Get Ready to Read- My 2nd Passion

School is slowly coming to an end. I offically have 3 months left as of today. I can not wait, so much so that I have planned to take a trip, learn to swim, take belly dancing lesson, spend more time with my daughter and finally get back to my second passion, reading. Yes, I love to read. To be a good writer, you have constantly be open to the writing style of others. So not only do I read for pleasure, I read for improvements, suggestions, motivation, and inspirtation.

Well first things to get myself is a Kindle. I really want one. I can see myself taking it to the park in the summer while my daughter plays on the swing, or sitting by the lake at work during my lunch hour. Oh the sweet joy of no more classes.

Anyway, first on my list of reads is Janet Jackson's book True You a Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself. If you haven't taken a look inside, here is an abstract:

Janet Jackson emerged from the shadows of an already famous family to become one of the most beloved, recognizable, and influential performers in the world. But at what cost?

From the age of ten, when she made her acting debut on Good Times, Janet was told by Hollywood that she needed to slim down. Her well-meaning brothers, especially fun-loving Michael, teased her relentlessly until she began to believe that who she was wasn’t good enough. It was an idea that no amount of critical acclaim in television and film or, later, international platinum success in music could change.

Janet turned to food for comfort and escape. She developed a self-destructive pattern familiar to so many of us: fear and uncertainty led to bad feelings about herself and ultimately depression. The depression led to overeating. And her yo-yoing weight was painfully obvious in the bright lights of the entertainment world.

It has taken Janet most of her adult life to come to terms with who she is. But she has finally broken free of the attitudes that brought her down and has embraced realistic goals that help her eat better, exercise better, feel better, and ultimately be better.

This book is about meeting those challenges that face all of us. With candor and courage, Janet shares her painful journey to loving herself. She addresses the crazy rumors that have swirled around her for most of her life, shines an intimate light on her family, and pulls us behind the velvet rope into her unforgettable career. She also shares lessons she has learned through contact with friends and fans and reveals the fitness secrets she has learned from her trainer. Finally, her nutritionist, David Allen, unveils the wholesome, delicious recipes and lifestyle-changing tips that helped Janet get in shape—mind and spirit, heart and soul.

True You is a call to tune in to your own fundamental wisdom, to let go of the ugly comparisons, and to understand that who you are, the true you, is more than enough.

***

“I’m loved, I’m valued, and I’m capable of achieving balance in my life. I can learn to eat well. I can exercise. I can express gratitude for the simple act of being able to breathe in and breathe out. I can move away from darkness and depression to light and hope. I can be happy with who I am, not what I should be, or what I might have been, or what someone tells me I must be.

I am me, the true me; you are you, the true you—and that’s good. That’s beautiful. That’s enough.”

I can relate so well to the teasing and feeling less than perfect. I think I will enjoy this one a lot.

Also on my list of reads will be, The Strawberry Letter: Real Talk, Real Advice, Because Bitterness Isn't Sexy by Shirley Strawberry. Abstract as follows: 

As a single parent and a woman willing to let Mr. Right find her, Shirley’s been there and done that—and she’s got hard-won lessons to share. In this call to action to help women look at their lives with a candid eye, she tackles the issues her fans want to hear about:

• Love and Relationships: the highs and lows of dating, marriage, and breakups
• Family: the challenges of being a great mom
• Sisterhood: ways to get (and give) the support you need to stay sane
• Self: tips for overcoming low self-esteem and depression, and finding balance, faith, and acceptance

Full of motivating “Strawberry Tips,” personal stories that provide welcome advice on the run, and helpful suggestions for drama-stuck girlfriends, this book offers a simple message of strength: a challenge to love yourself and your life! 

This one won't be released until April 5, 2011, but that's probably around the time I'll get to read it. I can not tell you guys how happy I will be to read a book that is not a textbook, LOL. Please comment below and let me know if you are interested in reading along with me. We can share our reviews and opinions.