I’ve always loved receiving gifts. As a child, my favorite people were those who arrived home with something just for me. That feeling never faded—it grew with me. Even now, I hold a special place in my heart for those who take the time to gift me something, no matter how small.
But don’t get me wrong—this doesn’t mean gifts are my love language. In fact, when it comes to love languages, I don’t have just one. Love, to me, is fluid—shaped by the person, the relationship, and the circumstances. With some, I cherish words of affirmation. With others, I find joy simply in their company. And for a few, my love naturally takes the form of giving—whenever I see them, I instinctively bring a gift.
Last week, a good friend of mine called, and what started as a casual chat turned into a conversation that stretched for nearly two hours. We talked about everything and nothing, laughter punctuating the call. Then, in the middle of it, she said, "Hey, I’ve been reading some books I really loved. How about I get you copies so you can read them too? Then when I’m back, we can meet for a review?"
I didn’t know what to say—I was just happy. And just like that, I had new books waiting for me. She asked for my Amazon account, and within moments, I received the Kindle copies. As if that wasn’t enough, she also paid for my Spotify subscription. That night, I stayed up far too late, scrolling endlessly, soaking it all in.
And so, I’m writing this to share those books with you. When the time comes, I’ll share my thoughts, my reflections, and, hopefully, a bit of inspiration from the pages I turn:
The Rosie Project is a comedy about Don Tillman, a brilliant but socially challenged genetics professor who suffers from OCD. At thirty-nine, he is determined to find a suitable wife for himself, with the help of a carefully designed questionnaire called, The Wife Project. It is a survey to filter out the drinkers, smokers, late arrivers - all that Rosie Jarman is! As a result, Don quickly eliminates her as someone to consider for The Wife Project. However, an unlikely connection develops when both collaborate on a project to identify her biological father.
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary makes an ideal feel-good read for classic rom-com lovers. This warm and quirky romantic comedy is a story of Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey. Leon is trying to make extra money by renting out his flat at night. While Tiffy needs a decent place to live ASAP as she is trying to move out of her ex-boyfriend’s house. As a result, Leon’s flat is the only suitable option that fits her budget. And, so their story begins!
Penelope is a wife, mom, and breadwinner for her family. She’s hanging on by a thread, while her best friend seemingly has it all: an immaculate home, mild mannered child, and dashing husband. When Penelope learns that things aren’t entirely as they seem in her friend’s world, she vows to stop ignoring her own glaring domestic issues. She and her husband commit to itemizing everything they’d like to change about one another – with total and complete honesty.
The world moves fast, but that doesn’t mean we have to. This bestselling mindfulness guide by Haemin Sunim (which means “spontaneous wisdom”), a renowned Buddhist meditation teacher born in Korea and educated in the United States, illuminates a path to inner peace and balance amid the overwhelming demands of everyday life. By offering guideposts to well-being and happiness in eight areas—including relationships, love, and spirituality—Haemin Sunim emphasizes the importance of forging a deeper connection with others and being compassionate and forgiving toward ourselves.
Brandon Stanton created Humans of New York in 2010. What began as a photographic census of life in New York City, soon evolved into a storytelling phenomenon. A global audience of millions began following HONY daily. Over the next several years, Stanton broadened his lens to include people from across the world. Traveling to more than forty countries, he conducted interviews across continents, borders, and language barriers. Humans is the definitive catalogue of these travels. The faces and locations will vary from page to page, but the stories will feel deeply familiar. Told with candor and intimacy, Humans will resonate with readers across the globe—providing a portrait of our shared experience.
I don’t know which one to start with as they are all good but we’ll see. Can’t wait to share the reviews with you!
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