Category:

Nonfiction

Will book Review

by Amy Felix December 1, 2022

written by Amy Felix

Will was the first book that I read for the year. Nonfiction is one of my favorite genres as I love to read about people’s life stories, and this did not disappoint.

The book shares Will Smith’s life as a child and how he viewed his father as a hero. He shares his perspective on growing up and how his upbringing was influenced by his father’s disciplined lifestyle and the love from his mother and “Mom-Mom” (his grandmother.) In the book, we follow Will through childhood, teenage years, into fame, adulthood, 2 marriages, 3 kids, and multiple Grammys and blockbuster hits.

Best Part: The story about how his father gave him the task of laying bricks. I completely understand why it was the introduction.

Best Quote: “The more you get, the more you want, all the time never quite scratching the itch. You end up with a mind consumed by what it doesn’t have and what it didn’t’ get, and in a spiraling inability to enjoy what it has.” Will Smith

Overall, the book shares how Will overcame doubt and fear to pursue his dreams. The book was a great and fun read as you could see Will’s personality shine through the pages.

Would I recommend this read: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

December 1, 2022 0 comment

Finding Me by Viola Davis

by Amy Felix September 29, 2022

written by Amy Felix

When I think of Viola Davis, I think of How To Getaway With Murder. Shondaland Thursdays reminded me of myself as a kid looking at TGIF Fridays. I’ll be honest in admitting that I have not followed all of Viola’s work. However, I was invited to a book club reading that is read the book. So I said why not?! From the pandemic to my sabbatical, I have been reading voraciously. Books open up ideas about people and the world. Especially memoirs! People’s stories give you true insight into a person and that is what this book did for me with Viola Davis.

Here are the vitals of the book: Non-Fiction Book, Memoir

Summary of the book

The intro of the book takes you by surprise, “Cocksucker Motherfucker.” I clutched my pearls trying to determine where in the world I was planted. However, that’s the hook. The manner in which Viola narrates the book is raw, unapologetic, and powerful. Viola takes us on the journey of growing up poor in Rhode Island, navigating life as a young child, and being chastised for her skin color, moving into spaces that did not look like her, to then owning her own story as an actress.

Honestly, in the 1^st few chapters, I thought I needed a drink to read. It was tough to read. While I am aware of poverty in the United States, I cannot say that I truly understand how challenging it can be for those with no options. Yet, as I continued to read, her tone doesn’t indicate embarrassment. Instead, you sense the feeling of acceptance. Viola knows how her life had to happen the way that it did to bring her to where she is today.

Best part of the book

In the chapter, Coming to Me, Viola describes her time at Julliard as challenging. The characters they studied at Julliard did not represent her. She struggled to find her voice until she would participate in the MLK programs. How many of us have struggled to feel a sense of belonging in a place where we want to belong or need something from in order to get to our next step in life.

Like many people who travel to Africa, Viola found herself more grounded after her summer in Africa. The culture, the people, and their ways of expression enveloped her with a feeling of belonging. She describes it as her coming into herself. Leaving the old behind and embracing the new. As a human, this resonated with my soul. There is nothing better than developing a true understanding of yourself, embracing it, and letting the world see your authentic self. She came back to resume her studies at Julliard

Best quotes

Art has the power to heal.
My biggest discovery was that you can literally re-create your life. You can define it. You don’t have to live in the past.
The purpose of life is to live it.

Overall rating

In my opinion, the book was just ok. It gave me insight into how hard life can be as a child growing up poor. However, I didn’t finish the book thinking this was a great story that everyone should read. If you are a die-hard fan of Viola Davis and want to understand her story more then it’s a must-read. Otherwise, you can skip and watch the Oprah interview.

Would I recommend this read: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

You can purchase this book right now through my affiliate link.

September 29, 2022 0 comment

Books Nonfiction

Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

by Amy Felix August 4, 2022

written by Amy Felix

I recently attended an event with a panel of speakers. One of the audience members asked the business owners, what are they reading. My ears immediately perked up. I love hearing about what others are reading. The panelist mentioned the Psychology of Money. Immediately the title of the book captured me. I want to learn more about money. Don’t you?

Psychology of Money is a fantastic read that explains to the reader that the way we spend or save our money is based on our experiences. Through the interwoven stories of people who have become wealthy or lost everything, the readers are able to identify the intersection of wealth and greed. It implores the reader to examine their own relationship with money and a convincing argument to save money to save.

The best part of the Psychology of Money

The lightbulb turned on for me when I read Chapter 7, entitled “Freedom”. Firstly, think about your savings account. What are you saving for right now? Most of the time when people are saving, it is typically for a big purchase such as a car, house, or vacation. However, what if you just saved to save? By saving money without a purpose, it will provide you with freedom. Freedom from worry that you might be fired. Or Freedom to quit your job and take a sabbatical as I did. The defining quote in Chapter 7 is.

“Control over doing what you want , when you want to, with the people you want to, is the broadest lifestyle variable that makes people happy.”

In addition,

“Money’s greatest intrinsic value is its ability to give you control over your time. To obtain, bit by bit, a level of independence and autonomy that comes from unspent assets that give you greater control over what you can do and when you can do it.”

Yes! That’s it!

Best Quotes

I shared a few of the quotes from my favorite chapter, but here are a few other thought-provoking quotes.

“Getting money and keeping money are two different skills.”

We may understand how to acquire money, but can we keep it? For instance, someone said that if you want to be a millionaire, you actually have to make more than a million dollars. As soon as you spend $1, you will no longer be a millionaire. Isn’t that the truth?

“One of the most powerful ways to increase your savings isn’t to raise your income. It’s to raise your humility.”
“When you define savings as the gap between your ego and your income, you realize why many people with decent incomes save so little.”

I have been guilty of working side gigs as a nurse to increase my income. I have taught for exam programs, conducted clinical research, and even did some home care nursing. In those instances, I knew I was saving for something which meant that I had to keep living the same. I did not live anymore lavishly because I was working towards a goal. if I did not live the same way as I did before, it would be useless since I would not be able to save money.

“Flexibility and control over your time is an unseen return on wealth.”

My sabbatical is proof that money saved can buy flexibility and control.

“We should also come to accept the reality of changing our minds….You realize that the odds of picking a job when you’re not old enough to drink that you will still enjoy when you’re old enough to qualify for social security are low.”

My mother worked 40 years for a hospital institution, and I applaud her every day. I think once we become nurses, we believe we should stay nurses. This quote is a reminder that change is inevitable. I remember how excited I was as a brand new nurse. Now, I prefer to be in calming environments, brainstorming, and working on projects. Change is inevitable.

Overall thoughts

I loved this book! It has given me a completely different perspective on the way I use money. If you are contemplating your relationship with money, or just want a different perspective, I would highly suggest reading this book

Book Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

August 4, 2022 0 comment