Sharing a roundup of books I’ve recently read and whether I recommend adding them to your collection.
Hi friends! How was your weekend? We spent ours in Phoenix for Liv’s dance competition. Her team did an amazing job, we enjoyed a family brunch, and I squeezed in a Lagree class—wins all around!
For today’s post, I wanted to share a recap of books I’ve read recently. After a bit of a reading drought, I’ve made more time for it lately (though I’ve also been studying IHP 3 in Spanish—life’s a balance!). Almost all of these were home runs, and I’m excited to share them with you! If you’ve read anything amazing lately, let me know. I’m dreaming of a cruise with coffee and a good book in hand—ready for my next read!
Here’s what I’ve been diving into:
ADHD is Amazing by Penn Holderness
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. I’ve been a fan of the Holderness family for years, and this book caught my attention because I’ve often wondered if I might have ADHD. From the constant need to learn to the pressure of deadlines (and then spending hours hyper-focused on a task), to switching hobbies frequently (remember my flamenco and ukulele phases?), it all felt familiar.
This book is a fun, honest look at living with ADHD. Penn shares personal stories and shows how ADHD isn’t something to “fix” but something to work with. It’s funny, eye-opening, and encouraging for anyone who feels their brain works a little differently. It’s a great reminder to support friends and family with ADHD. 9/10
Things We Can’t Say by Kelly Rimmer
This one is a tear-jerker! It alternates between contemporary times and WWII Poland as a woman uncovers her grandmother’s hidden past. It’s a powerful mix of love, loss, and resilience, with an ending I didn’t see coming. If you love dual-timeline stories and historical fiction, you’ll enjoy this. 9/10
The Lioness of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
Set in 1950s and 1970s Iran, this book follows two women who become unlikely best friends. It’s beautifully written, exploring themes of friendship, ambition, and quiet acts of resistance. If you loved The Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns, you’ll enjoy this. It’s a book that stays with you long after you finish. 9/10
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
I’ve been waiting to read this forever and finally listened to the audiobook. It exceeded all expectations. Ina shares how she followed her intuition, took bold risks, and built an iconic career without a formal plan. From working in the White House to launching her brand, it’s full of inspiring stories. I’ve been a fan of Ina for years, and this was a beautiful reminder to stay true to yourself. 10/10
So, what have you been reading? Share your favorites with me!
xoxo,
Gina
