A Reading Retrospective

I read 38 books in 2021…a reflection on 3 that stand out

It’s impossible to end a year without doing some sort of look back. As 2021 winds down I found myself thinking back through this year in terms of the books I’ve read. As an avid reader, I’m happiest when curled up with a good book. Winter finds me on the couch with a warm blanket…in summer you’ll find me stretched out in the sun of our deck, with the company the birds, Lazarus lizards skittering about, and an occasional deer wandering through our yard (usually just as surprised to see me as I am to see it).

At the end of last year my husband asked me how any books I had read. I had no idea and realized I wished I would’ve kept count. So this year I did just that. My tally came in at 38. I love stats and data so I did the math…this comes out to roughly 3/4 of a book a week.

Lately I prefer nonfiction to fiction, favoring books on spiritual development or personal growth, and I love a good memoir. There is nothing better than getting drawn into someone’s life and learnings. The joy and pain, beauty and darkness. As I scanned my list the other day, three memoirs stood out the most. I was struck by the grit and tenacity in each, a calling, and the power of clear intentions in guiding one’s life purpose and achievement.

I started the year reading reading A Promised Land by Barack Obama. The juxtaposition of reading the former President’s reflections, growing pains and respect for the country amidst the news of attacks on the Capitol was jarring during that first week of January 2021. I was steeped in grief at the stark contrast of what was unfolding in the pages in front of me and in real life around me. I mourned for the hope and reverence with which President Obama approached his work. I deeply missed that. 

In the afternoon sunshine of warm spring days, I devoured Brandi Carlile’s Broken Horses, chronicling her journey from an impoverished family in the Pacific Northwest (short on money but rich with music) to finding success with music, love and motherhood. Her soulful music has been on my playlists for years and paired with the story of her life, it’s even lovelier than before. I loved her grit and determination and reading about her full circle moments, as she worked with and performed with her childhood heroes. After borrowing from the library* I bought the book to support her and other female authors with important stories to tell. One of my takeaways was that I naively assumed record deals or Grammys immediately meant wild success and riches. Her story reframed my thinking.

If you’ve ever felt called to get in touch with your unique purpose, consider reading The Beautiful No by Sheri Salata. Sheri was the executive producer of the Oprah Winfrey Show in its final seasons and then co-president of OWN. I can’t think of a better gig than working and creating alongside Oprah Winfrey! From being a manager at a 7 Eleven to getting an entry-level producing job for Oprah (after being turned down once before) Sheri worked her way up the to a front-row seat to the greatest spiritual teachers and experiences on the planet. She chronicles her yearning for a deeper connection to herself and why she walked away from what most would consider one of the best jobs on the planet. Her story reminded me of the importance of following our heart.

I’m ending the year as I began, with another memoir in hand: Dave Grohl’s The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music. I borrowed it for my husband but haven’t let him read it yet. Growing up I listened and watched Nirvana birth a cultural shift in music and society. I dug into Dave’s story interested to know more about this icon who has kept on rocking. Though only a quarter of the way through a common thread is already apparent: clarity of intent and a deep and determined desire to bring dreams to life. I can’t wait to keep reading.  

Memoirs always leave me wondering about the story I want to write with my own life. What are the dreams I’ve been setting aside or new chapters I’m afraid to bring to life? As the great Maya Angelou said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside us.”

Know any memoirs or other good books I should read in 2022? I have my sights on reading more next year…maybe a book a week.

* I’d be remiss not to mention how much I love my local library. Sometimes I walk out, my arms weighed down with books, amazed that such a place exists.