Tag: book

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Fabulous living

Book Review-Little Fires Everywhere

Hey everyone!

Happy Tuesday. School has been keeping me busy which has left little time for reading. As much as I love to read at the end of the day, after studying and reading all day, sometimes you just need a breather. Luckily, I found a great book that made me want to read even after a full day of studying and classes.

 I know I am late to the game, but I read Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. I have heard a lot of good things about this book and with the new limited series coming out through Hulu, I knew I wanted to read it before it came out. I was at a book sale a few weeks back and picked up this book and couldn’t wait to get started. 

 First, let’s talk about the casting: Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Joshua Jackson, Jesse Williams and more. This casting made me want to read the book even more. I may just get Hulu to stream the series when it comes out in 2020. 

 Okay, now to the review. I really enjoyed this book. It took me a little over a week to finish it, I would have been done with it earlier but school and work caused me to read it in short installments. I read a little bit every day, some days more than others.

This story follows the lives of the picture-perfect Richardson family and their new mother/daughter tenants, the Warren’s. All seems to go fine when they meet and their children spend time with each other. But as the story goes on secrets are uncovered in both families, people’s pasts are brought into question, and when an adoption of a fellow neighbor goes viral, people must take sides. It’s a very complex book but it’s not confusing. It goes into the pasts of the main characters and other supporting characters are sucked into the plot as well. There are issues of motherhood, doing what’s right, friendship, and community. It takes place in the 1990’s in Cleveland, Ohio but many of the issues that are dealt with in the book could still be applicable today.  There was many twists and turns through the book and you will be wondering if all your questions get answered. The ending took me by surprise, if you have read it, what did you think?

Overall, I would give this book an A-.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sad when it was over. You know you read a good book when you aren’t ready for it to end. I can’t wait to see the mini-series when it comes out, it will be interested to see how the book compares to the series and what changes they make. 

Have you read any good books lately?! What are your favorites?! Let me know in the comments below. Happy reading friends!

Categories
Fabulous living

Year of YES

Two years ago, I read a book that made me rethink a lot of things in my life. I have been a fan of Shonda Rhimes for years, I am a huge of the tv shows she has created, so it was no surprise that when she came out with a book, I had to get my hands on a copy of it. I read Year of Yes through the course of one month. I have recommended this book to many, it’s all about saying yes to things in your life. Things that may scare you, intimidate you, or excite you, say yes to them. Rhimes chronicles saying yes to everything in one year and how by the end of the year she changed immensely. She also shared how even after the year was over she continued to say yes to things. It is truly an inspiring book.

The book

After I had finished reading it, I was inspired to start my own ‘year of yes” but I didn’t know how. So, with many things in our lives, I put it off. It wasn’t until last year, Rhimes came out with a “Years of Yes” journal, so everyone who read her book, could chronicle their own year of yes. I got the journal and decided to start my year of yes. You can start your year whenever you want, whether its January 1, or June 30. I started my Year of Yes, when I started my sophomore year of college. I had said my first big yes, YES to a new job. Starting anything new can be scary but a new job, with new people, and new responsibilities made me incredibly anxious.  I said yes and didn’t look back. This school year has flown by. I can’t believe I only have three weeks left?!

The Journal

I certainly have seen a change in myself this year so far, but my year isn’t over yet. I have said yes to new friends, new experiences, new adventures and new opportunities. I have stepped out of my comfort zone and have grown into a much better version of myself. I can successfully say I am happier now then I was last August. Stay tuned to more posts about my Year of Yes as the semester winds down, but for now this is just a tease.

Motivating quotes throughout the book

I start every day with my Years of Yes journal. The journal is set up with a topic each month to say yes to things. There is a goals section where you can map out where you want to see yourself by the end of the month. Each day is split up into three sections where you can write about the things you said yes to. Inspirational quotes by Rhimes are spread throughout the book to give you motivation if you need it. I spend 5 minutes a day on this, so it doesn’t take up much time. Whether you are an avid journaler or have never done it, give it a try.

Each month has a different topic and there is space for you to write down what things you want to say yes to or what things you want to change in that month

Each day is broken into three sections,
-The Yeses I handled today.
-What I gained by saying yes.
-What were the dark and twisty parts of saying yes.
They serve as a guide for your journaling.

It may sound cliché, but this book and journal have changed my life. Give this book a chance and start your own Year of Yes. It will change you in more ways than you thought.