February Reading Round-Up: Reinvention, Courage, and a Cleveland Author Event
This month's reading round-up is so wild because I actually got to meet one of the authors. I know...I could barely believe it myself!
I have been following Misha Brown for a few years on IG. He tells great stories, stands up for women, and advocates for taking care of yourself so you can pour into others. His account is really so good for your soul. So when he started talking about the book he wrote, I ran and put the pre-order in my cart. I didn't know exactly what it was all about, but I wanted to support him and his uplifting movement.
So when my dear friend, Jes (also a Misha fan girl), found out that his book promo tour was coming through Cleveland, I said, “Yes, please.” Jes and I went for the VIP experience, which included a signed copy of the book and a photo opp.
It truly was amazing that we got to meet a social media hero of ours in real life, take a photo (evidence below), get a custom signed copy of the book, and then enjoy a fun interview where Misha shared extra details not included in the book.
At one point he even dropped a very Cleveland reference. Remember Balloonfest? If you know, you know. If you do not know the story, you should definitely check out his Big Flop podcast for the full breakdown.
Yes, Jes and I wore pink to match the book cover, cause being extra is fun!
More About the Books I Read in February
Be Your Own Bestie by Misha Brown
“I look up to her as the woman who has reinvented herself more than once because she knew what she needed.”
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
“That never would have happened if I hadn’t stopped dreaming of becoming her [Toni Morrison] and gotten busy becoming myself.”
This is Marketing by Seth Godin
“We need your craft without a doubt, but we need your change even more. It’s a leap to choose to make change. It feels risk, fraught with responsibility, and it might not work.”
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The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore
“Doctors were policing women who stepped outside society’s strictly defined gender spheres — work and intellect for men, home and children for women — in what could be described as a ‘medicalization of female behavior.’”
I Want to Burn This Place Down by Maris Kreizman
“Alas, I did not become corporate Barbie for a number of reasons. I hate wearing heels. I have stumpy legs. I faced various layoffs. I realized breaking through the glass ceiling is a visceral and bloody action. It hurts.”
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
“Vulnerability is life’s great dare. It is life asking, ‘Are you all in?’”
Where We Keep the Light by Josh Shapiro
I had to return the book to the library before I could capture a quote for you. I do love how he made the book’s theme light and you find it in the everyday, especially if you can dare to pay attention.
Staying Sharp Is a Practice
One of the things I value most about reading (my primary choice for personal development) is how it expands my perspective.
Sometimes it introduces me to ideas I had never considered.
Sometimes it reinforces something I already believed but had not yet articulated.
And sometimes it simply reminds me that growth requires intention.
The professionals I admire most are curious people. They read. They ask questions. They stay open to ideas that challenge their thinking.
Reading is one of the ways I continue to sharpen my thinking, strengthen my leadership, and expand how I show up in my work.
I would love to know what you are reading right now.
What books are helping you think differently, lead more intentionally, or navigate your career with greater purpose? Maybe you are reading for entertainment, fun, or relaxation, that is okay, too, and please share!
If you are building habits that strengthen your thinking and professional development, you might also enjoy my book Own Your Career: Take Control + Accelerate Your Professional Growth.
