New Books You Need To Read RN If You’re Trying To Turn Over A New Leaf
Eva Taylor Grant
Whether or not the leaves are changing where you live right now, chances are you’re settling into a different pace now that fall is approaching. And whether you’re a mama anticipating the end of summer vacation, or simply needing a bit of a refresh as the sun sets earlier and earlier, a little bit of perspective-realignment is probably in the cards.
So whatever the reason, if you’re looking to shake things up, it doesn’t need to be as major a change as you might think. Transforming your life as a new season approaches can be as simple as a mindset shift. And while there are all sorts of ways to adjust your lifestyle to feel more grounded, mindful, or free, sometimes the simplest answer to what you need is the right one. Maybe you just need the added perspective of a really good book.
These particular titles, all of which are relatively new (from four years old to hot off the press), will help you turn over a new leaf — in whatever way feels right for you.
"The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering" by Marie Kondo
Of all the books on this list, “The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up” has been around the longest: a whole four years. And if you’ve ever heard the adage about decluttering your house by removing things that don’t bring you joy, this is where it came from. Whether you are already looking to do some re-organizing, or just looking for ways to bring concrete change to your daily life, this book is an enchanting, but practical, place to start.
Plus, the author Marie Kondo is a real-life cleaning consultant with a three-month waiting list. And none of her clients have “lapsed.”
"What A Time To Be Alone" by Chidera Eggerue
If you’ve been feeling lonely or alone, some comfort is here. You may know Chidera Eggerue by her social media presence as The Slumflower, the stunning powerhouse behind the #SaggyBoobsMatter movement. In her new book, which has been out less than a month, she intertwines Igbo proverbs from her mother and her original artwork with incredible advice on how to celebrate yourself, get rid of other people’s demons, and build a sense of togetherness by cultivating healthy relationships.
Not only will “What A Time To Be Alone” be the next star of your coffee table, but it will also be the kind of book you can open up over and over again whenever you need a jolt of self-reflection.
"Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Unfortunately, Michelle Obama’s highly-anticipated first book doesn’t come out until November 13, but don’t stop reading here. It’s available for pre-order, and there’s a pretty high chance that you will want this book the minute it comes out.
You may not be able to draw exact parallels to your life in Michelle Obama’s deeply personal memoir, but the book can help you add some perspective to whatever ways you’re trying to bring balance into your own life. Michelle Obama has done everything. Reading this, you may be able to access the ways you can too.
"Spineless: The Science of Jellyfish and the Art of Growing A Backbone" by Juli Berwald
This 2017 title is perfect for those intrigued by science, the universe, and how our lives interact with the world around us.
“Spineless” explores author Dr. Juli Breward’s personal story of leaving her ocean science career to raise a family in landlocked Texas before being called back to her passion again, through research on jellyfish that brought her on a journey around the world. Through this book, you’ll learn about jellyfish science, yes, but more than that, you can turn a new leaf by understanding, on a deeper level, that we share a collective responsibility for the wellbeing of our planet.
"Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life" by Cleo Wade
Cleo Wade is one of Instagram’s favorite poets. She is also the author of this beautiful book of poetry, mantras, and other wisdom, released in spring 2018. Beautifully illustrated, “Heart Talk” isn’t all about lofty ideas, but delves into digestible, relatable, and practical advice for the empath.
If you’ve been struggling to put your feelings into words and are ready to do some digging, then Wade’s book is perfect for you. Carry it around this fall, and pull it out when you need a pick-me-up.
"How to Be a Person in the World: Ask Polly's Guide Through the Paradoxes of Modern Life" by Heather Havrilesky
If you’re seeking guidance, but can’t quite figure out how to access relatable advice to match your tongue-in-cheek sensibility, this 2017 bestseller by The Cut’s beloved Ask Polly (Heather Havrilesky) might be just what you need. Havrilesky explores women’s greatest confusions with frankness and humor, getting you the answers you need without a sense of lofty self-importance.
Whether you’re a superfan of the column, or just looking for an insightful bedtime read, “How To Be A Person In The World” is a perfect fall read.
"The Moth Presents All These Wonders: True Stories About Facing the Unknown" by Catherine Burns
Maybe this fall you’re trying to answer some big questions. Let this compilation of stories from storytelling phenomenon The Moth guide you on that journey. It doesn’t matter if you’ve listened or attended their live shows, or are already fans of contributors Neil Gaiman, Tig Notaro, or Hasan Minhaj. All that matters is you, too, are searching for sense in the unknown.
This collection of stories is perfect to read bit-by-bit if you’re particularly busy, and has enough of a variety of perspectives to keep you learning and tapping into different parts of your brain every time you open the pages.
Eva Taylor Grant is a writer, cancer survivor, and advocate. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Girlboss, and MAED, among others.
