Amazing Book Haul from Book Outlet: September 2021

Welcome to my first book haul in TWO YEARS! After strictly reading ebooks, I decided I need the cozy and comfortable feeling of a paperback book. 

Using Book Outlet, I found a great stack of books to add to my end-of-year reading list. I tried to gather fiction books, but of course, a non-fiction read snuck into my book haul!

If you have read any of these please let me know in the comments! 

You are welcome to read my post or watch my video on the same topic:

Disclaimer: certain links on this page are affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if a purchase is made through my link.

https://youtu.be/qo29C2Y09do

September 2021 Book Haul

The Art of Racing in the Rain By Garth Stein

This book has been everywhere and honestly, I’ve avoided reading it because I know it will make me cry.

After a year of non-fiction, I’m ready for a book to hurt me again.

Later by Stephen King

This is one of King’s newer books and the perfect spooky read for October. 

Reviews say the writing and story-telling is similar to his other book “It” which makes me even more excited to check it out!

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

I’m not a big romance reader, but the synopsis hooked me. 

Basically, the main character wakes up in a different house, with a different man, living a completely different life just to return to her current reality after an hour. 

I need to know if this is just a dream that impacts her life or if this is truly the future and how she gets there. 

I can’t wait to find out!

Rabbit by Patricia Williams

This is my only non-fiction read and I couldn’t let this book slip by as I’m a huge fan of Ms.Pat and even though I know bits and pieces of her story from her podcast – I’d like to read it in her book. 

The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin

This book was actually recommended to me from a friend of mine on Instagram and looks like such an interesting science fiction read. 

Although it is fiction, it dives into environmental catastrophes and the impact power can have on humans. This read may actually feel too real?

I always ask for book recommendations on my Instagram so feel free to follow me!

The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O’Neill

This is not going to be my first time reading this book, but I’m just as excited to read it!

I adored this book when I first read it back in 2017, however I only have an ebook copy and truth be told I did read it in a rush. 

I’ve learned to be more intentional with my reading and I want to really pay attention to the characters and the story!

And that’s my September Book Haul! I’m probably going to wait until December for my next one – so please leave any book recommendations below and sign up for my newsletter to be informed when I post these book reviews!!!

If you love reading and books then you’ll enjoy my blog content that is all about THAT! You can check out all my posts here.
September 2021 Book Haul

I Would Leave Me If I Could by Halsey: Book Review of Debut Book!

I Would Leave Me if I Could by Halsey

I Would Leave Me If I Could

Poetry / Biography

5/5 rating

Please note that I try to keep my reviews fairly brief and mainly discuss my opinions. I do not like to reveal plots or spoilers as I wish the reader to experience it themselves. For anyone looking for a discussion about the contents of the book, feel free to contact me! I mainly discuss the writing and my thoughts on the quality of the story. In the end, I include my favorite quotes with a quick discussion on why I chose them. If there is anything I can add to make my reviews better please do not hesitate to let me know!

Disclaimer: Some links on this page may be affiliate links and if there is a purchase made through them I can earn a commission from the sale. The decision to make a purchase through these links is entirely up to the reader. 

The World’s Best Grammar Checker

 I Would Leave Me If I Could Review

Written by Halsey (yes the artist you hear on the radio) also known as Ashley Nicolette Frangipane. As a lover of her music, I could not wait for this release.

While I waited for my copy, I listened to Halsey discuss her book on Dax Shephard’s Podcast. I highly recommend listening to this episode and you even get to hear her read “8” aloud.

She reveals she reads a lot of Charles Bukowski so I started to read some of his works and I really enjoy it. Luckily, he has a lot of published works that I can put on my reading list while I (im)patiently wait for Halsey to publish another!

Her poems produce a lot of imagery and it is amazing to me how creative her brain is to connect the stories to the vibrant images.

In her latest album, Manic, she revealed sides of herself that her fans did not see before. Her previous albums incorporated some of her truths, but she structured them to tell a story with characters. IWLMIIC dives even deeper than the album, if you love her music and lyrics you will love this book.

She discusses difficult topics such as sexuality, identity, drugs, abuse, and molestation. Expressing these vulnerabilities and experiences in beautiful poetry will educate and help others.

You will also find poems and lines that you inspired her music which gives you a glimpse into her methods as an artist. There is a possibility that future music may use other pieces of this collection. 

I can’t wait for Halsey to produce new music or a new book!

If you’re wondering if this book is for you, read her song lyrics! If you’re intrigued by them and her writing, get this book.

Purchase your copy here!

Quotes From I Would Leave Me If I Could by Halsey

In this section, I share my favorite quotes from the book. Halsey’s poetry is as beautiful and vivid as her song lyrics. Words that may seem confusing will soon become relatable when you twist together the imagery and paint the story she tells.

Since I Would Leave Me If I Could is a book of poems, I will not go into details about my interpretation, but I will include photos of my favorite pieces!

A beautiful woman is a car crash - I Would Leave Me If I Could

i WANT TO WALK AWAY FROM MY BONES AND SET THEM DOWN ON A COUNTER LIKE MY KEYS AFTER WORK - I Would Leave Me If I Could

THANK YOU FOR STUMBLING ACROSS THE UNIVERSE WITH YOUR CONFIDENT SWAGGER AND TRIPPING RIGHT INTO MY LAP - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

I FEEL LIKE MYSELF AGAIN DEEP IN MY CHEST - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

IT'S THE FEELING IN MY STOMACH LIKE THE MOMENT YOU DROP A SCOOP OF ICE CREAM INTO A ROOT BEAR FLOAT AND THE ENTIRE THING THREATENS TO BUBBLE OVER - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

lIKE YOU'RE PUTTING YOUR OWN PERSONAL FILTER OVER THE LENS OF MY LIFE SO THAT i SEE IT IN YOUR COLORS - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

my mind is the only place where i can take you on - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

i WANT TO WALK AWAY FROM MY BONES AND SET THEM DOWN ON A COUNTER LIKE MY KEYS AFTER WORK - I Would Leave Me If I Could

THANK YOU FOR STUMBLING ACROSS THE UNIVERSE WITH YOUR CONFIDENT SWAGGER AND TRIPPING RIGHT INTO MY LAP - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD I FEEL LIKE MYSELF AGAIN DEEP IN MY CHEST - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD IT'S THE FEELING IN MY STOMACH LIKE THE MOMENT YOU DROP A SCOOP OF ICE CREAM INTO A ROOT BEAR FLOAT AND THE ENTIRE THING THREATENS TO BUBBLE OVER - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

lIKE YOU'RE PUTTING YOUR OWN PERSONAL FILTER OVER THE LENS OF MY LIFE SO THAT i SEE IT IN YOUR COLORS - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

my mind is the only place where i can take you on - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

(I LIKE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU, EVEN THE THINGS YOU GIVE AWAY. LIKE TEARS AND LAUGHS AND YAWNS AND LOST EYELASHES) - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

I'm standing in the middle of a 4-way intersection and a car is coming at me and i HAVE NO IDEA WHICH WAY TO GO. IS THIS HOW IT WAS SUPPOSED TO FEEL? - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

it's only been 3 days but i'M TOLD THAT JESUS DID A LOT OVER THE WEEKEND WHEN WE THOUGHT HE WAS DEAD - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

YOUR EYES ARE STATIC ELECTRICTY. YOU'VE MISSED ME. - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

this is the beginning, it's not the finale. and that's why we are here and that's why we rally - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

and i wondered how could i have not noticed the ways in which you dulled my senses and stole the color from the world right before my eyes. - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULDmy mind is mess but it's beautiful - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

think i like me better when im all outside the lines - I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD

                                                                   

I have always felt an urge to write poetry, it is a brilliant way to express yourself. Reading Halsey’s I Would Leave Me If I Could have sparked my curiosity to dive deeper into poets and my own desire to create poetry. If you are a fan of Halsey, poetry, or blunt and vulnerable writing then this is for you.

I Would Leave Me If I Could

Untamed by Glennon Doyle: Breaking Social Norms and Finding Individuality

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Non Fiction / Autobiography / Memoir

5/5 rating

Please note that I try to keep my reviews fairly brief and mainly discuss my opinions. I do not like to reveal plots or spoilers as I wish the reader to experience it themselves. For anyone looking for a discussion about the contents of the book feel free to contact me! I mainly discuss the writing and my thoughts on the quality of the story. At the end, I include my favorite quotes with a quick discussion on why I chose them. If there is anything I can add to make my reviews better please do not hesitate to let me know!

Disclaimer: Some links on this page may be affiliate links and if there is a purchase made through them I can earn a commission from the sale. The decision to make a purchase through these links is entirely up to the reader. 

The World’s Best Grammar Checker

 Untamed Review

Purchase the book here!

Untamed by Glennon Doyle was recommended to me by several podcasts – which is actually where I get most of my reading suggestions!

Every podcast emphasized how important this book is especially in 2020. It covers a wide variety of topics that all tie into being your true self and breaking social norms. 

It is no secret that society has created “labeled boxes” that we should all fit in. Be this, do that, and lose yourself in the process. We cannot lose ourselves.

The beauty about us, like Glennon addresses in Untamed, is that even if we lose ourselves we can break free from the cage and become who we really are. 

Reasons to Read Untamed?

  • If you love self-help books, Untamed is a great one.
  • LGBTQ+ plays a significant role as Glennon is a religious woman who left her heterosexual marriage and married a woman while maintaining a happy family and staying true to herself.
  • This book can push you in the direction of growth and self-love
  • Become aware of social constructs and learn how they impacted you. You will be surprised by what you learn about yourself.
  • Understand how to educate children, family, and peers to be more open.
  • Learn how to respect your own individuality and the individuality of others!
  • You believe in the power of women and feminism.

Quotes From Untamed by Glennon Doyle

In this section, I share my favorite quotes from the book.

Some quotes I will have a small discussion on what this quote means from my interpretation, but some quotes are so beautiful and influential I like to leave the unique feeling and interpretation to you.

"I have this hunch that everything was supposed to be more beautiful than this." Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Trust your gut and listen to it.

"The opposite of sensitive is insensitive, and that's no badge of honor." Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Society tries to convince us that being cold and emotionless is a strength. The real strength is in feeling the emotion and getting through it.

"being fully human is not about feeling happy, it's about feeling everything." Untamed by Glennon Doyle

"NOT tHIS" IS A VERY IMPORTANT STAGE. Untamed by Glennon Doyle

One of my favorite quotes from the book. 

The “Not This” stage is not discussed enough. How will you ever figure out your path if you do not realize what you do not want? We are not all lucky enough to get on the right path instantly by chance.

When you find yourself on the wrong path, appreciate that you know what you don’t want – and move in a different direction.

"Dealing with the dropped shoe is less paralyzing, apparently, than waiting for that shoe to drop." untamed by Glennon Doyle

"It takes special bravery to honor yourself when the crowd is pressuring you not to. it's easier just to give in." Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Being true to yourself takes bravery.

"I stopped being a quiet peacekeeper and started being a loud peacemaker. MY ANGER WAS GOOD." Untamed by Glennon Doyle

The ones who want to silence you will always tell you you’re too loud. Use your voice and anger for a change!

"pEOPLE ARE TELLING US THE TRUTH FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE TRUTH FEELS LIKE AN ATTACK BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN PROTECTED BY COMFORTABLE LIES FOR SO LONG." Untamed by Glennon Doyle

When you feel attacked, first ask yourself why?

"WHILE ROCK BOTTOM FEELS LIKE THE END - IT'S ALWAYS THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING." Untamed by Glennon Doyle

When you feel like all is lost, just remember you will find your way. The first step has to come from somewhere, even if somewhere is a dark place.

"GOOD ART ORGINATES NOT FROM THE DESIRE TO SHOW OFF BUT FROM THE DESIRE TO SHOW YOURSELF." Untamed by Glennon Doyle

"SOMEBODY'S GOT TO MAKE IT. WHY NOT YOU?" Untamed by Glennon Doyle

This quote stuck with me and I want to carry it with me. If someone is going to reach their dreams, why not you?

"I WILL NOT STAY, NOT EVER AGAIN - IN A ROOM OR CONVERSATION OR RELATIONSHIP OR INSTITUTION THAT REQUIRES ME TO ABANDON MYSELF." Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Set your boundaries and make them known.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle is not only a book many of us should read, it’s a book many of us need to read. Covering topics that are often seen as “taboo” when they are the topics we should be talked about. 
Pick up this book and learn more about yourself and your relationship with what you believe versus what others believe. Realize where you stand, where you want to be, and act accordingly.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Start Reading Now!

The Alchemist by Paul Coelho: Book Review and Soulful Quotes

 

Welcome to my personal review of The Alchemist by Paul Coelho. A book I read every year since I first received it. Wisdom and inspiration at your fingertips.   

The Alchemist

Fiction / Classic / Spirituality
5/5 rating
Please note that I try to keep my reviews fairly brief and mainly discuss my opinions. I do not like to reveal plots or spoilers as I wish the reader to experience it themselves. For anyone looking for a discussion about the contents of the book feel free to contact me! I mainly discuss the writing and my thoughts on the quality of the story. In the end, I include my favorite quotes with a quick discussion on why I chose them. If there is anything I can add to make my reviews better please do not hesitate to let me know!

Disclaimer: Some links on this page may be affiliate links and if there is a purchase made through them I can earn a commission from the sale. The decision to make a purchase through these links is entirely up to the reader. 

The World’s Best Grammar Checker

The Alchemist Review

The Alchemist by Paul Coelho is my second book finished from my TBR list for 2020. I have read this book once before in 2017, but I wanted to read it again as it fits in my trend of learning about manifestation and spirituality.

The Alchemist is a well-known classic that you will find on almost every “books you need to read in your lifetime” list and rightfully so!

Paul Coelho creates the story of a young boy who desires to travel the world so he decides to invest his life and money into being a shepherd. He is content with his life and only consciously desires to return to a merchant’s daughter to tell her he loves her.

His journey changes when he realizes that his conscious dream is not as strong and his heart’s desire for his “Personal Legend”. Following the boy’s journey, readers experience the highs and lows that can present themselves when making the decision to follow your dreams.

Like Eat, Pray, Love – my first novel read in 2020 – in The Alchemist, Paul Coelho demonstrates how many people grow into a comfortable life and then plateau in this comfort instead of striving to accomplish their “Personal Legend”. The boy knew he could not ignore the omens or the desire in his heart, although he had the option to settle, he knew he had to chase his dream.

I love this novel because it really demonstrates the difference between settling for comfortable and chasing your dreams. The Alchemist is full of wisdom and advice that is given to and/or realized by the boy. The beauty in these lessons is they can be applied to anyone in any situation. If you are looking for inspiration, this is the right read for you.

Quotes from The Alchemist

Paul Coelho presents readers with wise quotes that inspire and motivate the readers to get the most out of their lives. You would not believe the number of quotes I had to choose from to pick my favorites!

The Alchemist

Lately, I have been reading about our connection with the universe and this book fits into that idea perfectly.

One of the main lessons in this book is that we are one with the universe and this quote emphasizes the power of the universe and how it can influence us.

You can relate this statement to the belief of manifestation. When you start really working towards a goal, you will notice the universe trying to help you.

Do not ignore the signs.

The Alchemist

Very few people are content with just an average life. Many of us daydream about a goal we hope to achieve one day.

Having dreams is what pushes us to be better every day. Having a dream and following the path to try and achieve it is what makes us feel alive.

This quote may spark existential questions, but ask them to yourself. These are questions you need to think about.

Connecting to the idea that the universe conspires to help us, this quote highlights the importance of acknowledging these cues from the universe.

On the boy’s journey, he often speaks about omens. Regardless if it is a subconscious omen or really a sign from the universe, you need to realize the sign and take advantage of it. Either the message is coming from deep inside of you or the world around you.

Even if you are not in a place to act on a blessing, I think it is important to at least acknowledge it and be appreciative. Ignoring signs or being ungrateful will only harm you in the end.

Ask yourself:  how often you have heard about the importance of “taking the first step”?

Without a beginning, there is no end. You will never achieve a goal if you never start working towards it. You will never win the lottery if you do not buy a lottery ticket.

I hope this quote inspires you to take your first step towards a goal. Once you start it will lead you in the right direction, no matter what. If it does not work out for you at least you will learn a lesson and find redirection. You are always moving forward unless you are standing still which in time translates to falling backward.

Reading The Alchemist was even more enjoyable the second time. It is a great read and a source of inspiration for anyone who needs it!
This is a book you have to read in your lifetime!

Start Reading Now!

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