My Summer Reading

Remember back in the day when parents would insist on their children reading at least one book over the summer? Well, I’m sure there are some parents who still insist, while others allow their children’s minds to be occupied by gadgets and such. However, that persistence from my parents turned into a habit that died and resurrected in my adult life. About three summers ago I decided to reinstate the teachings of my parents, and pick up a book to occupy my downtime over the summer months. However, that habit has spiraled into a plethora of books throughout the summer. And whereas I know everything isn’t for everybody, here’s a brief summary of the nine books I read summer ’17.

 

 

Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It

Author: Charlamagne Tha God

 

Mouth of the South, and it just so happens that he’s from South Carolina. Charlamagne the God released his literary debut April of 2017. The memoir full of wisdom from his mentors includes his honest and eye-opening insight. The brutally honest radio disc-jockey dishes bold advice in his book with a few life-learned principals. “There are no loses in life, only lessons.” “It’s not the size of the pond but the hustle in the fish,” and “we all have privilege, we just need to access it.” It’s a true page-turner and worth every 291 pages.

 

 

The Bomb Life: My Brand. My Terms.

Author: Claire Sulmers

 

Editor-in-Chief and founder Claire Sulmers of FashionBombDaily.com, who’s one of the top 50 most influential style blogs in the world effortlessly told her story of building her brand on her terms. More than just a memoir, the Harvard graduate issued a real success story to her readers without claiming to have the magic key factors to attaining success. Claire’s key to her successful brand was hard work and determination.   “Anywhere you work, you have to understand the pecking order: who is at the top and who is at the bottom. And if you are on the bottom, you have to finesse your way to the top.”

 

 

Jump: Take the Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Life of Abundance

Author: Steve Harvey

 

After a taping of Family Feud Steve spontaneously went on a random rant to the audience members circling around the keyword Jump. The message in the rant sparked a movement and birthed the book. It also helped that the video instantly went viral racking up 58 million viewers worldwide. The inspirational book is geared to those who lack faith of jumping into the unknown of what’s next? It’s an entrepreneur’s push-guide, but able to help every individual. “Trust in yourself, in your gift, and in God.”

 

 

Between The World and Me

Author: Ta-Nehisi Coates

 

Journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates unleashed a much talked about book in 2015. As renowned author Toni Morrison put it “This is required reading.” The book beautifully tells Coates’ journey; while examining the hope of the black male life. Coates collected essays to his son makes the parallel comparison between his youth, and his sons. “You have been cast into a race in which the wind is always at your face and the hounds are always at your feet.”

 

 

The Devil Can’t Kill Me: Three Car Crashes in Three Years

Author: Devin T. Dobson

 

Probably one of the easiest reads in my life; Devin easily engages the reader effortlessly by telling his testimony. Being transparent and frank, transitioning from story to scripture. The reader receives a bible lesson attached to each amusing antidote. This powerful testimony proves the timeless bible tales of God’s true love for us, and our reason to give him continuous Glory! “As modern day Christians, we must recognize that some of our everyday frustrations are just devil inspired actions.”

 

 

The Wait: A Powerful Practice for Finding The Love of Your Life and The Life You Love

Authors: Devon Franklin, Meagan Good, with Tim Vandehey

 

Married couple Meagan Good and Devon Franklin shared their story of love and beliefs. The two co-wrote the book to inspire people to practice waiting…although your wait can be many things. The book has minor bible references, but more so, provided needed conversations. “Love and sex are two sides of the same coin.”

 

 

The Starting Guide: Your First App + Business 101 Tips  

Author: Sheena Allen

 

Have you ever wanted to start a mobile app? Well, Sheena Allen has the tips to get you started. This easy read (79 pages) helps anyone who wants to venture into the tech world. Hell, it offers advice for anyone wanting to enter into any form of business. The book makes anyone believe that they too have what it takes to start and run a mobile app.

 

The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living A Good Life

Author: Mark Manson

 

Blogger Mark Manson took his self-help knowledge to new heights teaching us all how to live a happier life by not giving an f*ck. Mason’s foul-mouth honesty, mixed with philosophy and critical thinking, is the exact opposite of every book you’ll find in its genre. Although it’s vulgar-it won’t allow you to shy away from its thought-provoking message. “Uncertainty is the root of all progress and all growth.”

 

 

I Am Number 8: Overlooked, Undervalued, but Not Forgotten by God

Author: John W. Gray

 

A random sermon preached in Rhode Island to the youth torpedoed into Gray’s book. Focusing on the story of David, the invisible eighth son and forgotten child. John brilliantly explains David’s story and how it relates to many. Those who are often overlooked and forgotten have an inspiring story too. “David’s story reveals to us that number 8’s have a God-ordained future. Number 8s are special because God created them for His purpose.”