Each of these have been my ABSOLUTE favorite to read and I HIGHLY recommend you give them a shot (or a swig, whatever you prefer)! They vary from professional development books to adult fiction to young adult fiction – I love to read a variety of books! I hope you enjoy these books as much as I did; please let me know what you think! In no particular order and without further ado, here they are!
1. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson
- This book is incredibly life-changing and truly makes you look at life in a different way. Manson delves into the psyche in a way that helps you let go of the pressures of the world without giving up what matters most to you. You can find the full review by clicking the title above.
Beer Pairing: Coors Banquet by Coors Brewing Company; does it matter that a beer lover chose to highlight a simple drinking beer instead of a craft beer? Eff no! This beer is so easy to drink, that you can continue with your life as if nothing bothers you…except when you’re done with your beer and there’s not a fridge nearby.
Find the book in my bookshop (and support local bookstores) or on Amazon.
2. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo
- Are you ready to fully organize your life and be free of clutter? I thought I had worked so hard getting rid of the junk in my house, BUT I wasn’t clearing my space of the items that bring me joy. This book will help you sort through all of memories in your house and decide what is worth keeping.
Beer Pairing: Strawberry Lager by Abita Brewing; I chose this beer as it is one of my personal favorites to indulge in during the Spring time (when most people are doing their hardcore cleaning). It has a light and airy taste, which will coincide to the feeling your house will have after it’s been cleared out of the extra junk!
Find the book in my bookshop (and support local bookstores) or on Amazon.
3. “Tree Girl” by Ben Mikaelsen
- I read this young adult novel a few years ago and it’s still such a compelling story. It is from a young girl’s perspective about the Mayan Genocide that occurred during the 1980s, and sheds light on how it affected her. It does include some heavy material in regard to life during war times, but it is such a worthwhile story to read.
Beer Pairing: CosmicKat Belgian Style Golden Strong Ale by Veteran’s United Craft Brewery. You will most definitely need a strong beer to handle the themes in this book, so this heavier style ale is a must. A light color fools the taste buds, but the sweetness evens out the strong flavor.
Find the book in my bookshop (and support local bookstores) or on Amazon.
4. “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert
- If you feel like life is worth living and there is SO much to see, you will love this one. Elizabeth goes on a soul-searching journey through three different places (Rome, India, and Bali) that she feels will impact her in a positive way. She stays in each location for quite some time, to fully immerse herself, and chronicles her journey. You will be empowered to follow your own dreams and see the world!
Beer Pairing: Belikin by Belize Brewing Company; one of my absolute FAVORITE beers enjoyed on one of the best trips of my life. This beer is so delicious, you will wish you could be traveling the world as easily as this beer is to drink! This beer pairs perfectly with a book focused on a woman finding her true soul’s purpose in life – traveling and being one with who you are.
Find the book in my bookshop (and support local bookstores) or on Amazon.
5. “Walk Two Moons” by Sharon Creech
- This book is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite books – the way it is written, the way the words flow together to form an absolutely beautiful story, is incredible. I promise you will cry and you will never forget the way this book will make you feel. You can find the full review by clicking the title above.
Beer Pairing: Sunshine State of Mind by Gravity Brewlab; you’ll need to keep a positive mindset throughout this one to help calm your nerves. The light taste of this wheat ale will soothe your soul and remind you that love and people are precious. Simplicity in flavor will help you continue to drink, as you drink in the world of Salamanca Tree Hiddle (the main character).
Find the book in my bookshop (and support local bookstores) or on Amazon.
6. “Tattoo Atlas” by Tim Floreen
- Can evil be cured? You will find a possible solution in this novel about a young man who commits a heinous crime against the students in high school (I should caution you that it does include the topic of school shootings). However, this book is AMAZING – there will be tears. A lot of them. You will find yourself feeling so much sadness about the goodness and evilness in people. You will find that love is found in the most unusual places, and in the most unusual circumstances. You can read more about my thoughts on the book by clicking the title above.
Beer Pairing: Hop Tickler IPA by Sun King Brewery; hops are necessary to pair with this book! You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens next and you will need those hops to bring your back to reality. There’s a touch of wheat to help with the bite of this one, but it’s quite drinkable!
Find the book in my bookshop (and support local bookstores) or on Amazon.
7. “Twilight Series” by Stephenie Meyer
- I couldn’t create a Top 10 book list without including the series that impacted me so greatly (as it did so many others) and one that I will cherish for years! If you have only seen the movies and have a negative view of the series, I recommend reading the books instead (as the book is most always better). It follows the life of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, two young lovers who will capture your heart in such vampiric ways.
Beer Pairing: Blood Orange Belgian Style by Shipyard Brewing; since there aren’t beers made with actual blood, I had to choose a close second! This beer is easy drinking with fully filtered flavor. You’ll find yourself wanting to bite into an actual…orange with this one.
Find the book in my bookshop (and support local bookstores) or on Amazon.
8. “The Naturals” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- Are you interested in crime stories, especially cold cases? This series of books focuses on a group of teenagers who are hired by the FBI to solve cold cases, and it’s because they have “special powers.” The young characters are WAY above the typical maturation of their age group, but it’s still a very interesting read!
Beer Pairing: Wild Wacky Wit by Moon River Brewing; what a fun name for an exciting read! This one goes nicely with an orange slice, and truly is a party in your mouth! The solving of the cold cases will have you feeling bubbly as well, so the bitter orange peel mixed in with the coriander will keep you grounded.
Find the book in my bookshop (and support local bookstores) or on Amazon.
9. “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
- I can’t believe I didn’t read this one as a young girl, and I wish that I had! This precocious young woman is so captivating and easy to love. Anne will show you the beauty of the world; to slow down and take notice of what is around you – the sun rising & setting, the flowers that bloom in different seasons & full of color & scents, the dear love and friendships of those who mean the world to you, and being humble through it all. You can find the full review by clicking the title above.
Beer Pairing: Farmer Ted’s Golden Ale by Catawba Brewing; what else would go with a book set in the country? The flavors of corn and barley will set your mind at ease, as if you were living in the book. I love the straw-color, as it reminds me of the scenery she describes along her journey, but its full-body flavor will captivate your spirit as well.
Find the book in my bookshop (and support local bookstores) or on Amazon.
10. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
- I couldn’t get enough of this book! I really resonated with Doyle and her experiences growing up as a woman in our society. Every chapter’s theme is based on how women have been caged – without us even realizing it. She then explains her own life experiences and how she is breaking free from the cage we have been placed in since the beginning of time (literally). Women need to step into their power and unleash their inner cheetah; be PROUD to stand tall and shout, “I am woman, hear me roar!”
Since I had the pleasure of reading this book in the Badass Besties Book Club, I couldn’t help but share the beer that I fell in love with first.
Beer Pairing: Blue Moon by Blue Moon Brewing; I had to choose the beer that started it all for me as a beer drinker…the one that introduced me to my love of beer. It’s nice to go back to your roots and remember why you started something in the first place, just like you should always remember where YOU came from. This Book Club has been a dream of mine for quite some time, so let’s share this beer together and celebrate!
Find the book in my bookshop (and support local bookstores) or on Amazon.
If you love the idea of matching books and brews, then you will love being a part of my Badass Book Besties! I pair a delicious brew/liquor drink with every book we read.
If you’re looking to make connections with other women around a love of books, if you’re wanting to expand your thinking, AND make new friends while you’re at it, then you should join us! You’ll leave feeling inspired, refreshed, and happier!
Sign up for the Book Club here: Badass Book Besties