My Top 3 Books in 2019

One of my resolutions last year was to read at least 3 books and I'm happy to tell you I've read more than that. I've read around 15 or so in 2019. Most of the books I bought were on the sale shelf of Book Culture or from the gentlemen at the UWS streets.

I have read a lot of novels and some biography too; but I 'll share with you the top 3 books I've enjoyed reading in 2019.

1. Who Thought This Was A Good Idea? by Alyssa Mastromonaco 

Written in such a relatable way, I have instantly felt a personal connection with Alyssa reading the first few pages of her book. From her IBS (I don't have it BUT how she reacts and handles it is very similar on how I would in my "oh fuck" moments), to her visits in other countries (I especially liked the Buckingham Palace story), to her wearing simple J Crew clothes and her BIG LOVE for cats! I enjoy reading through this book from start to finish because it sounded like she was talking to me directly. I have learned a handful tricks of the trade from her and had a closer look at her job at the White House during the Obama administration. I also love how she was able to change the bathrooms in the White House to be more woman-friendly. You have got to read her book it is so entertaining and inspiring. I may have said to a friend that Alyssa is my person. You know what? She really is.


2. The Bishop's Pawn by Steve Berry

I have a thing about procedural TV shows especially if they're about heists, busting heists, government and courtroom drama, art forgery, FBI crime scenes and the nitty-gritty way of solving them and other things of that nature. That being said, my book choices also reflects the same genre. This particular book have those elements. Based on the assassination of Martin Luther King, this novel is both exciting and educational. You will learn a little bit more about MLK and his colleagues as much as you will learn something about the US Government and how they probably operate. It's an interesting take on a real life event interspersed with fictional characters complimenting the story even more. I guarantee you, you will find it so difficult to put the book down!

3. I'll See You In Paris by Michelle Gable 

This is best book I've read in 2019! Normally I'd read a book for a week to 2 (In my defense, I only read when I have time while at work or during my train ride to and from work!). This novel took me 3 days! It's that good. Michelle's love for Paris, her take on telling the tale of the Duchess of Marlborough, the characters and twists are the reasons why I fell in love with this novel. It's such an easy read and the story line for each of the characters are amazing. It's not your ordinary love story that's for sure. If you read this book, you're in for a different world and time (both literally and figuratively) you'll enjoy every page!

So there you have it, a few of the books I've read last year that I enjoyed the most. I plan to read more books this year. As a matter of fact, I have Alyssa's other book - So Here's The Thing... and also Michelle Gable's A Paris Apartment. They're definitely on my reading list for 2020!

Aside from writing, reading is one of my favorite things to do (and makes me feel productive and relevant). I'm glad I got back to reading for pleasure again. I've been off it for years. Well, I promise myself, not anymore!

Happy New Decade!

Goooood morning! It’s January 3rd of the new decade 2020! 

Honestly, I didn’t immediately feel the (supposedly) wondrous feeling of welcoming the new year/decade until I was scouring through my brain of the highlights and lowlights of the past TEN YEARS! It wasn’t easy though as some of those moments I’d rather not think about like ever again BUT nevertheless I think it was important. That’s for another blog post. Haha! 

Today, I want to write to declutter my mind. Free some space for other things hopefully positive and productive. It’s a cold and wet day today in NYC. I’ve been here almost 5 years and this is the wettest fall/winter ever! I’ll say it till I’m blue in the face, Mother Nature is STRESSED! It’s time to be more environment-conscious. More so than ever. 

Anyway, the past holiday was a blast. I love how simple it was for me and Antonio. It’s all we ever wanted. Now, if my family were here OR we were there back home with them THAT would’ve been much more amazing. I still pray that it will happen one of these days. I’m not losing hope- although I know I need to work some things for it to actually happen. 

I had a week off and we just wandered around Manhattan and Queens before and after Christmas just being together. Spent a majority of those times at home cooking (me), eating (both of us) and watching TV. Side note: The Witcher is soooo good. I’m a fan. Also, Don’t F*ck with Cats - creepy and amazing documentary.

I’m thankful for the past year. I summed it up by saying it was an “okay” year. Hey, better okay than NOT okay you know what I’m saying? This year I will make sure it’s okay or better. I’ve listed some resolutions and I promise to try and abide by them. I’m proud to say that I did HALF of my 2019 resolutions- that’s not bad right? Hahaha 

I feel a lot of hope (as I do every year) for 2020. But I also know I have to work to be able to achieve some of my future goals. I promised myself that. This year I need to start asking the right questions and discuss tough topics. I’ve got to be more assertive to ensure our future isn’t blurry. So much to do! 

Well, I have to start something, right? That’s why I’m back here writing whatever is on my mind. I keep forgetting how WONDERFUL writing is and what it does to my well being. With that, I greet you all a HAPPY, PROSPEROUS 2020!