Books I've Read Lately #11 - 40 in 2019

I truly believe in continued learning and one of the best ways to be continually educating yourself is definitely achieved through reading. With each book read, it has the ability to refine your knowledge and shape your mindset for the better. 

So I'm back again with a recap on 5 books I've read lately! There are some seriously good reads in here so I can't wait to share some of these goodies with you!

Books I've Ready Lately #10 - 40 in 2019

"You must feed your mind with reading material, thoughts, and ideas that open you to new possibilities. What I love most about reading: It gives you the ability to reach higher ground. And keep climbing." - Oprah

I wanted to open this post with the above quote from an Oprah book we will discuss later because it speaks volumes (pun intended) of the importance of reading and why I am so passionate about it.

So we're at the start of the second quarter of the year, and that means we're already 1/4 of the way through 2019! So I thought it would be timely to wrap up all the books I've read lately! The goal larger goal is to read 40 this year, but in an even broader sense, I suppose the goal is to feed my mind with new ideas and to open myself to new ways of thinking as the above quote from Oprah explains.

So I'm going to be recapping the books that I have read lately, as briefly as I can while still giving them justice because there are some fantastic books to go through here.

Books I’ve Read Lately #9 - 40 in 2019

This year so far has been AMAZING in terms of books! I have found some absolute favourites already so I can’t wait to tell you all about them. 

Something I recently realised was that most books have one key message – any easy bite sized take away that encapsulates the true meaning of the book. It’s the one concept that is explained over and over using different examples and ways of describing the same key advice.

Because this is the first instalment of this series for my 2019 reading list, I thought I would shake things up a little and this year I will be including details of every book’s main message, key takeaways and sharing how I rate the book.

It’s also incredibly valuable for me to reflect upon each book I read because it not only refreshes my memory or allows the message to seriously sink in but it’s also a great reference point for me to re-visit in the future.

Books I’ve Read Lately #8 - 40 in 2019 Challenge

Welcome to the first ‘Books I’ve Read Lately’ for 2019! I’m wrapping up the last 4 books I read in 2018! 

One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to read 40 books this year, upping the ante from my goal last year of 30! It’s certainly not just about the number of books but rather the quality they add to my life but I like to keep myself accountable with measurable goals and 40 seems like a nice step up from last year.

I love this series because not only do I get to share with you my thoughts on each book but I also include key takeaways so that you understand the main concepts to determine whether you would enjoy reading it also. Without further ado let’s get into the last 4 books I read in 2018..

The Reading List - 30 Books in a Year

Do you want to get smarter and increase your understanding in 2019? Do what I did this year and read 30 books for a guaranteed way to top up your knowledge. You can even use my list of books read this year as your 2019 reading list. 

If you follow my 'Books I've Read Lately' series you will already be well aware of the challenge I set for myself this year to read 30 books in 2018. I am about to successfully pull it off and thought that I would pull together my reading list from the year. I have split the books up based on the timeline I read them, sharing each edition of the series with you as I went. 

30 books turned out to be surprisingly easy to read so I'm going for 40 in 2019! I read a huge array of authors and genres so this variety kept things interesting and expanded my knowledge in a number of areas. I mostly prefer to read self-help and personal development type books on mindsets, habits and beliefs but I also peppered in some autobiographies, fables, all time classics and even some poetry.

Read on for my list of books read in 2018 and if one catches your eye, click on the edition it is under and you will be sent to my review of the book.

Let's get into it...

Books I've Read Lately #6 - 30 in 2018 Challenge

We are about the enter the last quarter of the year and are coming closer to the finish line of 30 books read in 2018! 

I feel like 30 has been the perfect number to aim for because it has put constant pressure on me to read but hasn’t been unbearable or an impossible time frame. There are also SO many incredible books out there, I wish I could just sit down and read non-stop over the space of a month.

 I got quite into Podcasts this month so relied on the physical books I was reading. I have some awesome ones to tell you about with my review, quotes from the books, major takeaways etc…so let’s get stuck into it.

Books I've Read Lately #5 - 30 in 2018 Challenge

AND I’m back again to share some recent reads! All as part of the challenge I set for myself at the beginning of the year to read 30 books in 2018! 

I’m current reading my 22nd and 23rd book at the moment but let's get into my previous 4 reads. We have some good ones!

5 Books I’ve Read Lately #4 - 30 in 2018 Challenge Update

Well let’s see here. It’s that time again where I run you through the books I have read lately. My aim is to not only give you the down-low on if they’re worth the read but also share the key takeaways and lessons learned from me reading the book. 

So we are now half way through the year and I am kicking goals on my aim to read 30 books in 2018 because I’m already at 20! I’m shocked that I’ve read that much this year but at the same time, I feel like I’m always reading and numerous books at once so I suppose it only makes sense. Either way, I am really happy to be reaching my goal to read consistently and I can always feel the incredible benefits reading has brought to my life this year.

Books I’ve Read Lately #3

By the time I have gotten around to writing this post, I could almost give you another 4 books that I’ve read even more recently. Let’s just say that you will also have to tune in to the next edition of this series to find out. 

BUT these 4 books I read lately were amazing and I needed to tell you all about them. We have a couple of mindset altering self help books (some of the best I have ever read), an autobiography and Elizabeth Gilbert’s latest best seller. Let’s get into it shall we…

Items Boss Babes Carry Around - Things Smart Girls Keep In Their Purse

If you lead a busy lifestyle, more often than not you are probably on the go from one thing to a next.

Which means you likely live out of your handbag or car – I know the struggle all too well. Which is why I'm sharing the things I carry around that boost my productivity and leave me prepared for any situation I might face.

Read on for these top things to keep in your purse and be ready for any opportunity that comes your way whether it be sneaking in a workout, catching a lecture while on the go, spending more time reading, making business connections or taking care of your health.

Sunglasses and Lipstick
These two things can lift your confidence from 1-10 faster than you can say “omg is that the cute guy I met last week, I look like shit. Quick, hide”.

Books I’ve Read Lately #2

One of my 2018 goals was to read a lot more and get through a minimum of 30 book before the year is out. I am really proud with the progress that I have been making with this goal and am very confident that I will go well over the 30 book mark by the end of year.

So into the good stuff…the books that I have finished up reading or have been listening to Lately. Side note - Audible is actually one of my favourite things ever but I don’t want to rely too much on listening to books and want a good balance between that and actually reading a physical book. I don’t know why but I feel like listening to a book is sort of cheating but I can’t help but love being able to “read” while on my daily commute to and from work.

I have a pretty good mix of books in this list and they cover a variety of topics. I’ve also started assigning a rating out of 5 after I have finished each book so I will include that from now on in these posts.  

Books I've Read Lately - 30 Books in 2018 Challenge

One of my goals for 2018 is to read 30 new books and I thought it would not only keep me accountable but also be a great way to share book ideas with you! 

I already somewhat  kicked off this series at the end of 2017 with my post recommending books to read over the holiday period, which you can read here.

So let's get into the books I've been reading so far in January 2018!