There is something so divine about curling up with a good book, leaving the stress of the day behind you, and focusing on what’s currently at hand. I adore reading so much that I thought it only fitting in ‘Claire’s Current Reads’ I share with you what I am loving lately, and what I have next on my never-ending list to read.
Enjoy!
With the new year underway, I want to share what I am currently reading and what I plan to read throughout the year. The main theme of my year is to strive to be the best version of me: mind, body, and soul. Time moves so quickly and I want to re-center and slow down a bit and take in every moment that I can. My “New Year, New You” list is what I plan to incorporate throughout my normal reading this year to uplift and bring peace and joy to my life in an often crazy, fast-paced world.
Present:
The Magic – I have owned this book for YEARS and somehow I never got to it. I am very happy to say that I am really enjoying what I have read thus far. I’m excited to dive in and learn more about the power of your thoughts and the law of attraction.
Synopsis:
“One word changes everything…For more than twenty centuries, words within a sacred text have mystified, confused, and been misunderstood by almost all who read them. Only a very few people through history have realized that the words are a riddle, and that once you solve the riddle—once you uncover the mystery—a new world will appear before your eyes. In The Magic, Rhonda Byrne reveals this life-changing knowledge to the world. Then, on an incredible 28-day journey, she teaches you how to apply this knowledge in your everyday life. No matter who you are, no matter where you are, no matter what your current circumstances, The Magic is going to change your entire life!”
Future:
The Power – The second book by the author of The Magic. Just as I said above, I have owned this book for years as well and I am intrigued to start this next.
Synopsis:
“The Secret revealed the law of attraction. Now Rhonda Byrne reveals the greatest power in the universe — the power to have anything you want. In this book you will come to understand that all it takes is just one thing to change your relationships, money, health, happiness, career, and your entire life. Every discovery, invention, and human creation comes from The Power. Perfect health, incredible relationships, a career you love, a life filled with happiness, and the money you need to be, do, and have everything you want, all come from The Power. The life of your dreams has always been closer to you than you realized, because The Power — to have everything good in your life — is inside you. To create anything, to change anything, all it takes is just one thing…The Power.”
When Breath Becomes Air – When I came across this story by Dr. Paul Kalanithi my first feeling was of utter sadness. To have lost someone with such a promising future who would have contributed so much in this world is always a hard feeling to process. Once I thought about it more, I thought “Wow! How lucky to be able to leave behind something that could and would attribute positive effects for so many even longer than you could be on earth?”. I can not wait to read this, and most likely I’ll cry my way through it.
Synopsis:
“At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade’s worth of training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, and the next he was a patient struggling to live. And just like that, the future he and his wife had imagined evaporated. When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi’s transformation from a naïve medical student “possessed,” as he wrote, “by the question of what, given that all organisms die, makes a virtuous and meaningful life” into a neurosurgeon at Stanford working in the brain, the most critical place for human identity, and finally into a patient and new father confronting his own mortality. What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when the future, no longer a ladder toward your goals in life, flattens out into a perpetual present? What does it mean to have a child, to nurture a new life as another fades away? These are some of the questions Kalanithi wrestles with in this profoundly moving, exquisitely observed memoir. Paul Kalanithi died in March 2015, while working on this book, yet his words live on as a guide and a gift to us all. “I began to realize that coming face to face with my own mortality, in a sense, had changed nothing and everything,” he wrote. “Seven words from Samuel Beckett began to repeat in my head: ‘I can’t go on. I’ll go on.’” When Breath Becomes Air is an unforgettable, life-affirming reflection on the challenge of facing death and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a brilliant writer who became both.”
The Book Of Awakening – I heard about this book through the fabulous Juliet Angus and with her rave review you better believe I quickly added this to my New Year, New You list.
Synopsis:
“Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor, Mark Nepo opens a new season of freedom and joy–an escape from deadening, asleep-at-the wheel sameness–that is both profound and clarifying. His spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and to savor the beauty offered by life’s unfolding. Reading his poetic prose is like being given second sight, exposing the reader to life’s multiple dimensions, each one drawn with awe and affection. The Book of Awakeningis the result of his journey of the soul and will inspire others to embark on their own. Nepo speaks of spirit and friendship, urging readers to stay vital and in love with this life, no matter the hardships. Encompassing many traditions and voices, Nepo’s words offer insight on pain, wonder, and love. Each entry is accompanied by an exercise that will surprise and delight the reader in its mind-waking ability.”
Big Magic – This pick was to inspire my creative side. I have always loved nothing more than creating. From flowers, to art, to photography, to hair and makeup, the list goes on. I get my love of creativity from my sweet momma that can create anything and I am so happy to read Big Magic.
Synopsis:
“Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.”
The Whole Bible Story – This was a lovely surprise gift from my momma. I am constantly asking her so many questions regarding the Bible and it’s timeline so this will be perfect to read and go to.
Synopsis:
“The Bible tells a story. The events of the Bible are exciting and awe inspiring, but often the story can get lost among the laws, genealogies, and poetry. Here, Dr. William Marty retells the entire story of the Bible in one easy-to-read, chronological account. All the stories you remember, and many of those you don’t, are part of one grand narrative. It’s the page-turning story of God’s pursuit of you–one you’ll want to read again and again.”
The Bible – Need I say more? This year I am striving to spend more time just reading The Word and filling my life with the Word of God.
Synopsis:
“The most important book of all.”
XO
Claire B.
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