I came across this post by The Nectar Collective about the books she's read recently and loved it! I always bring too many books with me when I travel and I'm not too into kindles so it means I'm carrying around books in my luggage and handbag. Sometimes they are even library books. 

1. Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's "Learned" by Lena Dunham 

I'm a fan of Girls so I was pretty excited about Dunham's book, though a little nervous that it might disappoint. I'm glad Dunham stayed the course and wrote in her own style, her own way. The consistency in tone is what most impressed me as well as her ability to weave together little anecdotes into a full narrative. I also loved how much she mirrored those that she admires and gave credit to the trailblazers that came before. Feminism comes in many forms and I'm glad Dunham continues to share her story and her version. 

Favorite quote(s) from the book: “Ambition is a funny thing: it creeps in when you least expect it and keeps you moving, even when you think you want to stay put.” ― Lena Dunham 

"You can’t meet someone until you've become who you’re becoming."  ― Nora Ephron

2. Dinosaur Feather by S.J. Gazan

I found this book at the library and brought it on my trip to Copenhagen because the author is Danish and it is set in Copenhagen. I loved learning about the city and following the mystery set around PhD students and professors in the Biology department at the University of Copenhagen. A great read if you like mystery, strong characters and Danish culture.  

Favorite quote from the book: “As if everything, life and nature, was entirely random and unplanned. The whole business is insane!” 

3. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling 

I also took this on my Nordic adventure and read it in one night in Helsinki over salmon soup and a local brew. It kept me laughing alone at my table, which is kind of the best thing ever. I loved how honest Kaling was about her shenanigans. Her story is super inspiring and gives just enough detail without giving it all away. I also appreciated her consistent tone, self-expression and matter-of-fact silliness. I related a lot to Kaling and see her as a role model in so many ways. 

Favorite quote from the book: “...write your own part. It is the only way I've gotten anywhere. It is much harder work, but sometimes you have to take destiny into your own hands. It forces you to think about what your strengths really are, and once you find them, you can showcase them, and no one can stop you.” 

4. Bossypants by Tina Fey  

I was a tiny bit thrown by this as Fey is obviously a phenomenal woman and writer, but her book wasn't as meaty as I had expected. It was a bit more random and thrown together, but still hilarious and a really quick, easy read, which is sometimes important. She had an interesting perspective on feminism, a little laid back and just do it kind of stance, which I appreciate but find hard to swallow -- she even admits it's hard. Her own struggle that ends the book is extremely depressing. On the other hand, she had quite a few inspiring quotes and walks the talk, despite how conflicted she may be. 

Favorite quote from the book: “Do your thing and don't care if they like it.” 

5. #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso 

I understand why this got bad reviews. But, I still really enjoyed it. Amoruso is not a writer, but she's a great quote-maker and has a lot of punch that she packs into her manifesto. Her dots aren't really connected in a way that will satisfy anyone trying to follow her footsteps, but that is kind of the whole point -- there are no footsteps you can follow when you are creating your own reality. I really resonated with her making magic happen talk, probably the parts that turn people off the most are what I loved best. The first time I went to San Francisco as an adult I remember thinking 'I make magic happen'. And I do. We all do. It's nice to know Amoruso and I share that kind of faith. 

Favorite quote(s) from the book:  “You create the world, blink by blink. It is entirely yours to discover and yours to create.” 

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. —George Bernard Shaw” 

What have you read recently? What are you planning on reading this year?