I don’t remember exactly where my love for books came from, but I have always enjoyed reading. I remember going to the library after school and becoming fascinated with encyclopedias, which back then were like google locked in a huge book. I would stay there reading until it was near closing. 

They were also nights where my mother would turn the lights out, but that didn’t stop me from reading. I would grab a flashlight and go under the covers to continue reading my book. These are fond childhood memories I would cherish forever.  

As I got older and my responsibilities grew, my reading has become less. However, I still enjoy a good read from time to time. Here are some amazing books I’ve read throughout the years that have stuck with me.

• The Joy Luck Club 

• Becoming 

• The Glass Castle 

• An American Marriage 

• Kindred

• The Collapse of Parenting 

• The Darkest Child 

• The Alchemist 

The Joy Luck Club: Author Amy Tan 

The Joy luck club is one of my favorite books, it is about four Asian immigrant mothers raising their American daughters. This book explores the sometimes tense relationships between mothers and daughters. It also shows how hard it is to preserved heritage and culture in a foreign country. I think mothers of all cultures would appreciate this book. 

Becoming: Author Michelle Obama

Is an Autobiography of the former First Lady Michelle Obama. She shared experiences from her childhood and the things that shaped her to become the person she is today. I love this book, because she also talked about balancing work life and motherhood.

The Glass Castle: Author Jeanette Walls 

This book was fascinating, It’s a Memoir of Jeanette walls as she tells us about her and her siblings family struggle. Her dad's battle with alcohol, and her mom considered herself to be free -spirited. This left the children to fend for themselves at times. This book has so many deeper layer to it, its a must read.

An American Marriage: Tayari Jones

This book is the truth! it’s about a middle-class African American family who lives in Atlanta. The husband is wrongfully accused of rape, causing their lives to turn upside down. This book gave me goosebumps about racial profiling and what a black man has to face every day living in America. It also has some personal twists about marriage and commitment.

Kindred: Author Octavia E Butler 

I love Octavia Butler and kindred didn’t disappoint, this book is about a young woman Dana. She time travel to the past where she became a slave on her ancestor Rufus Weylin plantation. I love how Butler uses time travel in the novel, this shows how it is important to keep the past present, as it relates to slavery.

The collapse of parenting: Author Dr. Leonard Sax

Dr. Leonard Sax is been a family physician and psychologist for 27 years, This book provides both warning and encouragement as it relates to parenting. Lets face it parenting didn’t come with a manual, we all are trying raise great humans who one day contribute to society.

The Darkest Child: Author Deloris Phillips

This book captivated me from beginning to end. it’s about a thirteen-year old girl name Tangy Mae Quinn. She is the darkest
among her ten siblings, her mother hates her because of her darkness. Even though her mother is physically and mentally abusive Tangy is the smartest of all her siblings. She is selected as the first to be integrated into a white school, and sees this as opportunity to change her life.

The Alchemist: Author Paulo Coelho

 The Alchemist is about a simple young sheepherder who journeys through the Egyptian desert in search of worldly treasures. As he encounters obstacles along the way he listens to his heart and follows the signs which allowed him to overcome hurdles. I love this book because it shows no what matter what you face you should always pursue your dreams.

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite books. Share your favorite books in the comments