bookworms sharpen bookworms...

a quirky, intentional, and wonderfully witty book nook in the corner of “unearthing”. here, i share my literary escapades, offering a curated collection of the books that have captured my heart and imagination. consider this your passport to a world of words where bookworms come to sharpen their literary appetites. from page-turning adventures to thought-provoking tales, join me on this whimsical journey as we dive into the boundless realms of storytelling. let's turn pages, sip some tea, and remember:
a well-sharpened bookworm is a force to be reckoned with!

in the kaleidoscope of my life, books have been my steadfast companions, weaving threads of solace through the tapestry of my experiences. regardless of the chaos or trauma that surrounded me in my formative years, i discovered an unwavering sanctuary within the pages of countless novels. books were my escape, transporting me to realms where i felt acknowledged, embraced, and shielded from the harsh realities of my world. today, the magic endures; reading continues to whisk me away to those cherished places beyond the confines of my present. these stories, whether fiction or reality, have been my teachers, imparting some of life's most profound lessons. they served as my guides through the labyrinth of trauma, facilitating the inner work required for healing. “bookworms sharpen bookworms" is my newfound haven, a curated space where i joyfully share the literary treasures that enrich my days. here, i invite fellow bookworms to join the conversation, sharing their own discoveries and creating a community bound by the love of words. it's a place where the alchemy of storytelling transforms not just pages but hearts, connecting us in a shared journey of exploration, growth, and understanding.

the list …

1. the four agreements by don Miguel ruiz

“in the four agreements, don miguel ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. based on ancient totem wisdom, the four agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. “ - back of the book

"my sentiments about 'the four agreements' can be encapsulated in this: i revisit this book whenever i need a refresher on detachment. its teachings ground me, reminding me not to take things personally, to remain intentional, to avoid assumptions, and not to take things to heart. i deeply appreciate don miguel ruiz for his invaluable insights."

2. these ghosts are family by maisy card

“stanford solomon’s shocking thirty-five-year-old secret is about to change the lives of everyone around him. he is a man who faked his own death and stole the identity of his best friend: Stanford solomon is actually able paisley. now nearing the end of his life, Stanford is about to meet his firstborn daughter, irene paisely, a home health aide has unwittingly shown up for her first day of work to tend to the father she thought was dead. these ghosts are family revolves around the consequences of stanford’s decision and tells the story of the paisley family from colonial jamaica to present-day harlem. the result is an engrossing picture of people caught int he sweep of history, slavery, migration, and the more personal dramas of infidelity, lost love, regret, and finally transcendence." - back of the book

"i highly recommend reading this book; i completed it in just two days. i had the privilege of knowing Maisy personally during my time in newark, nj. it's truly heartwarming to see her published works showcased for the world."

3. set boundaries, find peace by nedra glover tawwab

end the struggle, speak up for what you need, and experience the freedom of being truly yourself.

“Healthy boundaries. We all know we should have them - in order to achieve work/life balance, cope with toxic people, and enjoy rewarding relationships with partners, friends, and family. But what do "healthy boundaries" really mean - and how can we successfully express our needs, say "no", and be assertive without offending others?

licensed counselor, sought-after relationship expert, and one of the most influential therapists on Instagram nedra glover tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today's world. In a relatable and inclusive tone, set boundaries, find peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. rooted in the latest research and best practices used in cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt), these techniques help us identify and express our needs clearly and without apology - and unravel a root problem behind codependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, burnout, and more.” —back of the book

"as someone recovering from being a people pleaser, i grappled with setting boundaries. family trauma, challenging relationships, and years of self-preservation through silence made saying 'no' difficult. however, this book empowered me to articulate my needs, express my desires, and communicate clearly. it provided invaluable tools for my journey ahead, and I'm deeply grateful. i wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone struggling with boundaries."

4. all about love by bell hooks

“all about love by bell hooks explores love beyond the realm of mere romance. It delves into how love forms the root of happiness, self-worth, compassion, and social justice. It encourages us to approach love with intention, respect, and vulnerability.” — google

"i first read this book in 2019, and it deeply resonated with me. it prompted a profound introspection into all my relationships—past, present, familial, and friendships—to discern if i truly understood and practiced love within them. now, reading it again with the wisdom i gained in 2019, i approach it with fresh insights and a renewed commitment to embody its powerful insights on love in my current relationships. A must-read for anyone seeking to authentically practice love."

5. the set boundaries workbook [practical exercises for understanding your needs and setting healthy limits ] by nedra glover taawab

'“we all want to have healthy boundaries. but what does that really mean—and what steps are needed to implement them in our daily lives? sought-after therapist and relationship expert nedra glover taawab presents clear explanations and interactive exercises to help you gain insight and then put it into action. filled with thought-provoking checklists, questions, writing prompts, and more, the set boundaries workbook is a valuable tool for everyone who wants. to speak up for what they ant need, and show up more authentically in the world.” —back of the book

"set boundaries, find peace: the workbook is guiding me daily on how to prioritize myself and establish the necessary boundaries for my well-being. as i actively engage with this workbook, i'm evolving into a healed individual who confidently expresses my needs, communicates my desires, and authentically presents myself to the world."

here's my curated list for the month of december. If any book has whisked you away to a captivating new world, I'd love to hear about it! share your literary adventures in the comments below – after all, there's nothing quite like the connection of kindred bookworms. until next month's reading rendezvous, happy reading! 📚✨

bookworms sharpen bookworms,

-sabrina cates