Do you know that feeling you get when you go into something knowing the bare minimum and it ends up being the most incredible experience?

A quirk of mine is that I absolutely love going into a story blind. Could be a book, a movie, an event; there’s something special about not knowing exactly what you’re getting yourself into, having a vague idea of something to then dive deeper.

The twist is that, at the same time that excitement is a big part of what comes with the ‘unknown’, we can also fall in the trap of wasting valuable time on things that are not worth it.

Keeping that in mind, books, movies, shows, podcasts, will be a big part of what we talk about here. I consume a lot of media and I am excited to share some of them with you.

The idea for this is to give quick and open-ended reviews, followed by three words or phrases that summarize the experience of it. I will offer suggestions for some of my favorite reads, movies and more, giving away just enough for you to decide if it is something worth your time, without giving away parts of the story.

Isn’t it amazing when a book ‘arrives’ in your life at the right time? I find that this happens the most when I don’t know a whole lot about it before reading. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it happens for you with the next story you choose to indulge in.

Now that you’re in on all of the details, I thought I’d share two books I have read this year that in some way changed my perspective.

Finding Me – Viola Davis

Viola Davis’s memoir is dense and one hundred percent necessary! It will not only make you dig deeper into a reality of America that might shock you a little, it will also make you appreciate the meaning and importance of a personal journey. Viola’s pathway to success will impact you on a personal level, and change your perspective on what achieving success looks like.

Inspiring | Captivating | Will keep you engaged and wanting more

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Eat, Pray, Love – Elizbeth Gilbert

Another memoir, but this one will play with all of your senses. If you have watched the movie with Julia Roberts, just know that the book goes above and beyond to make you want to escape reality and travel for a year! The author also touches on so many other interesting topics that the movie doesn’t have time to cover. Reading this will allow you to experience so many emotions and question scenarios in your mind, all from the comfort of your bed, or reading chair. The book changed my perspective on how to experience places and people fully. It made me shift back and forth between the longing for movement and stillness.

Delightful | Engaging | You will not want to set this one down!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beware, both of these books explore triggering topics such as trauma, abuse, depression, divorce, womanhood, etc. The kind of books you have to stick through; there’s a lot of pain before getting to the good part. However, both are written with the most grace and are so worth it!

Finally, my favorite:

(As a bonus since it has not been published in English yet, and it is only available in Brazilian Portuguese)

Economia do Reino, Matheus Ortega

This book is such a sweet surprise. Although the title suggests a very academic-like read, it will surprise you with a sensitive and clear image of all of the examples portrayed. If you, like me, are deeply impacted by the inequalities of this world, and often overwhelmed by not knowing what your role could be in the midst of it, this book is for you. This is written from a Christian perspective, exploring a current view on personal economy that is compelling to anyone with a little bit of empathy and curiosity.

Challenging | Surprising | Dense at times, but worth it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stories have the power to change your life, if you do so much as letting the words stir within you. For me these books did just that. I hope you add at least one of these to your reading list! And please share your thoughts with me in the comments if you have already read any of them. I would love to hear from you!

Wrap-up Tip: If you live around Boston, you can get free access to the app Hoopla, through your Boston Public Library account. There you can read Finding Me, for free!

Wishing you all a beautiful week, with lots of extra time for some reading! Cheers!