This 2022, I was able to read (over) 60 books and I couldn’t be any more satisfied. It is not about the number, really, but the stories I have come across this year, and some I resonated with, others I dnf (did not finish), and others that made me swoon and/or bawled my eyes out.
Like I have always said, books can take us all to different places–reading is always an adventure. This year, here are my handpicked books and stories that I have resonated with (in no particular order):
1. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
It is about a chemist-turned-cooking show host, Elizabeth Zott, and her and women’s place in society in the early 1960s. As a woman, there are many battles we fight for especially if we are both with a career and a child (she’s in, too). Elizabeth Zott even walked me through having a smaller circle with the only ones who matter, and I can definitely relate to that because, in reality, that is what I also do.
I was glad I persevered reading the book because, in some way, somehow, I could definitely resonate with it. I was even crying at the end of the book as if it was a relief that I’d been longing for, especially for Elizabeth Zott. I could not think of a better ending for her than how this book concluded it.
Sure, grit was critical, but it also took luck, and if luck wasn’t available, then help.
Elizabeth Zott, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This line below in the book made me laugh because I KNOW SO MANY PEOPLE! Haha
While stupid people may not know they’re stupid because they’re stupid, surely unattractive pople must know they’re unattractive because of mirrors.
Elizabeth Zott, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Or something to think about, perhaps?
Religion is based on faith. But you realize, that faith isn’t based on religion.
A conversation between Madeline Zott and Reverend Wakely
And of course, what I will always put in mind:
Courage is the root of change–and change is what we’re chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others’ opinions of what you can and cannot achieve. And no more allowing anyone to pigeonhole you into useless categories of sex, race, economic status, and religion. Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what you will change. And then get started.
Elizabeth Zott, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
2. Class Mom by Laurie Gelman
INCREDIBLY FUNNY! I laughed out loud at every chapter. As a mother with a child in preschool, I can resonate with Jen Dixon on how motherhood is in the presence of PTA association. Hehehe!
I love her witty comebacks and the e-mails she sends. Tell you what, when my child was about two to three years old, I’d always like to be a PTA President (same with Jen Dixon) because I think it was a whole round of leadership style to be done altogether (and of course, the bragging rights, come on)–I have joined a local organization’s board of directors already, risen in the academic ladder, and belted out leadership strengths through handling a huge team, and many other training and roles as a leader; but I felt that the dynamic of leading doting mothers is a 360-degree haul for me and I was challenged by that. HOWEVER, everything changed when my kid went to pre-school, and hello! yes! Jen Dixon, I NOW UNDERSTAND. My desires are off the table and I think I enjoy more being at the receiving end of all messages-to-parents I receive. Hehe
I purchased the title from National Book Store (NBS) Warehouse Sale shop via Shopee for only Php50! Really, a good buy.
3. What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20 by Tina Seelig
I wish I read this book when I was 20. As an entrepreneur, I have learned so many good things from this book that I know will help me in my future endeavors. If you’re 20 or in your 20s, much better if you are in your teens, take time to read the book and it will help you have a grasp of reality there is and how you can able to survive and manage, at least.
The book is easy-to-read. Take some notes, too!
4. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Reading this book made me feel like I was part of the group, Daisy Jones & The Six. Sometimes, I do think, that maybe we are Daisy Jones at some point. This book, through the lines by Taylor Jenkins Reid, can transport you to how it was before in your life, well at least for me, I felt like my vulnerable self, then I was transported to the present, and I don’t have any words for the past but to thank “it” that “it” happened.
When you really love someone, sometimes the things they need may hurt you, and some people are worth hurting for.
from Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
And, in case you are wondering:
Women will crush you, you know? I suppose everybody hurts everybody, but women always seem to get back up, you ever notice that? Women are always still standing.
from Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I do believe in this and maybe you should, too? Hehe. In my experience, it is always almost true.
Handsome men that tell you what you want to hear are almost always liars.
from Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
In case you need a reminder:
“I’m not perfect. “I’ll never be perfect. I don’t expect anything to be perfect. But things don’t have to be perfect to be strong.”
from Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I know for sure there are a lot of books and even movies you can also resonate with. This year was an adventure for me and I am lucky to come across these books and/or novels that impacted me in all good ways possible; hence, I was glad to share.
I may be a little dormant this 2022, blogging and writing-wise, (I am currently onto my dissertation soon), but I hope 2023 will be better for me. Remembering how it was in 2010 when I first started this page of mine, they gave me more satisfaction than cringe, actually. This is probably for another entry, I suppose. Hehe. And here you go, four books I resonated with this year. What’s yours?
Shainne Hostalero 