One of my favorite ways to relax is to curl up and dive into a great read. 

So this past weekend I asked you to share some of your favorite books with me (thanks, btw!). I loved the recommendations I received and decided to create a list for you all! I can always count on reading to enlighten my mind, fuel more creativity and feel at ease — and I especially love when I discover one I can’t put down. So in light of everything, why not get whisked away by captivating stories, inspiring non-fictions and a pinch of wisdom together?

A Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts

Therese Anne Fowler paints a remarkable portrait of Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont in this riveting novel. A world that contrasts one of America’s great Gilded Age dynasties against desperate poverty — she “defied convention for women of her time, asserting power within her marriage and becoming a leader in the women’s suffrage movement.” Alva is “living proof that history is made by those who know the rules—and how to break them.” Wow, thank you for recommending this!

The Power of Vulnerability

Dr. Brené Brown reminds us that vulnerability isn’t synonymous with weakness. In fact, she expands on how it’s become our strongest connection to our humanity (and to each other). Dr. Brown teaches, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, empathy, creativity, and authenticity-the experiences that bring meaning to our lives,” — this couldn’t be more true and timely.

Why We Can’t Sleep

One of the most anticipated books of 2020 (I’ve heard!), “Ada Calhoun found herself in the throes of a midlife crisis… She was married with children and a good career. So why did she feel miserable? And why did it seem that other Generation X women were miserable, too?” Calhoun explores women’s new midlife crisis and reveals solutions for “how to pull oneself out of the abyss — and keep the next generation of women from falling in.” I think there’s something powerful and important about having dialogue between generation to generation and learning from each other. 

Educated

Considered a stunning and unforgettable memoir by Tara Westover — “about a young girl who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.” Just glimpses at the summary and reviews about her process of self-discovery and story has me hooked (completely!).

Tell Me Lies

Carola Lovering narrates a ”thrilling, sexy coming-of-age” romance and betrayal in this psychological fiction. Think: “The wrong one. The one you couldn’t let go of. The one you’ll never forget.” Hmm, tell me more?

The Road Less Traveled

A classic bestseller (with over 7 million copies sold) by Dr. M. Scott Peck is celebrated as “not just a book but a spontaneous act of generosity.” In short, Peck writes in a gentle way and describes the attributes that make up a fulfilled human being based on his research and personal experience. 

City of Girls

Elizabeth Gilbert (best selling author of Eat Pray Love) dazzles us again with powerful wisdom in “a spellbinding novel about love, freedom, and finding your own happiness.” I’ve also heard it “pairs well with a nice cocktail…or two.” #noted

Thank you again for sharing these with me. I know there are many others out there and I’d love to hear more, so please add your current favorites in the comment section below!

Xo, Stephanie

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Blouse: (c/o) H&M 

Pants: (c/o) H&M (and this color too!)

Necklaces: (c/o) Tiffany & Co. and Missoma

Earrings: Kenneth Jay Lane

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