What I’m Reading! // February 2021

Last Week of Feb!

As a notorious multi-tasker, I am usually juggling a few books at a time. I figured I would share some of the titles each week for those of you looking for more recommendations! That way if you’re not interested in the Book Club selection for the month (or have already read it!) you can still check out what I’ve been reading in my down time!

I try to read a little bit of everything, so strap in. 😊

The Martian by: Andy Weir

Finished: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5 stars)

I am not typically a fan of science fiction, in fact I couldn’t even tell you the last science fiction book I read! This one was a curiosity borrowed from my roommate on a whim. It actually ended up being a harder read than I was anticipating solely because of all the space jargon and mathematical formulas.

Weir’s debut novel starts at a heightened drama point as our main character is left behind by his team of fellow astronauts…on Mars. Stranded, and presumed dead by the entire world, Mark Watney has to use his quick wit and engineering mind to figure out a way to save himself before the clock runs out.

The story was definitely gripping and Mark keeps you smiling throughout with his quick-thinking maneuvers, wisecracks, and generally chill vibe. I loved the narrative style, which switches between Mark’s journal entries and what’s happening with the rest of the world. Though I do love a good “triumph of the human spirit” tale, outer space is not really my thing.

Hats off to Weir for an amazingly well-crafted debut novel! The Martian came from humble beginnings, with him posting a chapter online weekly for free, before exploding into the cultural conscious overnight. It has since hit the New York Times Bestseller list and been made into a blockbuster film.

I would definitely recommend this for any science-minded individual looking for an exciting tale of what man can achieve, against seemingly impossible odds!

“Everything went great, right up to the explosion.” 

The Martian By: Andy Weir

Empire of Storms by: Sarah J. Maas

Currently Re-reading

This is the only book this week that’s a re-read for me and is my current “wind-down” book. A wind-down book is something I have already read and enjoyed, usually fiction or memoirs, that I use to relax at the very end of the day. Having anxiety is a constant battle, and sleeping soundly through the night is a rare occurrence in my case. Re-reading a book that makes me happy became my strategy to facilitate relaxation and mindfulness before I lie down.

This one in particular is book 5 in the Throne of Glass series. Sarah J. Maas was always one of my favorite YA authors and is known for her epic fantasy series. I won’t share too much about the story (as there are a total of 7 books in this one and I don’t want to give spoilers for the first few)! But, I was drawn to Throne of Glass initially because it reads like a cross between The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones– lots of violence, romance, badass female leads, and saving the day from the forces of evil.

“Even when this world is a forgotten whisper of dust between the stars, I will love you.”

Empire of Storms By: Sarah J Maas

The Courage to Create by: Rollo May

Just Started

Starting this one fully from scratch without even having read the back cover! Another great find I snatched from my roommate, so I am not totally sure what to expect here. It seems geared towards artists and meant to address the anxieties and fear we all have when it comes to either making art or sharing that art with the world.

This book would probably also be categorized as self-help, but is so far a bit more philosophical than the mainstream titles in this genre. I am hoping to find some extra motivation here to continue creating, and finding unique ways to do so!

“By the creative act, however, we are able to reach beyond our own death.”

The Courage to Create By: Rollo May

Atomic Habits by: James Clear

Finished: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

This was a great read! Super informative, and shared some similarities with books such as The Power of Habit by: Charles Duhigg and The Tipping Point by: Malcolm Gladwell (both of which I read earlier this year). I love the non-fiction/personal development book genre, so this was right up my alley!

Clear gives specific strategies to his readers who want to either form new good habits, or change their existing bad ones. He uses years of research and experiments to corroborate the findings with his own personal experience.

He stresses that goal setting isn’t ultimately indicative of whether or not you are successful. Clear says, “I began to realize that my results had very little to do with the goals I set and nearly everything to do with the systems I followed.” So, the focus is on creating these sustainable habits and strategies within your day to day life, rather than just defining the end goal and hoping you hit it.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to make a change in their lives. The tools provided are extremely versatile and can be utilized for any goal: be it having a cleaner house, a more consistent fitness routine, or achieving higher levels of performance in your job!

“It’s remarkable what you can build if you just don’t stop.”

Atomic Habits by: James Clear

Interested in reading any of these books?

Check out your local library or the Book Club/Currently Reading section of my BookShop Affiliate store to aid in their mission to financially support local, independent bookstores!