Don't Let Someone Else Put a Label on You: 2019 Books to Read

January 2018 I told myself I was not going to purchase any books. But rather, use the library. Almost 18 months later I’m still regularly going to the library. I’ve saved over $70 and am supporting our local library and also not accumulating books that collect dust.

I never used to consider myself a reader. In 3rd grade my teacher put me in the “lower reading” group. I struggled with speed and comprehension. From then on I labeled MYSELF as a bad reader.

It has always been in my head that this is something I’m not good at. Only because ONE person defined a weakness or development area of mine.

Did I stop reading because of this label? No. Even though this label has allowed me to define myself as a “slow reader” or “bad reader” even until now.

I’m still a slow reader, but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying a good book, relaxing, sitting and stopping to read and rest. Graduating from high school, college and maintaining a successful career. Just because someone once put me in a “group” or labeled me doesn’t define who you are.

In fact when someone labels your weakness or development areas, soak in the knowledge, learn how to get better, but never never give up. Don’t let it define you. You are made up of so much more than a label someone gives you. 

Books on the list to read this year:
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoul
My Oxford Year by Julie Whela
Wildflower Hill by Kimberely Freeman
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
The Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks