The Damsel’s Files

Meaningful Books You Shouldn’t Miss Reading

Reading is a great activity that can help you discover new things, as well as survive different phases in your life and grow from those experiences. There are, in fact, millions of books in the literary world; but, there is only a couple that has left a great impression to book worms. These books can differ in genres, stories, elements, and styles, and because of that diversity, readers become more selective in picking the books that can entertain, influence, and teach them.

There are infinite reasons that push an individual to read, but there are limiting factors that make them actually love books. Therefore, there are definitely a bunch of books that can give meaning and insight to every book worm like the ones below:

My Spiritual Journey by LaPrele Jordan

My Spiritual Journey is a book about to know Jesus Christ by LaPrele Jordan. It isn’t your ordinary Christian book because it also chronicles a part of the author’s life, which played a great role in molding her present self. Thus, this book narrates Jordan’s spiritual journey, from venturing from one religious community to another but still finding her way back to her Mormon faith. It revolves around the molding of faith in Christ and the ups and downs that she had taken to keep her integrity. She also raises a wide array of questions in this promising book, which she provided some enlightenment as you go through her story.

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

Remarkable author Eckhart Tolle penned a bestselling book that has sold more than 2 million copies globally titled The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. It was published in 2004 by New World Library. This book brings the readers on an encouraging journey to search for their real and deepest selves, as well as arrive at the top when it comes to personal development and spirituality. In the first few parts of the book, the author highlights enlightenment and its innate foe, which is the mind. Tolle helps the readers realize their roles as the inventor of pain and introduces them to the ways to achieve a pain-free identity through enjoying living in the present.

The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel

Published in 1998 by Zondervan, Lee Strobel’s book titled The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus bagged the prominent ECPA Christian Book Award because of its promising themes and discussion points. The investigative journalist turned author utilized the dramatic scenes in pursuing his tale and leads, as well as made use of his experiences as a Chicago Tribune reporter to talk to experts pertaining to the proof for Chris from different avenues, including science, history, and philosophy.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Lord of the Flies is a classic allegorical novel written by William Golding. The story centers on two stranded boys on a strangely uninhabited island. The two tried extremely hard to manage themselves in the said location. What made this book outstanding and almost a reading requirement in various English classes? The answer is its theme. The book definitely has tackled the pressure between individuality and groupthink, then the logical and emotional responses, and lastly, the tension between rights and wrongs. With its heavy central message and engaging story, the book received multiple awards, including the Modern Library 100 Best, where it placed 41^st on the editor’s list while 25^th on the reader’s list.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

This satirical novel written by the popular author George Orwell was published in 1945. It was preceded by Orwell’s Inside the Whale and Other Essays and followed by Nineteen Eighty-Four. This book showcases a story of farm animals that have human-like traits because they can talk and do other outstanding things. These extraordinary animals have plotted a rebellion against the farm owner that was led by the pigs. They hope to build a society where animals are allowed to enjoy fairness, liberty, and happiness. But, the rebellion was betrayed, and the farm falls into an unlikely condition than it already was after Napoleon the pig became its dictator.

Great Books to Read in This Lifetime

As they often say, you will miss a quarter of your life if you don’t read. Although you cannot force people to read, there are still plenty who are fond of reading not just books but also other materials, such as newspapers, magazines, and the likes. According to Statista, adults in the U.S. allocate more of their time in reading on about 20 minutes during the weekdays and 21 minutes on the weekends last year.

Given that reading is slowly becoming a more popular leisure activity, which individuals genuinely enjoy, we have listed below some of the best books that you should never miss reading in this lifetime.

The Book of It by Scott Rahn

Published in 2019, The Book of It will surely help you in discovering the widely held beliefs by Scott Rahn that can make you see things from different perspectives and view the bigger picture in every situation. This remarkable work gives the readers a better grasp of the author’s journey along the strands of “It” that Rahn has met. The said strands have elements that have passed through history via different means, such as literary works, religious texts, philosophies, and more. It can immediately be viewed as the story of unknown years of individuals instantly controlled by virtue of what they desire to have and how they are educated or guided to acquire it.

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

You probably have read this for your English class or have come across the title in libraries. Moby-Dick is a classic adventure novel by Herman Melville. It was published in 1851 by Harper & Brothers in the U.S. and Richard Bentley in England. The story is narrated by a character named Ishmael, who is a sailor. He tells the story of Captain Ahab, who is the master of the whaling ship called Pequod. Ahab is on an obsessive search for revenge on a giant sperm whale that has the same name as the book title. Where did the revenge idea come from? It emerged after the captain became handicapped because Moby Dick has bitten it on the ship’s last voyage. Moreover, in the 20^th century, this book was referred to as the “Great American Novel.”

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

A self-help book is definitely a good thing to read at some point in your life. Hence, the bestselling book titled The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell is a great pick. The book centers on two different but important aspects in the world, which are psychology and sociology. The author refers to a tipping point as the time of critical juncture, the gateway, and the boiling point. Thus, The Tipping Point aims to give readers a better understanding and description of the peculiar sociological alterations that mark daily life. According to Gladwell, concepts and outcomes and messages and behaviors roll out as viruses do.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a classic epistolary novel that was published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. It bagged two prominent book awards, Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and National Book Award for Fiction, a year after its publication. The story highlights the lives of African-American females Celie, Nettie Shug Avery, and Sofia during the early 20^th century in Georgia’s countryside. This book became the voice of every individual who suffered from different kinds of abuse, including domestic and sexual. But apart from the pain and agony that every woman in the story has gone through, the book also put the spotlight on their courage and resiliency amidst it all.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

This book by James Clear was published in 2018 and has already sold more than 2 million copies. It is also recognized as the #1 New York Times bestseller and Amazon bestseller. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones will definitely rebuild your mindset and views when it comes to development and success. Hence, it will give you the equipment and techniques that are necessary for changing your habits and make you a better individual.

Insightful Books that Make Reading Worthwhile

Books have the power to teach, captivate, and inspire. They can become a comrade, adviser, and truth-teller but remain in their physical form. The stories and narrative showcased by each literary piece can impact the lives of the readers’ in the most subtle yet efficient way possible. As a bookworm, you already know how extensive the scope of literature is and how novels can make a difference in your life.

With the number of books out in the market, it is hard to find the right ones to give you relevant insights, lessons, and entertainment. Some of these works can touch your heart, while others can encourage you to do better, but it all depends on what book and genre you are delving into. So, if you are looking for meaningful books that can offer the best insights and knowledge, here are the titles that you should look out for:

A Law from Eden: Solving the Mystery of Original Sin by Marilyn Taplin

A Law from Eden: Solving the Mystery of Original Sin by Marilyn Taplin gives the readers the answers to their questions revolving around the first sin in Eden and everything else that comes with it. The book is divided into four chapters, where each section tackles essential sub-topics. The author Marilyn Taplin on the original sin in Eden explains that it was the act of oral sex, which Adam and Eve committed that became the root and source of all problems in this world. According to its second chapter, “All the wrongs of the past, all the social ills and sorrows we are experiencing on this earth today and will continue to experience, are a result of the first sin—oral sex.” Taplin continued to give light to what and how that particular misconduct impacted society today.

The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene

The bestselling author Robert Greene penned another brilliant book titled The Laws of Human Nature, published last 2018. The Laws of Human Nature teaches the readers a bunch of essential techniques in achieving success, self-development, and self-defense. Moreover, the book talks about how people are social animals and how everyone relies on connections. Greene instills his extensive knowledge to get a better grasp on the motivation of every individual, even those drives that emerge when they are unconscious of those themselves.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This Pulitzer Prize winner and classic American literary work were published by J.B. Lippincott & Co. in 1960. Moreover, Harper Lee’s To Kill Mockingbird centers on Atticus Finch’s story, the narrator’s father, the six-year-old Jean Louise Finch. What made this book more prevalent and impactful is how it delivers its themes, which are racial inequality, injustices, destruction of innocence, social class, gender roles, bravery, and more. The story and the characters were generally based on the author’s keen observations of her environment, the home that she grew up in, her neighborhood, and the incident in Monroeville, Alabama, in 1936.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera is a philosophical fiction book written by Czech writer Milan Kundera. It was originally titled as Nesnesitelná lehkost byt and got translated into French as L’Insoutenable légèreté de l’être. The French translation of the novel got published first before the original language. The story revolves around two ladies, two guys, and one dog. Their lives got intertwined around 1968, which is also known as the Prague Spring period, in Prague. It looks into both the creative and intellectual life of the Czech community, the occupation of the Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact nations in Czechoslovakia, and the aftermath of the invasion.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Austrian author Viktor Frankl wrote a book about his personal experiences when he was captured and detained in the Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War. The author penned the book in German, but part one of it was translated by Ilse Lasch. Moreover, Frankl described the way he coped up with his situation by coming up with a psychotherapeutic method. The said method entails pointing out a particular purpose in life to generate positive emotions and mesmerizingly imagine that outcome.

Must-Read Books that Tackle Catholicism

It has been known that there are millions that were baptized as Catholics from all around the globe. Hence, Catholic Church is indeed considered as the biggest Christian church and the widest religious denomination. The religion has a rich history, diverse organizations, several doctrines, sacred sacraments, and other significant aspects.

Given the increasing numbers of the members of the Catholic Church, the cruciality of reminding people of their faith and Catholic roots might come into view. Thus, here are some of the must-read books that tackle Catholicism, which every part of the Catholic family should check out.

Inside the Catholic Family: Reflections of a Parish Priest by Rev. Francis Peffley

Inside the Catholic Family: Reflections of a Parish Priest is a book that centers on Catholicism and spirituality by Fr. Peffley that was independently published 2 years ago. Readers will definitely get a more profound understanding about faith and their responsibilities within it so they could fight the growing risk that target their faith. Amid the chaos of the world, the Catholic family never got an exemption from the attacks. The important underpinning of love and faith are starting to get deformed. Through this book, readers can delve into different poems and tales about faith and get the significant messages from the writings. As a result, readers will get a better grasp of the wonder and adeptness of the bonds within the family.

Why I Am a Catholic by Garry Wills

The reprint edition of Garry Wills’ Why I Am Catholic was published in 2003 by Mariner Books. The author provides a powerful declaration of his Catholic faith. Starting with a thorough reflection on Wills’ his personal experiences of his faith as a kid and a Jesuit seminarian. Moreover, he uncovers the significance of the religion in his life and begins to challenge the claim that feedback or rectification of the papacy is a strike on the faith itself. For the author, a Catholic can be both faithful and critical; a loving individual who sticks with his father even if the parent makes mistakes. Hence, there are crucial and compelling entrée into the exchange of views of the church’s past and future. This stimulating and spiritually moving book presents some significant questions for Catholic and non-Catholic readers.

The Catholic Church: A Short History by Hans Kung

Hans Kung penned the book The Catholic Church: A Short History. This outstanding book, the contentious and strongly influential author tells the account of the role of the Roman Catholic Church’s as a global power through the course of history. The author also looks into the great rift between the East and West and Catholic and Protestant, along with the papacy’s growing role, tales of the outstanding popes, and the widening of the worldwide churches. The Catholic Church: A Short History ends with an observant evaluation of the ways that the Catholic faith will face different struggles emerging in the new millennium through the people that are looking for reform of the traditional strictures.

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Scripture References) by Sarah Young

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (with Scripture References) by Sarah Young is a bestselling book published in 2004 that has sold over 30 million copies. Through allocating sometime in the presence of Jesus along with heartfelt devotions, this book will surely make every reader feel the relief from the inspiring and hope-boosting words and get reassurance of His love. Upon reading the book, readers will get a good guidance from the Scripture, build up their faith, and make a better bond with the Savior through the reflections based on the Almighty Father’s words.

Spiritual Warfare and The Discernment of Spirits by Dan Burke

Sophia Institute Press published Dan Burke’s book titled Spiritual Warfare and The Discernment of Spirits in 2020. The book aims to help the readers develop in strength and contentment by learning the methods to get each negative idea and make it obedient to Him. There are also other things that everyone can learn from this book including the proven means of staying away from sin and move toward self-giving affection of God and neighbor, the three main roots of desolation and the things that everyone must adhere to when it impact your soul, and more.

Inspiring Books That Will Help You on Your Journey through Life

Life is a huge mystery that many tend to ponder. But, there are a lot of means that can help you alleviate its difficulties, including books. Literature has always been a constant adviser to many problems that revolves around life and everything in between.

Those who are feeling uncertain of their choices, lost in their paths, and doubtful of their purposes are probably losing their motivation to keep up with the progress around them. But, all these negative aspects that life brings will be exchanged with comfort, contentment, and success with the help of the wisdom, tips, and advices from books.

So, if you are looking for books that can help you figure out life, deal with its complexities, and boost inspiration — then, here are the best titles that you should look out for.

Uprooting the Poison Tree by Myra L. Weiner, PhD

Uprooting the Poison Tree by Myra L. Weiner, PhD was independently published last March 09, 2020. It narrates the personal accounts of the author from her youth where she became fond of nature and the study of life to her womanhood where she achieved her dreams and established her personal and career life. The book tackles the author’s personal struggles, family life, science, and spirituality. Thus, those readers who fancy science, who experienced abusive or bad relationships, who need to prove their abilities in a male-dominated career path, who seek for spiritual bonds and meanings, and who attempt to look for a soulmate might become interest in this insightful book.

Note to Self: Inspiring Words From Inspiring People by Gayle King

Published by Simon & Schuster in 2018, this self-help book by Gayle King instantly became a New York Times bestseller after touching lives of multiple readers worldwide. The author gathered her encouraging letters, which she grew fond of, from the famous CBS This Morning segment called Note to Self. She also shares a couple of remarkable essays written by promising people including Maya Angelou, Oprah, President Joe Biden, and more. Readers can also find moving words from a Newtown dad and a military widow. Thus, this book is a touching reflection on the happiness and difficulties of growth, which is a perfect present in different occasions.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

This bestselling children’s novel by R.J. Palacio has been teaching both kids and adult readers how bullying should never be tolerated and how kindness is essential in this world. This will surely inspire every reader to make a difference in their own ways that can benefit both themselves and the society. Wonder follows the story of little boy named Auggie who suffers from Treacher Collins syndrome, which is the primary reason why his face becomes disfigured. He got bullied by some kids in his private school but he stood up to them, which is a brave thing to do for a fifth-grader. Moreover, this story came into view after the when the author’s kid sees a girl with an extreme facial difference and begins to cry. Palacio starts to manage the situation by getting her son out to prevent him to have an unlikely but it just worsens the event.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The first edition of this book was published in 1993 by HarperOne. It was originally written in Portuguese; thus, it was widely translated for the international readers and Alan R. Clarke is among the translators of the book. This work of the Brazilian author has sold millions of copies worldwide. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho recounts the wonderful tale of an Andalusian shepherd named Santiago. He wishes to go and look for a worldly treasure as grand as any ever found. Santiago’s story teaches everyone about the importance of listening to our hearts, following our goals, and more. This book, moreover, has been changing lives and inspiring readers even until now.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is a popular self-help book that was published in 1989. The author highlights a particular approach to becoming efficient in reaching goals through putting oneself in a place, which he referred as the “true north” principles. The said principles are based on the ethics of a person’s character that he introduces as universal or everlasting.

Inspiring Books under Christian Literature

Christian literature is the genre that houses thousands of books that focus on the different aspects of Christianity. Most of the writings under this genre are also divided into various sub-genres, which show how broad the scope of Christian literature can become. The said sub-categories include but are not limited to devotional literature, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and more.

The most popular and widely read work under this genre is the Bible. But, the Bible is not entirely deemed as a literary work; instead, it is often appreciate as literature because of the prose, stories, and other aspects that it contains.

Moreover, there are already several of inspiring books that were written under Christian literature today. So, if you are searching for books that will boost motivation but still remind you of your faith, then here are the titles that you should look out for.

Christian Divorce Wars by Dr. Sharon Arrindell

Christian Divorce Wars is an inspirational book by Dr. Sharon Arrindell, formerly Dr. Sharon Smith. It was recently revised and published by Trilogy Publishing. It is sincerely written by the author, who primarily experienced a divorce war that impacted her family. Even though it is not a biography, the book provides a glimpse of pain and desperation of the hurt fighters caught in this frequently overlooked battle, which outrages the walls of the church. The book offers the readers with an extensive view of God as a healer, forgiver, and friend, who while fixing His eyes at the divorce decree, slams the gavel of His Words announcing that the divorce is rejected.

Two Sides of Being Single: A Biblical Perspective by Wayne Drayton

Wayne Drayton authored the book titled Two Sides of Being Single: A Biblical Perspective. Its target readers are those parts of the Christian family who haven’t been blessed with a partner yet. These single believers are either yearning to keep their single life or waiting for God to bestow them with a husband or wife. The book is made up of two parts. The first one revolves around a person’s desire to maintain his single blessedness while the second one concentrates on people who are waiting for God to bless them with a partner for life.

When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado

The special edition of this book by Max Lucado was published in 2009 by Thomas Nelson. When God Whispers Your Name aims to help everyone to witness themselves in the tales of struggles and redemption in the Holy Scripture, to get a better grasp about how God uniquely knows them, and to understand the deep affection of the One who calls your name. Thus, somewhere between the pages of this work by Max Lucado and the parts of your heart, God is talking and calling your name. It could be difficult to believe but He whispers your name with great and genuine love.

From Faith to Faith: A Daily Guide to Victory by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland

From Faith to Faith: A Daily Guide to Victory by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland was published in 2013 by Harrison House Publishers. It is a daily devotional book that centers on real living. Hence, the book discusses the challenges that you encounter each day; this includes the irritation, worries, finances, and more. The authors show everyone the ways that they can create huge changes for victory in their life through using the Word of God.

Getting to Know God’s Voice: Discover the Holy Spirit in Your Everyday Life by Jenny Randle

Jenny Randle’s Getting to Know God’s Voice: Discover the Holy Spirit in Your Everyday Life was published by Harvest House Publishers last year, 2020. This book is a month-long interactive journey that will help you form a better connection with God. It contains various information and ways that can make you be taught and guided by the Holy Spirit, hear God talk to you in different ways, conquer challenges to hearing His voice, and connect what you are listening with the truth of His words. If you feel like God’s voice seems to be silent or you feel uncertain about who the Holy Spirit is, then this book is the best one for you.

Great Reads under Christian Literature

Christian literature is the literary genre that houses multiple works with Christian themes and worldview. They are often devotionals to help people develop a better relationship with God. Other writings under this genre are called Christian non-fiction, fiction, allegory, and more. One thing is constant in every work; they highlight certain themes that revolve around the Christian world.

So, if you are looking for books that can give you guidance and enlightenment in different aspects of life as a Christian, then here are the best titles that you should look out for.

Fresh Fire: Spiritual Transitions That Lead to Total Man Rebirth by Mark L. Spell

Fresh Fire: Spiritual Transitions That Lead to Total Man Rebirth is a book about changing lives through teaching and prayer by Spell. The book was published in 2020 by ReadersMagnet. It serves as an important means that can make you learn and get a better grasp on His words and power through the sound doctrine and biblical philosophies. In this book, the author tackles and elaborates the following aspects in a detailed manner with scriptural analysis and Holy Spirit’s reinforcements: spiritual warfare, true the nature of God and how He perceives us, the need of God in our lives, the significance of praising Him, and more.

The Two Sides of Being Single: A Biblical Perspective by Wayne Drayton

This book is intended for single individuals that are part of the Christian family who wants to keep stay single or prays for God to bless them with a good partner. The Two Sides of Being Single: A Biblical Perspective by Wayne Drayton is split into two sections. The first part centers on keeping a single Christian life, which is a difficult thing to maintain but it can be done by trusting God. The second section talks about those who are praying for God to bestow them a husband or wife, which requires these individuals with a great amount of patience. The book ends with a prayer for the people who desire to accept Christ as Lord and Savior.

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ Sinners and Sufferers by Dane C. Ortlund

Dane C. Ortlund’s Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ Sinners and Sufferers is an Amazon bestselling book under Christian discipleship. The book got published in 2020 by Crossway. Moreover, it talks about how people in the Christian community often feel that Jesus is unceasingly disappointed, frustrated, and perhaps about to give up on them. Everyone is aware on what Christ did for them. But, does anyone know who he is? How does Christ feel about his followers in the middle of their sins and failures? This book definitely mirrors Christ’s words as it delves into the different passages in the Bible that talk about his love for sinners and inspiring believers as they walk toward heaven.

The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today by Shannon Bream

This bestselling book was penned by Shannon Bream and was published by Broadside Books in 2021. The author features the lives of 16 Biblical women to help everyone reflect on their lives and see how they relate to one another and to us. Bream has organized the stories into pairs and contrasting tales to make the readers see the difference in each one of them. Hence, this book summarizes the learning that everybody can get from Esther’s valor, Hannah’s hope, Mary’s faith, and more. Shannon Bream definitely gives the readers a better understanding and great insights that can encourage people to change their lives.

Being Still With God Every Day: A 366 Daily Devotional by Henry Blackaby and Richard Blackaby

Henry Blackby and Richard Blackby is a devotional book that showcases a scripture and a brief yet meaningful devotion that readers will surely love to read so they can set their minds and hearts every day of the year. Being Still With God Every Day: A 366 Daily Devotional was published in 2014 by Thomas Nelson. Moreover, the authors aim to provide aid to the readers who intentionally search for the interactions God has with them each day, which can significantly help them in hustling, bustling, and remembering the plan that God has for them.

Hispanic and Latino Romance Novels You Shouldn’t Miss

Are you a fan of love stories starred by Hispanic or Latino characters? Do you get excited reading books about different kinds of romances featuring another cultural heritage and environment? If you do, then you might want to check out the amazing tales of affection written by authors from Latin America and Spain. Reading these kinds of novels will give you a breath of fresh air because it is not your typical romance you can see in the popular American movies and books.

There are already several works of Latino/Latina and Hispanic authors that are widely read today. But, if you haven’t read one, then here are the best romance novels you shouldn’t miss.

Dream, Sweet Dreams of You by Rick Vasquez

Rick Vasquez book on Latino survival love story is titled Dream, Sweet Dreams of You. It doesn’t only showcase great love and affection of the main characters but also the important issues experienced by Latinos, such as social injustices. You can also observe other Latin American aspect in the book, like the names of the characters, the terms used, and more. Moreover, this book has the ability to draw intense emotions through the different situations experienced by the characters. What makes this work more amazing is how it is consistent of indicating the time and place every time it transitions into one setting to another, like from 1914 Sonora Town, Los Angeles, California to 1926 San Francisco, California.

His Perfect Partner: A Feel-Good Multicultural Romance by Priscilla Oliveras

His Perfect Partner by Priscilla Oliveras, first book of Matched Perfection series, was published by Zebra Books in 2017. The story centers on Yazmine Fernandez, one of the Latina sisters featured in the series, and Tomás Garcia, a hard-working divorcee. She is a dance teacher of Garcia’s daughter. He cannot resist the charms and talents of Yaz. But for her, handsome workaholics are the types that she is avoiding. She’s focused on boosting her confidence and achieving the dream that her father failed to fulfill. With some parts of their lives are connected by a single string, which is Maria, can they keep a professional bond or will they hit it off?

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

Laura Esquivel penned the popular classic book Like Water for Chocolate. It was published in Mexico in 1992 while it was published in the U.S. in 1995. Moreover, it was the winner of the 1994 American Booksellers Book of the Year Award for Adult Trade. It falls under the genres romance, magical realism, and tragedy. The story centers on Tita who is a young girl that found comfort in cooking. It is the only activity that she can freely express herself. She has a love interest named Pedro but they cannot be together because of a family tradition that her mother strongly upholds. The said custom restricts the youngest daughter of the family to be wed because she must take care of her aged mother until her mother dies. Would she uphold the same tradition or would she break it?

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton is a remarkable book a Hello Sunshine x Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick. It follows the story of Marisol Ferrera, a Cuban-American freelance writer. She is the granddaughter of Elisa Perez. While growing up, she constantly heard the romantic tales of Cuba from her grandmother, who was forced to escape her country with her family because of the revolution. Elisa’s final wish was for her granddaughter to scatter her ashes in the nation where she was born. That’s why Marisol went to Cuba to fulfill the wish of her grandmother. But, she got involved with a guy with several secrets. Follow how Marisol gets to know more about her family history and pursue the man she’s attracted with.

Happy Hour at Casa Dracula: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy by Marta Acosta

The first edition of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy by Marta Acosta was published in 2013 by Bandinage Press. It focuses the story of Milagro De Los Santos who is a gardener and a bookworm. She considers herself a misfit but regardless of that, she still handles to have fun. One night, she encountered a guy named Oswald at a book party. They kissed wildly, which ended up to a cutting in the lips and unexpected exchanging of blood. Afterward, Milagro’s got sick and peculiarly craved for meat. What happened to her? Find out.

Reasons to Not Rush Being into a Relationship

When you hear the word “relationship,” you can get different reactions from people. Some may say that it is scary while others may say that it is the best thing in the world. If you try to think about it, romantic relationships are like humans, they go to various stages of growth. It all depends on the couple whether to continue lifting each other up or constantly drag one another down. Well, the latter can be unintentional.

In this generation, many have already loved and lost. You have probably seen a long break-up post on social media, heard the news of separation from your close friend, knew the divorce of a relative, or experienced the heartbreak yourself. These are some of the situations that are common today. But, those are all normal and are part of life. What is not normal are playing with other people’s feelings, hurting them intentionally, and keeping an unhealthy relationship.

There are many mediums where you can get great insights when it comes to why you should take it slowly. Most of them are in books where there are millions of stories that talk about different kinds of relationships, such as the book for the faithful who are flying solo by Drayton titled The Two Sides of Being Single: A Biblical Perspective. You can also turn to others who already experienced being in a relationship.

But what could be the reasons behind why you shouldn’t rush into a relationship? Here’s why.

Give you more time for self-love

Self-love is often taken for granted by many. There are a lot of people who often forget to love themselves first while there are also individuals who are still learning this particular type of love. Being in a relationship is demanding. You have to allocate some of your time, attention, effort, and other resources just to make another person feel special. There are tendencies that you will lose yourself in the process, which can turn into a red flag.

You should always love yourself first before anybody else. Because if you don’t, how can you give it to others? Would you be certain that what you are dedicating is genuine affection or just obsession? So, focus on yourself first and trust the process.

Know what you want in a person

Everyone has their ideal type. But, that can change as time passes by. When you start to mature, your preferences change. The dream guy that you wanted to meet when you were sixteen might not be the same ideal man that you want when you turn twenty-one. There will also be times that someone will try to win your heart and is the epitome of a perfect dude, from looks to attitude, but your heart doesn’t beat for him.

What I’m trying to say is that be true to your feelings. Don’t jump into a relationship because you feel pressured, alone, or left out because you’ll end up hurting another person. Be in a relationship because you’ve found the qualities that you want in a person, which you are willing to invest your time and affection without asking anything in return.

Save yourself from heartbreak

When you love someone, you are vulnerable to pain. If you have had your heartbroken, you sure don’t want to be in that situation again. So, do not rush things out. If everyone around you already found their soul mates or your ex-partner already found a new love, take your time to fully heal. The pain that you have felt can turn into a lesson that love is risky. Hence, save yourself from another or future heartbreak by taking baby steps until you are fully ready to commit to another relationship.

Focus on other things in life

Sometimes when you are in love, you tend to leave a lot of things behind for the sake of that special person. If you are single and is you think that the world is conspiring against you, then take that negative energy by directing it to other things and activities that can help you grow. You will never know that you will find love in the middle of exploring new things and focusing on life.

Great Novels that Should Be on Your Reading List

“Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens as well.” – Mark Haddon

Books have always been the best advisers and friends. They can give you the right words that you needed to hear, offer you essential knowledge, make you grow into a better person, and bring you to different places without moving. You can tell how novels work their magic when you’ve learn a lot upon reaching the end of the story or when you feel lighter since you have read a tale that mirrors your current situation.

There are many genres of novels in the literary world. Some of them might catch your attention while other may not suit your taste. That said, it is truly important to know what you want in a book and what type of stories that captivates you. If you are a long-time bookworm or a brand-new reader, then you should look for titles that can definitely give you a good reading experience like the ones below.

The Yellow Rose: A Novel of The Texas Revolution by Carl R. Bush and Bob Stewart

The Yellow Rose by Carl R. Bush and Bob Stewart was published in 2020 by ReadersMagnet. Moreover, if you based it on history, the term “yellow rose” pertains to an alluring mulatto lady. The term becomes integral in the story because the original attractive mulatto woman in Texas was Emily West. Her tale was connected to a song and legend to the 1836 Texas Revolution. That said, novel blends both legend with fact. It was primarily set during the period of revolution in Texas and believing that Emily and Sam Houston, leader of the battles, didn’t only work together to bring the home victory to Texans but also got romantically involved with one another.

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate was first published by Doubleday in Mexico in 1992. It got released in the U.S. 3 years after its original publication. It revolves around the story of Tita, a young female who yearns for her lover named Pedro. But, she couldn’t get to him because of the family tradition that her mother firmly upholds, which is the youngest daughter isn’t allowed to get married for she should provide care for her aging mother until her death. Tita is struggling with the tradition and only find relief and avenue for expression when she cooks. What makes this book remarkable is how the author inflicts magical realism to blend the supernatural with the ordinary in the entire story.

Jasmine: A Greater Love by Monique Boyd

This book is the sequel of Jasmine: A Woman of Color by up and coming bestselling author Monique Boyd. It was published in 2021 by ReadersMagnet. It is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of a former executive assistant named Jasmine Moore. In this book, the suspense that emerged on the first book becomes stronger. There are a lot of answers that will give light to the following questions: who wants to murder Jasmine? What is the motive of the killer? Will she protect and be happy on her new found love and joy? Will everything around her and her life be lost? And, will she uncover the mystery killer that wants to get rid of her? Find out more.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Popular Columbian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez penned the book One Hundred Years of Solitude. It was originally written in Spanish with the titled Cien años de soledad. It centers on the story of the Buendía family, whose father is José Arcadio Buendía. The mentioned patriarch built the town of Macondo. The novel showcased multiple themes that teach people multiple things. Among these central messages are the rising and falling of the town Macondo, victories and downfalls of the Buendía family, and more. Moreover, there are other crucial gists that you can get in this novel, including solitude, elitism, time, etc. This particular book by Marquez received a wide array of criticisms, praises, awards, and recognitions. Those acknowledgements paved the way for the authore to win the 1982 Nobel Prize in Literature.