A few years ago, I started my first Goodreads book challenge. I loved to read, but this goal originally started as developing a good habit and staying sharp. This year, I originally set a goal of 30 books and ended up increasing it to 40. As of December 31, 2019, I have read 41 books.
I read a lot of great books this year and wanted to share some of my favourites:
1. The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates
“Melinda’s unforgettable narrative is backed by startling data as she presents the issues that most need our attention—from child marriage to lack of access to contraceptives to gender inequity in the workplace. Throughout, she shows how there has never been more opportunity to change the world—and ourselves.”
My copy of The Moment of Lift is filled with highlighted excerpts that resonated with me. Melinda Gates shares her unique experiences as a career woman working at Microsoft and her work in empowering women worldwide with the Gates Foundation. Oh yes, and she’s also wife to one of the richest men in the world. I was so impressed by Melinda Gates experiences and insights and it was definitely one of my favourite reads this year.
2. Know My Name by Chanel Miller
“Know My Name will forever transform the way we think about sexual assault, challenging our beliefs about what is acceptable and speaking truth to the tumultuous reality of healing.”
This is a book that ends up staying with you after you’ve finished reading it. As I read through Chanel Miller’s memoir, I couldn’t help but think that her story could have been a friend of mine. She writes about her experience in a raw and eloquent way that helps readers understand the aftermath of what she went through and the healing process.
3. The Vagina Bible by Jen Gunter
“The Vagina Bible offers a repository of accurate information based on science, and delivered with wit and wisdom. This is the fact-based, inclusive, and empowering guide you deserve to advocate for your own body.”
This is a book that every woman must read. There are so many myths about the vagina and women have been forced to purchase products and groom their parts to make it more appealing. Dr. Jen Gunter discusses what is really important for a healthy vagina and you’d be surprised that there are a lot of products that women should avoid.
4. Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
“Three Women introduces us to three unforgettable women—and one remarkable writer—whose experiences remind us that we are not alone.”
Lisa Taddeo wrote Three Women based on her experiences as a journalist. I loved this book because it’s non-fiction, but reads like a fictional story. As a reader, you get invested in the love lives of the three very different women she writes about.
5. Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan
“In a swift and breathtaking narrative, Susannah tells the astonishing true story of her descent into madness, her family’s inspiring faith in her, and the lifesaving diagnosis that nearly didn’t happen. “A fascinating look at the disease that…could have cost this vibrant, vital young woman her life.”
At the BC Women’s Health Foundation, we’ve been educating women and men about how women are typically misdiagnosed by healthcare providers. Brain on Fire is a next level story on that speaks to how people can be dismissed and misdiagnosed by healthcare providers, specifically when it comes to mental health. Susannah was focused on her career and doctors dismissed her symptoms because of her age. It’s a scary example of how being dismissed can go incredibly wrong.
6. The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson
“With The Gown, Jennifer Robson takes us inside the workrooms where one of the most famous wedding gowns in history was created.“
It wouldn’t be a list of my favourite books without a historical fiction novel. If you love the royals and fashion, this is definitely a book for you. Jennifer Robson takes us on a fictional journey on how she imagines Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress was designed and created. When I was in London a couple of years ago, I was pumped to see the Crowned Jewels. If that’s your vibe, you will love this novel. Also, highly recommend any novel by Jennifer Robson.
My goal for 2020 is to read another 40 books. I will be sharing my recommendations on here, but you can also see what I’m reading by adding me as a friend on Goodreads.
Happy reading!
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