Eight interesting books to read in 2019

Did you know that reading can reduce stress levels? Reading a book can help you forget your worries, by absorbing yourself in the worries and story of the plot; stimulating physical benefits including a reduced heart rate and less muscular tension.

Reading has more positives impacts on our lives. Like the cliché goes, you can travel the world through books. So, why don’t Kick off the new year with a healthy goal: read more? New year, new you, new books.  Here is a list of books that you should read come 2019;

1. Becoming – Michelle Obama

This revealing memoir offers new insights into Michelle Obama’s upbringing on the south side of Chicago and the highs and lows of life with Barack Obama. The former US First Lady provides a unique insight into the trials, fears and practicalities of life in the White House and beyond. It is a good pick for a modern woman who is brave enough to accept and accommodate change throughout her life.

2. Love is but a Dream - Ciku Muiruri

This book reflects the different faces of love. A subject that many women can relate to as they have been known to sacrifice a lot when it comes to matters of the heart. Media personality Ciku Muiruri says ‘when the curtain comes down on your relationship, you should damn well walk away with something other than just tears and wounded pride.’

3. I Can, I Must, I Will: The Spirit of Success - Reginald Abraham Mengi

This is a powerful account of the story of Africa told through the life of one of its contemporary shapers, Legendary Tanzanian tycoon Reginald Mengi. In this autobiography, Mengi chronicles his journey from a humble background in a small village in Northern Tanzania to his emergence as one of the most successful businessmen in Africa. It is a worth read for any African woman who desires to sit on the table of policy makers.

4. The Secret – Rhoda Byrne

This book is based on the belief of the law of attraction, which claims that thoughts can change a person's life directly. Byrne re-introduces a notion originally popularized by persons such as Madame Blavatsky and Norman Vincent Peale, which suggests that thinking about certain things will make them appear in one's life. Byrne provides examples of historical persons who have allegedly achieved this. This book is a classic example of ‘you are what you think about.’

5. The Smart Money Woman - Arese Ugwu

This book has been described as the most important book written for every African girl and woman of our generation. It is both a personal story and a serious financial guide. It tackles, debt, spending, the consumerist culture of the African middle class, the fear and misconceptions surrounding money and the lack of it, love, friendships, cultural and societal pressures and the roles they play in success.

6. Don’t be a wife to a boyfriend - Shonda Brown White

You cook for him, clean for him, and sacrifice for him. There's only one problem-in reality he's your boyfriend, but in your mind, you're already married. This book is especially for the not yet married women. When a woman falls in love, she does so with everything. Shonda shares some of her experiences as a single woman and reflects on some of the decisions she made and the growth that took place, with the hope that she will inspire others going through similar situations.

7. We’re Going to Need More Wine – Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union spills the beans on her life and struggles, all while educating and inspiring readers to live authentically in their truth. She uses fearlessness to tell astonishingly personal and true stories about power, color, gender, feminism and fame. She tackles a range of experiences including bullying and beauty standards.

8. Year of Yes – Shonda Rhimes

Who isn’t inspired by this American television producer, screenwriter, and author? She is best known as the showrunner—creator, head writer, and executive producer—of the television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, its spin-off Private Practice, and the political thriller series Scandal. Her iconic characters live boldly and speak their minds. My personal favorite character she has created is Olivia Pope. In this book, Shonda chronicles her life after her Year of Yes had begun—when Shonda forced herself out of the house and onto the stage; when she learned to explore, empower, applaud, and love her truest self. Yes.