He's a Tony Award-winning performer, best known for playing Aaron Burr in Hamilton. But before that, he was a mostly-unknown actor who doubted himself, struggled to line up work, and felt like he'd never "make it." This book will inspire you to keep trying, keep failing, keep learning, and keep moving towards your dreams. Never give up.
A sweet, romantic, feel-good story that's
perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. I read this book, then my mom read it, and then we had tea and cookies and discussed our feelings about it—which is probably what you and your mom should do, too.
The heroine of this book is a woman who always says precisely what she thinks—no filter—leaving people around her stunned and flabbergasted, most of the time. This book delves into
tough issues—like abuse, chronic loneliness, and alcoholism—with zany weirdness, humor, and honesty.
A powerful book that grips you from the very first page, dealing with important, uncomfortable topics—like racism, economic divides, and police brutality—told from the perspective of a brave young woman. The book is being turned into a
movie starring Amandla Stenberg (she played Rue in The Hunger Games) and whoa, it's going to be incredible. A must-read.
Kris has endured a staggering amount of heartache and loss—including the death of her husband Richard, the love of her life, who died when Kris was only 43 years old. In this book, she shares a process for moving through grief and reinventing yourself. An empowering book for any type of
loss—whether you've lost a person, a pet, a job, any part of your life or identity.
And on a lighter note... if you're obsessed with mermaids (I mean, who isn't?) this is a gorgeous book that covers the myths, legends, and lore of mermaids from all around the world. For instance, did you know there are African mermaids, Irish mermaids, Japanese mermaids, and mermaids who live beneath Hawaiian waterfalls, too? I read this
book on the beach and then (obviously) went swimming and attempted to Live My Best Mermaid Life.
. . .
Books make us cry, think, laugh, feel, heal, and transform.
Books open minds and hearts.
Books change the world.
So today, pick up
a book and dive in. Support your local library. Support your local bookshop. Support your favorite authors by ordering their books online, posting 5-star reviews, and sending fan emails to say, "Thank you." (He, she, or they will appreciate it so much.)
Happy reading!
-Alex
PS. I found this playlist of lovely,
chill music to play in the background while you're reading.
PPPS. My new novel is called So This Is the End: A Love Story and it
comes out (hardcover and Kindle) in October. I am very nerv-cited (nervous + excited). If you already pre-ordered a copy, whoooa! That's amazing. Thank you x infinity forever and ever.
