A Book That Challenges You To Be Better

As you guys know, I am an avid reader. One of my favorite ways to relax after a long day is to light a candle, fill the tub with Epsom salts and read a good book. As I lose myself in the novel’s characters and their stories, the stress of the day and my own worries melt away. Many nights, especially on Thursday evenings, I’ll go from the tub to bed and spend the next hour reading before falling asleep. As Bo and I have reduced the amount of television and screen time, we have before bed, this time has been filled with reading.

Over the Summer, since making this change, I read 16 books ranging from historical fiction to light “beach reads.” After reading a few heavier books, that sometimes left me emotionally drained and thinking about the characters decisions, I was craving a lighter read that would leave me laughing and smiling. Luckily, when my friends at CLEVER reached out about partnering on a book review, the book was a welcome change from what I’ve recently read.

Rich with humor and sass, I’m Judging You, is the debut book from Luvvie Ajayi. An award-winning writer, speaker and the author and voice of Awesomely Luvvie, a popular humor blog, Luvvie leaves is clearly not afraid of what people think. In fact, this book of humorous essays reflects on behavior seen throughout our society. She reminds me of that friend who says everything exactly as it is, throwing any filters or “politically correct” tendencies out the window.

Photo credit: Damon Scheleur

As I worked my way through the books multiple topics, some of them left me laughing and nodding my friend as we all know a friend who sucks at friendship or a person who is always the dinner scrooge. But other chapters left me deep in reflection and thought as I thought about the role social media plays in not only my life but society.

I thoroughly enjoy minding other people’s business, but it’s not my fault. It’s theirs. People have made it too easy to know everything about their personal business because of social media, especially Facebook. That is the digital Lipton factory, where all gossip tea goes to boil, and I am here for it all the way.

What she says is true. Facebook has become my generation’s soap opera. Whether it’s the constant dating updates, job changes, political rants or even hourly pictorial updates including everything from a morning run to fights with the toddlers, Facebook has become the place to get your fix. While there are benefits, such as the ability to stay connected to long-distance friends and family, it can also become a deep hole of envy, comparison, and perfection.

A perfect book to read in between heavier, longer books, I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual is a great reminder that we can all improve regardless our age or life stage.

 

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.