Favorites: Book Edition

First of all: It’s so hard to decide which books count as favorites. There are so many amazing stories out there which I could easily add to this list but I had to tame myself and decided on seven books which immediately popped up in my mind when I thought about favorite. Hope you enjoy!!

THE SURVIVAL KIT by Donna Freitas

When Rose’s mom dies, she leaves behind a brown paper bag labeled Rose’s Survival Kit. Inside the bag, Rose finds an iPod, with a to-be-determined playlist; a picture of peonies, for growing; a crystal heart, for loving; a paper star, for making a wish; and a paper kite, for letting go.

As Rose ponders the meaning of each item, she finds herself returning again and again to an unexpected source of comfort. Will is her family’s gardener, the school hockey star, and the only person who really understands what she’s going through. Can loss lead to love?

⭐︎ This book, wow. It has been my absolute favorite for so many years now. I still remember the day I found it at the book store. Right after I finished it, I sent an email to the author which was the beginning of little pen pal friendship. Literally all my friends read the book, I made survival kits for so many different people and even received my own one on my 18th birthday (so special). I think the idea behind it is so beautiful. I loved all the characters and the storyline even though it’s sad at some points. The Survival Kit is just so special to me and has a very special place in my heart. My absolute favorite book of all time.

Find the book on Goodreads

THE HEADSPACE GUIDE TO MEDITATION by Andy Puddicombe

Like his readers and students, Andy began his own meditation practice as a normal, busy person with everyday concerns, and he has since designed a program of mindfulness and guided meditation that fits neatly into a jam-packed daily routine – proving that just 10 minutes a day can make a world of difference.

Accessible and portable, The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness offers simple but powerful meditation techniques that positively impact every area of physical and mental health: from productivity and focus, to stress and anxiety relief, sleep, weight-loss, personal relationships…the benefits are limitless. The result? More headspace, less stress. Andy brings this ancient practice into the modern world, tailor made for the most time starved among us.

⭐︎ As you know, I am really into meditation. I read this book, written by Andy Pussicombe, the founder of Headspace, last summer and it really opened my eyes. Even though I already knew a lot about meditation, I was at a point where I wasn’t really progressing and it felt like Andy just knew what I was going through, gave tips and advice on how to progress. I also loved reading about his own journey and how he got into meditation. Such a good, inspiring and helpful book!

My Book Review ⎪ Find the book on Goodreads

GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS 1+2 by Francesca Cavallo & Elena Favilli

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is a children’s book packed with 100 bedtime stories about the life of 100 extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the world. This book inspires girls with the stories of great women, from Elizabeth I to Serena Williams.

⭐︎ So much love for these books. Sometimes I just go through them because the illustrations themselves are absolutely stunning. I liked the books so much because, first of all, they are really pretty and second of all, they are so encouraging, informative and inspiring. Sometimes I am not in the mood for reading a whole biography about a person’s life and that’s when books like Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls come in handy. I also can’t wait to read them to my own kids one day. Such inspiring and important books.

Find my book reviews here and here ⎪ Find the books on Goodreads: here and here

THE COURAGE TO BE DISLIKED BY Ichiro Kishimi

Using the theories of Alfred Adler, one of the three giants of twentieth century psychology, this book follows an illuminating conversation between a philosopher and a young man. The philosopher explains to his pupil how each of us is able to determine our own life, free from the shackles of past experiences, doubts, and the expectations of others. It’s a way of thinking that is deeply liberating, allowing us to develop the courage to change, and to ignore the limitations that we and those around us have placed on ourselves. The result is a book that is both highly accessible and profound in its importance. Millions have already read and benefitted from its wisdom.

⭐︎ I read/listened to The courage to be disliked last year after my neighbor recommended it to me. I really enjoyed the way the book was structured and liked how refreshing it felt to other philosophy/psychology or self-help books. The book is basically a conversation between an old philosopher and a young man. They talk about life, about how to find lasting happiness and our true selves. The german audiobook was so fun to listen to (I really enjoyed the two speakers) and I will definitely reread the book soon. Also saw that he came out with another book I am really excited to get into.

Find the book on Goodreads

BECOMING by Michelle Obama

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.

⭐︎ Like I said before I am not a huge biography person. In fact, I think that this one is the first I finished and as you can guess, I enjoyed a lot. In my opinion, everyone should read or listen to Michelle Obama’s story. I liked and appreciated her as a person before but after reading the book I completely adore her and she definitely became a role model of mine. Becoming has been one of the most inspiring, motivating and empowering books I’ve ever read. While reading I felt like I was in the middle of everything. Michelle Obama is such an honest, hard-working, generous and friendly woman, someone to look up to and I would recommend reading / listening to Becoming to everyone. Btw, I decided to listen to the book because she herself is the speaker of the audiobook and it made the whole experience even more special.

Find the book on Goodreads

VOM ENDE DER EINSAMKEIT von Benedict Wells

Jules und seine beiden Geschwister wachsen behütet auf, bis ihre Eltern bei einem Unfall ums Leben kommen. Als Erwachsene glauben sie, diesen Schicksalsschlag überwunden zu haben. Doch dann holt sie die Vergangenheit wieder ein. Ein berührender Roman über das Überwinden von Verlust und Einsamkeit und über die Frage, was in einem Menschen unveränderlich ist. Und vor allem: eine große Liebesgeschichte.

⭐︎ Vom Ende der Einsamkeit habe ich ja erst vor kurzem gelesen und es musste einfach auf die Liste meiner Lieblingsbücher. Ich hab mich in den Schreibstil verliebt und denke noch oft über die Geschichte nach. Während dem Lesen hat man sich einfach so in die Charaktere reinversetzen können und ich hab mich immer als Teil der Geschichte gefühlt. Die Charaktere habe ich auch ins Herz geschlossen und ich finde einfach, dass das dich weniger allein fühlen lässt. Habe es sehr geliebt.

Rezension ⎪ Find the book on Goodreads (also available in English)

THE LUX SERIES by Jennifer L. Armentrout

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring… until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something… unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

⭐︎ This series was the reason why I started blogging. I read Obsidian (the first book of the Lux series) and totally fell in love with the characters and the world they were living in. Katy inspired me to start a book blog since she had her own and that has always been something I loved and appreciated about her. Finally, someone I could totally relate to and who made book blogging cool (when I read the books, I wasn’t so confident about being into books, silly I know). Oh, and Daemon. If you know you know. He will always have a special part of my heart as he was my first #bookboyfriend.

If you haven’t read the series yet, start now. You won’t regret it.

Find the first book on Goodreads

 

What is your favorite book?