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sophielua's reviews
65 reviews
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown
4.0
This was an extensive deep-dive into the type of leadership that responds rather than reacts, & listens rather than hears. This not only taught me what it means to become a vulnerable, grounded, & self-aware leader; it also showed me the value of connection and what it means to be human. I felt called out 75% of the time, but I gained inimitable clarity as a result. Pick this up, and you'll be forced to uproot what is comfortable and replace it with something pretty radical. What an empowering lens by which to view the world by! This wasn't mantra-y and hack-y. This was the real deal, and you'll find that this book will force you to confront your traditional notion of being. By the end, you'll feel like you've met yourself for the first time. I loved this read.
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
5.0
This book was like a wonderful perfume — you get “humorous & witty” at first whiff then as you sit with it, “moving & unforgettable” undertones start to carry you through. Trevor Noah writes like he’s on a constant upward swing: first, you’re stuck in the mire with him, but he takes your hand and shows you the hope that underlies it all. Pick up this book, and you will find yourself laugh-sobbing confused tears of joy, sorrow, & hope. what a read.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
4.0
This novel is a poignant coming-of-age story that is centred around themes of isolation, survival, resilience, & acceptance. Owens writes as though Mother Nature guides her hand — creating an atmospheric & sensory experience for her audience. I was immersed. What a stunning and exciting read! I see myself revisiting this one.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
4.0
An entrancing exploration on the topic of identity, and the choices that guide its formation. This was deeply heartwarming and bittersweet. I found myself pining for every single character, hope rising and falling like waves, constantly aching for all those in frame. As much as this book was serious, it was also sweet, however subtly. At her best moments, Bennett stripped back all layers and shone a spotlight on vulnerability, yearning, and all the pain & beauty that comes with this.