Reading what is that? There was a time when I read a book a month. Sadly, the internet, social media and streaming networks seem to suck up all my time. And my bus commute is only 15 minutes, not a lot of time to read. And sorry not a fan of listening to books.
But in 2019, I am determined to read more than two books. Last year I read Crazy Rich Asians (recommend it highly) because I wanted to read it before the movie Crazy Rich Asians (SEE IT if you haven’t already) the movie was released.
The second book was “Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House.” Highly recommend as well as it offers insights into the behind the scenes of the Obama White House. It is written by Alyssa Mastromonaco who served as assistant to the president and director of scheduling and advance at the White House from 2009 to 2011 and as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for operations at the White House from 2011 to 2014. It’s funny, insightful and shows how one can actually end up working in the White House without actually planning to work in the White House.
This year, my plan is to read 4 books that is a 50% increase over 2018. 50% more sounds better than I am reading 4 books.
YOU CAN’T TOUCH MY HAIR BY Phoebe Robinson
Who is Phoebe Robinson you say? She is a comedian and one of the stars of Two Dope Queen’s podcast with my other favorite girl, Jessica Williams. I discovered Robinson when she and William turned their very successful podcast, 2 Dope Queens into 4 HBO specials, “2 Dope Queens.” Then I discovered Robinson had a new book out but as I went to buy Everything’s Trash, But It’s Okay, I saw she had written an earlier book, You Can’t Touch My hair: And Other Things I Have to Explain. Stay tuned but I find comedians who can write aka Tina Fey with Bossy Pants, they tend to be smart, funny and an easy read. And by the way, she impressed Michelle Obama so much when she did a 2 Dope Queens interview that she is NOW one the moderators on her sold out book tour.
BECOMING MICHELLE OBAMA 
How can I not read Becoming Michelle Obama? I went to see her speak on her book tour so this number two on my list. It was the number one selling book in 2018, flying off the shelves. From what I have heard from others, it is inspiring, interesting and a good read.
PACHINKO (National Book Award Finalist)
Pachinko tells the story of four generations of a poor Korean immigrant family in 20th century Japan. I can not wait since this book was on every newspaper’s best seller list in 2018.
China Rich Girlfriend
China Rich Girlfriend is the second in the series of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy. Since Crazy Rich Asians was a huge hit at the box office, there will be a sequel (HURRAY), so I need to read the book before the movie is released!
Book Four is to be determined
Can I get to book four? We shall see. I am not going to pick one right now because it’s only February and I am sure there will be a hit book that everyone will be reading this year so I will wait.
Bonus Book – Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up (The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up)
Japanese decluttering guru Marie Kondo is taking America by storm with her recent hit Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Read the book that started it all, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.)I am planning to get the book because it is an illustrated guide to her acclaimed KonMari Method. And I like the rest of the country is looking to declutter!!
Let’s spark JOY!!
Do you have any suggestion for my book four?
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom was not compensated for this post.
I just love to read. I’ll add some of these to my list. I couldn’t get into Crazy Rich Asians though. I tried, and it just didn’t hold my attention.
Its not usually my type of book but I was determined because I wanted to know who the characters were before the movie came out.
I tried to love Becoming but I didn’t like it *sigh* I will check out your other selections. There is a new book store that opened up in my area and I can’t wait to dive in and read something new.
I just started Becoming so we shall see. Even though I don’t usually buy anything but I still love wandering my local bookstore!
I love to read and I’m like you, I struggle finding time to read. I’m older and a history buff so I read stuff that will make people cringe. Right now I’m reading The Civil War by Shelby Foote. Its really awesome because it gives details about the people who were involved in the Civil War.
my late father was a voracious reader, not sure what he would have done if the internet had been around but he was a history buff too. He could have a conversation with any history professor anytime and anywhere. I have heard of the Civil War book. Maybe I will try for my last book to be historical in nature or non celebrity biography.
I enjoy reading and will try different books all the time to see if they are any good. Couple here I would give a read.
I still haven’t read Michelle’s book. It’s on my short list of books to read though. I can’t wait to have extra time to dive in
The extra time is tough to find. Its quite obvious that readers spend less time watching TV or being on social media otherwise I have no idea when they have time to read.
I love reading a lot but I have no time to read a book right now because I am so busy with my work and taking care of my family especially with my kids. You have a great lists of books to read and the book of Michelle Obama looks like a nice and interesting book to read, I am just hoping to have time to read a book for the coming weeks.
I hear you. I work full time and my blog is my side hustle. My goal is to try to take time during the week at work to read for 30 minutes. Its not always successful but I try!
So many great books! I promised myself I would make time to read. Michelle Obama’s book is first.
These are all such amazing book choices! I would not know which one to start reading first. You have given me a place to start for my book choices to find at the book store to start reading.
All my friends were talking about Crazy Rich Asians when the movie came out. I really want to read the book!
I just finished Becoming and really liked it. I loved learning how much we have in common. Great choice!
Just started Becoming. I wanted to read it for no other reason is that she had a life way before the 8 years we knew her as FLOTUS!
I love your reading list. I would begin it with Becoming Michelle Obama-
I guess my first pick would be the magazine about How to be Michelle Obama. the others are pretty interesting too.
I’m in the middle of reading Becoming. And after watching the movie and as an Asian, I also want to read Crazy Rich Asians. I have to grab a copy soon.
My mother was Japanese so when I first saw the trailer for Crazy Rich Asians I was so excited. Then I felt like so out of the loop when my friends of all races were its based on the series of books. So I just felt like I had to read it before the movie!
I need to get back to reading again. I like this list of books, I’ll check it out!
I have Becoming on my nightstand and am looking forward to reading it soon. You Can’t Touch My Hair sounds like a good choice too. I’ve made a conscious decision to read more and be on social media less, so far I’m happy with that choice.
I should really change up my night time routine and go back to reading before I go to sleep but I am just too tired when I come home so I just end up binge watching shows.
I’ve had the Michelle Obama book on my to-read list for forever! I need to buy it already!