I was that nerdy little girl with coke bottle glasses that begged my mom to take me to the library. I loved everything about it – the smell of old books, the people that worked there, and even the file card cabinets. Ah, the good ole’ days.
So, to celebrate National Book Lovers Day, here are my suggestions for 5 books to read now:
EGO IS THE ENEMY by Ryan Holiday
This book is essential for taming the beast from within – EGO. It can literally wreck all aspects of your life, both personally and professionally. And in this book, Ryan Holiday brilliantly lays out strategies for how to control your ego, stop seeking praise, and staying humble:
Why you should read Ego is the Enemy:
- Learn how ego is the desire to gain recognition without working for it.
- Read that unlike ego, ambition is based on a solid foundation of real achievements, regardless of accolades or applause.
- Learn about how pride fuels ego by making us feel more elite with just a single (perceived) success.
- See that ego stunts growth. “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” -Epictetus
THE LITTLE DICTIONARY OF FASHION by Christian Dior
Dior believed in three fundamentals of fashion: simplicity, grooming, and good taste. This book is full of priceless quotes and tips, including how to tie a scarf, how to dress for afternoon tea, and how to walk with grace. Keep in mind this was written in the 50’s, but classic style and poise never go out of style!
Why you should read The Little Dictionary of Fashion:
“Happiness is the secret to all beauty; there is no beauty that is attractive without happiness.” – Christian Dior
- It teaches that fashion is much more than what you put on; it’s how you wear it.
- This is a hardcover book with beautiful images and illustrations that make for a lovely gift.
- Before opening the House of Dior in 1946, Christian Dior was an officer during World War II. Who knew?
DAILY RITUALS: HOW ARTISTS WORK by Mason Currey
I’m obsessed with people’s daily routines. It’s probably because I’m not a creature of habit, so dedication to any repeated ritual is fascinating to me. If you want mere entertainment on National Book Lovers Day, read about the wacky and eccentric habits that inspired brilliant geniuses!
Why you should read Daily Rituals:
- Learn habits such as – Beethoven manually counted out exactly 60 beans for his morning coffee.
- Read about how writer Patricia Highsmith’s “office” was her bed with cigarettes, coffee, and doughnuts. She believed that leisure instead of a conventional work environment sparked creativity and inspiration. It worked; she wrote 22 novels resulting in two dozen film adaptations.
Benjamin Franklin, for example, would get up every morning and spend thirty minutes or an hour naked in his room, taking an ‘air bath’ while he read or wrote.
MAKING FACES by Kevin Aucoin
If you’re a makeup or product junkie, stop what you’re doing and BUY THIS BOOK! I would highly suggest springing for the large hardcover coffee table version because it’s just so beautiful! I was given this book in college and it’s been my go-to for tutorials and new looks I want to try.
If you're a makeup or product junkie, stop what you're doing and buy Making Faces! I was given this book in college and it's been my go-to for tutorials and new looks I want to try. Share on XWhy you should read Making Faces:
- It includes over 200 sketches and color photos
- It’s a robust educational source about what looks best for different face shapes and features.
- It’s been my go-to source over the years for different occasions like Halloween and decade parties.
THE GIRLS by Emma Cline
This book was a grab and go airport purchase since I was late to the gate, so I didn’t have time to read the back cover. I’m glad I didn’t because I wasn’t interested in reading about a cult…or so i thought. Needless to say, the 5 hour flight flew by (punny pun pun).
Why you should read The Girls:
- It’s loosely based on the infamous Charles Manson case and gives you insight on how a seemingly “normal” young girl gets drawn into the dangerous cult.
- It shows how desperation to be accepted can be the most destructive behavior.
- I don’t like watching or reading about violence. This book reads more like a character study of the people involved and how they fell deeper into being brainwashed.
Hope you enjoyed this post, and let me know if these book suggestions live up to my hype! Happy National Book Lovers Day!
Jasmin says
I’ll be definitely aDding the Making Faces on my to-Read list 🙂 thanks for sharing these suggestiOns!
Hello Whitney says
Yes, I love it! I keep coming back to it time and time again.
Katja says
Oooh i want to read the one from Christian Dior! After all, my favourite quote from him is “Happiness is the secret to all beauty.”
Katja xxx
http://www.katnapped.com
Hello Whitney says
Yes, it’s So good! I love that quote too <3
Karla says
thanks for the book recommendations! among them, i’d like to read the little dictionary of fashion. i’ve read a lot of good stories about christian dior. I’m really interested to know more about his thoughts.
Hello Whitney says
Glad you liked them! That book really is amazing and so much fun to read!
Beth says
I lovedlovedloved The girls! i also was reading it on a flight that seemed much shorter thanks to the book. 🙂 i’ll definitely have to look into your other suggestions. always down for book recs.
Hello Whitney says
I did, too! And honestly, I was a bit surprised. But it was wonderful! Thanks for reading!
Angelle says
Library visits and coke bottle glasses- I think you just described the perfect childhood. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are hoarding books from the library and filling up the tables with half-opened and half-read books. Thanks for the book recommendations.
Hello Whitney says
Yes, I completely agree! Ah, childhood <3
Kemi says
Hah! Funny this. I posted a pic of my library on IG because I’d just learnt a new word- tsundoku- which is japanese for the art of buying books and not reading them. I’m an avid bookworm but adulting has slowed my reading for a while and often, i buy books with the intention of reading and they just pile up. I currently have 5 unread ones, 2 of which are part of a 6 part series. lol.
Hello Whitney says
Oh, what a great word! I’m the same way; I forget to make time for reading. Trying to make it more of a priority!
Jessica says
I am definitely interested in Ego is the enemy, Daily Rituals, and Making Faces. I will add them to my books to read list.
Hello Whitney says
Please do! And let me know if you love them; I certainly did!
healthphreaks says
I have read “the girls” it’s a great book. i’m definitely going to add daily rituals. thanks for sharing this wonderful list
Hello Whitney says
Glad to hear that you loved it, too! <3
My Teen Guide says
I would want to read “daily rituals: How artists work.” It would be like learning from the masters, how they get and where they get the inspiration to do their work.
Hello Whitney says
Yes, that one’s so good! Hope you love it!
Sigrid Says says
This reminds me, I shall head to the bookstore for some book shopping. I now have an excuse to shop because it’s book lovers day! haha
Hello Whitney says
Yes, the bookstore is one of my favorite places! <3
The Panicked Foodie says
My reading list was getting a little low, and I am on the prowl for some new books. The one titled: “DAILY RITUALS: HOW ARTISTS WORK” looks really interesting! I frequently see articles on FAcebook and the news pertaining to rituals that successful people do, etc. I myself, do have a few rituals, but I tend to leave most of my day open and free to encourage creativity and productivity. Thanks for the book recommendations!
Hello Whitney says
Yes, that one is SO interesting! I’ve read it far too many times 🙂 Hope you enjoy!