbi
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Have you read any of these books? What must read books would you suggest I add to my list?
1 Comment on 6 Must Read Books I Couldn’t Put Down in 2018
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Thank you for sharing these recommended reads with us, Camesha! I have started Hunger and need to finish it soon. I also enjoyed Blessed Life by Kim Fields. Will def be adding many of your reads to my TBR! Hopefully I can get Americanah soon. I had no idea Lupita would be starring in a film/tv adaptation! Do you know when it will air ?