Hi, I’m a book nerd. I can usually tell if I’m going to love a book by the first chapter. In the past, if I didn’t feel a spark right away, I’d put it down and move on to another. But this year, things have changed—and I couldn’t be happier about it. My biggest shift? Once I start a book, I’ve committed to finishing it, no matter how long it takes.
I’ve also been busy taking my reading habits to another level. In the past, I’d give books away after reading them, but now, I’m holding on to my collection. Lending books has become my new favorite thing, with the hope they’ll be returned (but no tears if they aren’t). Instead of seeing clutter when I pass by my bookshelves, I see stories, beautiful covers, and a tangible record of how many books I’ve read. It gives me such a sense of accomplishment.
This year has been all about embracing my love for books. While I’ve always been drawn to romance novels—smut, contemporary, historical, and fantasy—I’ve branched out. Mystery novels used to be a rare indulgence, but now I’ll read just about anything. My trick? Letting go of being a book snob.
When I go book shopping, I’ve made a rule to pick at least one book I wouldn’t normally choose. Even if it takes me a few chapters to get into it, I’ve discovered gems I wouldn’t have considered before. Sure, there was one book in the past decade I finished and still didn’t love—but hey, at least I gave it a fair shot!
One of the biggest surprises this year has been my newfound love for non-fiction. It’s a genre I’d avoided, but books like Jay Shetty’s Think Like a Monk changed my perspective entirely. This book was the first I couldn’t bear to part with, so I bought a second copy to share with a friend. It opened the door to a world of self-discovery and peace that I didn’t even know I needed.
Inspired by books like Shetty’s, I’ve also ventured into writing. I’ve self-published an eBook on time management—my baby and one of my greatest accomplishments. Sharing something I believe in and that could help others has been incredibly rewarding. My second book, a short read on mindfulness and meditation, offers practical ways to step out of stress and into peace. It’s a topic I’m deeply passionate about, and I hope it resonates with readers.
One of my favorite writing projects has been a children’s book for my nephew. While I tackled the story, I left the illustrations to a professional since drawing isn’t my forte. This book, inspired by my nephew’s love of fish and the underwater world, will be released on January 28, 2025. My hope is to encourage even one child to fall in love with reading.
That’s my story! I hope you enjoyed reading about my journey. If you’d like me to write about a specific topic or review a particular book, let me know. Until next time, happy reading!