LET’S LOOK: FAVORITE READS

Happy Wednesday friends!  Today is Let’s Look Day, where the second Wednesday of every month I link up with Mix and Match Mama, and A Little Bit of Everything Blog and we discuss a different question each month.

Today we are looking at….our favorite reads!  I have been looking forward to this one because I have so many books I have read over the years that I deem my favorites of all time, and I love any chance to share them with others.   With that being said, let me just say, I am soooo picky when it comes to books.  I often read like 4 at a time because I get bored with them easily if they aren’t amazing.  I know a book is good when it’s the only one I want to keep going back to.  So, I am sharing those books that I have read throughout my life that I could.not.put.down!   I have a such a wide variety so hopefully there will be one that interests you too!  Okay, so let’s jump right in!

Battlefield of the Mind – Joyce Meyer

I am starting with this one because you guys, it is hands down THE best book I have ever read.  It’s the book that any time someone says “what’s your favorite book?” It comes to mind.  This book changed my life.  I truly feel this book was sent to me from God.  I will never forget the day I bought it.  I was in the book section of Wal-Mart years ago (like seriously 15 years ago) looking for something new to read when a total stranger in the aisle, out of no where, told me to read this book.  I took his advice and bought it and could not put it down.  As the title suggests it’s all about how our mind can really either help us or hurt us, to put it simply.  What we think we attract, but obviously it’s not as simple as just thinking positively, and thus we are in constant battle with the mind.

I don’t know if it’s the fact that I was in my early twenties and just totally unaware of the law of attraction and positive thoughts, or if I just needed something to help me harness it, but you guys I read this book and it totally changed my outlook on life.  It changed the way I thought of things, expected things, went for things.  To say it was mind blowing is an understatement. I’ve actually been thinking of reading it again because over the years I think I have probably lost some of what this book taught me.  So, I had to list this one first because it’s my all time favorite book ever.

He’s Just Not That Into You – Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

So don’t laugh, because this book is so old, and has been made into a movie (which I equally love) but you guys, there is so much truth in this book!  I read it in one day and that NEVER happens!  This is another one I read probably 15 years ago but again, when I think best books ever, I think this one.  I have hung onto this book in case I ever have daughters, or to share with my niece because everyone, girls especially, needs to read this book.  I love that it doesn’t sugarcoat anything.  It’s the best kind of tough love that everyone needs to hear and it’s what we all know to be true, but so often don’t want to believe (at least as a teenager/girl in her 20’s I didn’t).  If he’s not calling, not proposing, not asking you out, etc.  HE’S NOT INTO YOU!! And as Justin Long so perfectly puts in the movie version….if a guy is genuinely interested in you, he will find you, call you, reach out to you, etc. (or something along those lines).  Ahhh so much truth and honesty when I read this years ago, it was freeing.  You learned who was really into you and who wasn’t and could stop wasting your time.

Girl Wash Your Face – Rachel Hollis

I mean, you knew this one was going to be on here right?  Can I even go a day without mentioning her name?  As you know I am all about the personal development life because I truly believe that if we aren’t growing, we’re dying.  It doesn’t matter if you sit at home and enjoy playing solitaire all day by yourself, you can do better.  You can play that game better.  We can all do and be more or be better versions of our current selves, and that is exactly what Ms. Rachel Hollis drives home.  It’s the most uplifting, go after what you want, improve what you want to improve, book I’ve ever read.  This one, in my opinion is an absolute must read for everyone. Her second book, Girl Stop Apologizing drops in March and I cannot wait!

Bitter Is The New Black – Jen Lancaster

Let me start this by saying, I never read a book twice.  Never, ever, ever, read books twice.  Battlefield of the Mind and Girl Wash You Face are two I will definitely read again for their personal development aspect, but this book right here…..I will read this one again anytime I need to be entertained.

This is another book that I finished in record time.  I could not put this one down!  It’s a memoir of sorts about Jen (the author) who gets laid off from her high paying, big wig job, and has to scramble to find a job and make money, as she was used to living off a sizeable income.  Friends, I have never laughed out loud reading a book, the way I have with this one.  Her writing style, combined with her real life experiences just make for the most entertaining, totally feel like you are there, laughing with every page, read you’ll ever have.  She has since gone on to write so many other books, but this one will always be my favorite.

Behind Closed Doors – B. A. Paris

I read this one over a year ago and am still talking about it!  Prior to reading this one it had been a really long time since I read a good fictional book that I couldn’t put down, but this one had me reading non stop because I couldn’t wait to see how it ended.  It’s a suspense/thriller of sorts, and at times I found myself getting mad at the female character, but not more than the disgust and despise I had for the main character, and ahhhh if Bitter is the new Black had me laughing, then this one had me yelling and wanting to come personally deal with this situation myself.  I won’t say any more because I don’t want to give anything away, but trust me you will love this book!

Should We Fire God – Jim Pace

This is one of those books that the entire time I was reading it I found myself saying, YES!  It’s one that I wanted to somehow store every explanation he made for why bad things happen in the world, or why we go through certain things, and life isn’t always perfect, just so I could reiterate it all verbatim, to people in hard times when they need to hear it.  He makes so many incredible points about why we don’t live perfect lives, and why things occur and how it works with God’s plan.  If you are one that seeks some answers to the tough why’s of this world, or you just want a better understanding, or want to have some knowledge to be able to share with others in their times of doubt, this is the book for you.  I own two copies, it’s that good.

Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny – Holly Madison

Well I didn’t mean to go from God to a Playboy bunny, but ending things on a light note, I have to just say I am a sucker for autobiographies and memoirs.  Along with personal development, they are my favorite books to read.  Maybe I’m nosy, or curious, but I love reading about the life of famous people, and getting the “inside scoop” and friends, this one did not disappoint!  I used to watch the show The Girls Next Door, about the playmates living with Hugh Hefner (mainly his 3 main girls) and Holly was one of them.  Watching the show you just naturally wonder what in the world really goes on inside the Playboy mansion and are these girls seriously in love with a man 3 or 4 times their age??  So when this book dropped, you better believe I couldn’t wait to read it.  And let me just say, wow….all my curiosities were answered.  This book was juicy, detailed, not the most flattering for Hugh (or the girls really), and just had all the makings of a good tell all.  I simply could not put it down.  So if you’re looking for a good true story, this one is it.

Alright you guys, that’s our look into my favorite reads.  Again, I’m super picky so if a book makes it onto my favorites list, you know it’s good.  What are some of your favorites?  Drop a comment below or visit me over on Instagram @_jillkoch_ to share with me there.  See you back here Friday, and have a great Valentine’s Day!

Jill

xo, Jill