I'm a nerd, and I read A LOT. I always have...mostly because when I was a kid, you would get a personal pizza from Pizza Hut if you read a certain number of books. Reading provides so much: knowledge, an escape, the ability to use my imagination, and a chance to see things from a different perspective. I tried to give myself a challenge when I moved to SC of "a book a week" and while I don't think I've kept up with it, I have read more in the last 6 months than I have in the last few years.

Here are some of my recent favorites:

Deviate, by Beau Lotto (this one does get top spot): I have so many good things to say about this book. This book...changed my mind. I could feel my brain. Sometimes it's easy to dismiss everything your eyes see as *real* and this book proves that is not the case. If you're only choosing one off this list, please make it this one.

On Living, by Kerry Egan: some books are just in the right place at the right time. And this was one I grabbed while I was waiting in line to check out. I quickly realized this book is one about living while you're alive. At the end, all you can take with you is your memories, although there is a chance that you may lose those as well.

Black Privilege, by Charlamagne tha God: THANK YOU to Charlamagne for being honest enough to say "I fucked up," but for having enough respect for himself to learn the lesson and let that shit go. It's a great reminder that you need to go through the things you need to go through, but you better learn something. An even better reminder that you can speak your truth, be who you are, and not hold onto shame or guilt. And shout out to Charlamagne for signing my book when he was in town for the Black Expo. He's a powerful writer and this book was well worth the money!

Who Moved My Cheese?, by Ken Blanchard: a quick read that when you read it, you're like "duhhh" but then you're like "oh ok, I need to get a grip."

Keep Your Love On, by Danny Silk: stop guys, I'm in a self help phase. And it hit me, all this self help and I'M NOT ACTUALLY HELPING MYSELF.

The Nix, by Nathan Hill: I powered through this book after I joined a book club (that completely disbanded before it even started...yes, I was mad at them at first for making me read a 700 page book) and was completely surprised by how good it was! It's a big ass book, but man, I found it hard to put down.

Miss Fortune, Lauren Weedman: is she me? Bc holy shit I related to Lauren Weedman so friggin much it was scary, but also super reassuring. Even if my therapist has already told me multiple times I'm "not alone," it felt good to see it written down.

What are you reading and why do you recommend it? Comment here or snapchat AmyMCR