My favorite thing about Summertime is that I can finally kick back and get through every book that is on my reading list. Finally, the time of the year rolls around when I can read a book that hasn't been assigned to me by my professors. I am able to read a book that has nothing to do with academia or something in my field of study, rather, its a book that I am actually excited about cracking open.
Lately, I have found my list to be compiled of autobiographies and memoirs of famous writers, pop-culture celebrities and politicians. Although I tell myself every year to leave my list to be conquered throughout the summer, when I am less busy with schoolwork and can dedicate my free time to diving into a good read. However, this year, I've started working on my list a bit early and I can't say I can complain about the insightful books I have read so far this Spring semester.
Below is a list of autobiographies and memoirs that I have stamped with approval and highly recommend every book guru add to their reading list.
1. "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)" -Mindy Kaling
In her autobiography, Mindy writes about her journey as both an actress and writer as well as how her childhood shaped her into who she is today. Any young woman looking to gain advice from a successful, young, Hollywood starlet should crack this book open and take everything she says to heart. Written in her typical style, Mindy holds nothing back in her autobiography, and that is exactly why I fell in love with it.
2. "A Stolen Life" -Jaycee Dugard
Jaycee Dugard recalls her "stolen life" in this autobiography and tells her readers about her terrifying kidnapping experience. She was kidnapped in 1991 and held a prisoner for 18 years before finally escaping. This book is an eye-opening tear jerker that you will not be able to put down.
3. "Not That Kind Of Girl" -Lena Dunham
An autobiography by my favorite writer, producer and actress, Lena Dunham will have you laughing, crying and staying awake for hours on end to read the book all in one sitting. In her typical style, Lena holds nothing back and delivers the best unfiltered advice to young women that just may be searching for a little guidance.
4. "Balancing In Heels" -Kristin Cavallari
"Balancing in Heels" brings readers an inside view of Kristin Cavallari's life and how she juggles her career, being a wife and mother and being a famous woman. As many people do, I knew of Kristin from the reality shows "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills" and I had a very different view of her from watching the show. However, after reading the book, I feel as though I am much closer to knowing the "real" Kristin and what she values and what motivates her to be so successful in everything she does. It was a great read by an inspirational woman.
5. "It's Not Okay: Turning Heartbreak Into Happily Never After" -Andi Dorfman
If you are a bachelor/bachelorette fanatic, this is the book for you. Andi Dorfman goes into explicit detail about her journey on the reality show "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" and shares everything she learned from the experience, being heartbroken and picking herself up once it was all said and done.
