By Dalila ThomasIt’s probably safe to say we can all stand to read a little more. And with time NOT on our side these days, what we read is all the more important. From self-help and career to fitness and cooking, it can get pretty redundant. But there are a great deal of books out there that incorporate personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs that help teach women, particularly Black millennials, a thing or too.
300 Sandwiches: A Multilayered Love Story…with Recipes by Stephanie Smith
One day, a girlfriend made her boyfriend a sandwich. And when she made it, his response was, “Honey, I think you’re, like, 300 sandwiches away…from an engagement ring. So the girlfriend, Stephanie Smith, began her journey – and wrote about it. Hey, if that’s not enough to make you wonder how it ended, I don’t know what is. And as you may have guessed by the title, the read doubles as a recipe book. Pretty clever! Side note: Smith also has a blog that’s just as good as the book.
Effortless Style by June Ambrose
When I think of the Black Millennial woman, there’s no way I don’t associate her with fashion. Whether you consider yourself a fashionista or just like a little razzle dazzle every now and again, clothes are our second skin and what we wear ultimately represents us. And June Ambrose’s Effortless Style is the perfect go to for every occasion no matter your style. Even if you don’t read the book to its entirety, it’s the perfect go to when you’re in a fashion pickle.
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
The first thing I thought after reading this is, “Okay, she gets me.” Bad Feminist sheds light on what I like to call the modern day feminist, not quite the cookie-cutter representation that most people associate with the word feminist but pro-women nonetheless. With the perfect amount of seriousness and humor, it’s easy to see why this page turner is a favorite for many women who are all for girl power but maybe not burning bras.
Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland
By now, most of you are familiar with Misty Copeland. She recently became the first African-American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. But it wasn’t smooth sailing for the ballerina, whose journey to greatness came with trials, tribulations, and many tears. This memoir about beating the odds is sure to give anyone a surge of inspo, dancer or not.
Get Yours: How to Have Everything You Ever Dreamed Of and More by Amy DuBois Barnett
I like to refer to this book as the Holy Trinity (and then some) because it wraps up pretty much all of the above. For those of you who aren’t familiar, Amy Dubois Barnett is the former editor-in-chief of Ebony Magazine and now holds a position at ESPN. Not only does this book delve into her non-traditional journey into becoming a writer, she shares her ups and downs in the industry, dating, and even gives key financial advice. What’s best is that after each subject, Barnett, having met so many people in her field, allows some of her friends (mostly celebrities) who have excelled in that particular subject to give advice. So much expertise packed into one book!
Whether you need some insight, advice, a giggle, or a need to get lost in someone else’s life, pick up one of these (or any) great reads. It’s like my dad always says, “Readers are leaders!”
Photo: Shutterstock
Dalila Thomas is a regular contributor to For Harriet.
