What I’m Currently Reading + My Reading Nook

Hey guys! Like many of you, I’m on my computer all day for work. It’s no big deal at all, but I’ve been getting a lot of headaches recently, so I’ve decided that nighttime = no computer. I’ve been trying to spend my nights doing something other than browsing the Internet. That means practicing yoga, coloring, playing with my dog, catching up on Bachelor in Paradise or Big Brother, etc. 

One thing I try to do for at least a half hour every night is read. As you know from some of my other posts, I’ve been reading a LOT lately. Bryan bought me a Kindle for my birthday last year, and I’ve been adding books to it constantly. {I still love a good paper book though!} So today, I want to share the books that I’m currently reading, and give you a peek at where I like to read and relax in my home. If you’d be interested in hearing a review on any of these once I’m done reading them, leave a comment below or on my Instagram! 

Adnan’s Story by Rabia Chaudry

I mentioned this book in a previous Friday Favorites post, but I had to mention it again, because it’s THAT good.

Like the 500 million people who listened to the Serial podcast, I became obsessed with the Adnan Syed case. I read so many articles online and loved hearing people’s theories about who killed Hae. {If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you can read a quick summary of the case on Wikipedia.} 

Once I was finished listening to Serial, I was thrilled to learn about a new podcast called Undisclosed. The co-host is one of Adnan’s close family friends, Rabia Chaudry. Rabia works at the U.S. Institute of Peace, where she researches the intersection of religion and violent extremism. Rabia, along with lawyers Susan Simpson and Colin Miller, dive deep into Adnan’s case and fill in a lot of the holes that Serial failed to explain. 

Let’s just say I was OBSESSED with Undisclosed. I listened to every episode in my car on the way to work. It helped me get through so many bad days filled with traffic. So, when I found out that Rabia was writing a book about the case, I knew I wanted to read it immediately. I tweeted to Rabia and told her about my blog, and she was thrilled to send me a copy of her book to review for Simply Nicole readers! I’ve only just begun the book, so I can’t tell you all my thoughts just yet, but keep an eye out for a post very soon. 

You are a Badass by Jen Sincero 

It’s no secret that I love self-help/self-growth books. I’ve been reading them for YEARS. When I go out shopping, I quickly browse the book section of whatever store I’m in, in hopes to find an interesting non-fiction book to add to my collection. 

A few months ago, Bryan and I were on our weekly Target shopping trip, when I decided to peruse the makeup section. {I needed a new bronzer for my friend Bridgett’s wedding!} Bryan would rather poke his eyeballs out than sit and look at makeup, so he wandered around the store. About 15-20 minutes pass, and I figure he’s looking at electronics or something. Nope. I hear him walk up behind me and he says, “Hey! I found this book that I think you’ll like.” HAHA. Not what I was expecting him to say at all. He showed me You are a Badass by Jen Sincero and I had to laugh. He knows me too well. Of course, I had to buy it. 

I started reading it right away, but then the craziness of summer kicked in and I forget all about it. I picked it back up last week and I’m so excited to finish it. It’s SO good. Jen tells it like it is and doesn’t sugar coat anything. As I’m reading, it’s like I’m having a convo with her over coffee or cocktails. I love it. 

The Girls by Emma Cline

I first learned about this book by browsing through a list of New York Times Bestsellers. I haven’t started it yet, so I can’t tell you too much about it other than it’s a coming of age story hinged on Charles Manson. It’s about a group of girls in the 1960s who are drawn into a cult with a charismatic leader. The book details the violence that occurs, and how these girls abandon their previous teenage lives for complete freedom – or so they think.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

I found this book while surfing through Amazon one day. It caught my attention because it had over 5,000 reviews and a 4.5/5 star rating. It’s about a man named Ove {You don’t say! LOL}. He’s an older man who people call “the bitter neighbor from hell.” However, behind his negative exterior, there’s a lot of sadness. The book explains his life story and how he actually becomes a profound impact on many people’s lives. Booklistonline.com even named it one of the most charming books of the year.

The Girl in the Red Coat by Kate Hamer

I LOVE mystery novels, so this book is right up my alley. It’s about a single mom who constantly worries that her eight-year-old daughter will go missing. Then, one day it happens while at a local outdoor festival. The book alternates between the mom’s story and the daughter’s story and {according to Amazon} is impossible to put down.

Lamp (c/o), furry pillow (Home Goods – similar), side table, dress (same dress, diff prints)

OK, let’s switch gears a bit and talk about my favorite reading nook. For years, I tried to read in bed, but it never worked for me. By the time I got in bed to read, I was already tired and usually fell asleep two pages in. It was a STRUGGLE. Now when I want to read, I sit in our living room, usually accompanied by a cup of peppermint tea, a cozy blanket, and my dog. Bryan’s usually there too ;). It’s not really a reading “nook” per say, but it gets the job done. 

One thing I wanted for this cozy space was new decor {it’s still a work in progress}. Before we moved, I knew we needed a new lamp, since most of my reading is done at night. Our old one was really small and didn’t fit our space, and it had a dark shade that barely gave off any light. After searching online for what felt like weeks, I found a lamp from Apt2B that really fits our decor style. It’s very minimalistic, so it will compliment any room in our apartment if we decide to move it. I love that the base is see-through, because it takes up less visual space and helps make our living area appear larger.

I legit sit in this spot every night.

// What books are you currently reading? Where do you like to read in your house?