Back when my elementary school teachers made us write in our agendas to “read for 30 minutes,” there was NO WAY I was actually going to do that. 

Due to the pandemic I bought some books that I thought would be a good idea to spend some time on. Now I find that reading is actually entertaining and therapeutic. Honestly, if you’d told my younger self I would read every night… I think I would laugh. For some Gen Zs (iIn some cases, not all), I feel like it’s kind of implanted in our brain to not like reading because we grew up in an internet and social media age. 

I always tried reading fiction books because that is what we have to read in school. No wonder I didn’t enjoy reading. I just didn’t find my book passion in the styles I was reading because I was being told what to read instead of finding what I like to read. Now I read non-fiction, which is so much better for me. I still wouldn’t call myself a book lover but I have started reading some books that I LOVE. 

Here are some of my favorite books, as well as a few tips on how you can start reading if it hasn’t really been your thing. 

Use one of your passions and read about it. 

For me specifically, I love a bit of self improvement and pop culture. Therefore I have been reading memoirs and self-help books. If you like business, sports, fashion, buildings, or even education, read about such things. 

I’m not saying to not read fiction books. I just don’t really click with it, mostly because I haven’t found a great fiction book to read. Leave me some recommendations in the comments!

Try implementing a book into your routine. 

I keep going on and on about routines because they are such a fundamental part of our days and lives. Try to find a book and topic you are passionate about and set a time to read everyday. You might actually like it. There is no better time to read than in summer when we crave creativity and structure when our days are loose and fun. You can also read my “establishing a routine” blog to learn how to start a routine so it’s easier to implement reading!

If you’re really new at reading, start by reading a magazine article.

I have always been the type to collect magazines to read. Before I even started reading, I collected magazines — Tiger Beat, J-14, Bop, Teen Vogue, Seventeen, M. I had a huge stack of these teen magazines. I started by just looking at the pictures but once I could read, I would read all the stories. A story I vividly remember reading was about Nikki Minaj releasing the song Super Bass and how it was going viral. 

Now I’ve switched out my teen magazine stash for fashion magazines — Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Fashion, Cosmo UK, and more. I love reading cover story interviews on my favorite celebrities from magazines like these because you can trust the story. The reason I recommend starting by reading a magazine you are interested in is because the articles are usually long and can spark your interest in reading more. 

My Non-Fiction Book recs: 

Open Book: A Memoir, by Jessica Simpson  

Such a great book. Spills so much tea on her life as a 2000s icon. 

Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life, by Gisele Bündchen

Talks alot about her life as a VS model and her marriage to NFL legend Tom Brady

Kris Jenner… and All Things Kardashian

A well known boss who talks about her very interesting life and raising one of the most famous families. 

Blowing My Way to the Top, by Jen Atkin

Jen Atkin is the go-to celebrity hairstylist. She is known for working with celebrities like the Kardashians, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Jessica Alba, Mindy Kaling, Hailey Bieber and more! This book is all about how she grew her hairstyling business and her haircare business, OUAI. 

My Fashion and Beauty Book Recs:

VOGUE Essentials — Heels 

The prints in here are stunning!!

Beauty, by Lauren Conrad  

*Such a 2000s icon.*  

P.S. Watch The Hills and Laguna Beach too!

Style, by Lauren Conrad  

Other book recs:

Recently, when I need a simple book that honestly radiates peaceful vibes and energy, I will read Peace is Every Step, by Thich Nhat Hanh. 

I hope you find some inspiration here to start, or keep, reading more often. If you’re not into reading, try these tips to add something fresh into your day. It might even change your life. 

Talk soon!

Sincerely, 

Sadie