Photography: A Novel Idea
One thing we have in common among the Josefinas’ team is the passion for books. In 2020, we started a new project, which we are very proud of – the #JosefinasBookClub.
In this blog post, you can see all of our reading recommendations of the past year.
“Letter To My Daughter” by Maya Angelou
Our first reading suggestion was the book “Letter To My Daughter”, by the author Maya Angelou. This book is a letter to the daughter that never existed and a tribute to every woman around the world.
“We Should All Be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Photography: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“We Should All Be Feminists” shows us, in a very fluid way, how intrinsic sexism still is in our society, and how devalued the feminist discourse is. This is an unavoidable book, a speech to make us reflect about a message that must be spread.
Photography: @michelleobama (via Instagram)
Michelle Obama is a symbol of equality, freedom, strength, hope, and feminism. In her book “Becoming”, Michelle Obama tells her story and inspires us to fight for what we believe in.
“Goodnight Stories For Rebel Girls” by Elena Favilli
Photography: Roxie Watt
A book that brings together the stories of 100 inspiring women who have changed the world, to encourage and challenge all rebel girls to follow their dreams.
Photography: @amazing.may (via Instagram)
Milk and Honey is a book about being a woman, about sexuality, about love and scars, about abuse and trauma, about loss. A book with a heavy message, but with such delicate writing that we feel safe and powerful.
“Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
Photography: @booksohmy__ (via Instagram)
“Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” is a book that reminds us of the importance of mental health in an insightful, captivating, and dramatic way. Despite addressing such sensitive topics, “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” manages to be a fun book with a very positive message: it is never too late, for anyone.
“The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin
Photography: Lauren Rodych Eberle
Written in the first person, “The Happiness Project” is a book that portrays the evolution of the author Gretchen Rubin when she decided to change her life habits to live a happier life.
“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert
Photography: @thespringwind (via Instagram)
For a year, Elizabeth travels across three countries: Italy, India and Indonesia, in search of peace, balance, love, pleasure, and spirituality. It is in this immersive novel that Elizabeth lets us know her innermost thoughts, expressing herself openly on issues as pertinent as mental health, loneliness or depression.
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
Photography: @tiffsbooked (via Instagram)
“The Nightingale” is an intense book about the role of women during World War II, the Nazi occupation, and all the rules imposed by Hitler. A book that makes us reflect on a very precious asset - Freedom - and how we often take it for granted.
“Dear Ijeawele” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Photography: @22miaaaaaa (via Instagram)
In “Dear Ijeawele”, a true feminist manifesto, Chimamanda writes in a way that challenges gender roles and the expectations created for boys and girls. A book that shows us that there is still a long way to go before we live in a fair and egalitarian society.
“Where’d you go, Bernadette?” by Maria Semple
Photography: @sfbookgirl (via Instagram)
“Where’d you go, Bernadette?” shows us, in a fun and captivating way, the complexity of life and human relationships. A book that, without even realizing it, gives us a lesson with each reading.
“The Choice: Embrace The Possible” by Edith Eger
Photography: @sissireads (via Instagram)
Edith Eger was 16 years old when she arrived in Auschwitz and was one of the few people who managed to escape one of the darkest events in the history of mankind. “The Choice: Embrace The Possible” had everything to be a sad book. Fortunately, this is not the case. It is a testimony of perseverance, determination, resilience, and strength.
“Love. Style. Life” by Garance Doré
“Love. Style. Life” is a multifaceted book about life, love, fashion and beauty, in an informal and wonderful register.
“Elizabeth Is Missing” by Emma Healey
Photography: @shehasareaderssoul_ (via Instagram)
This book is more than a mysterious story about the disappearance of a woman, it is a reminder of the perishability of life and mental health. A moving book about love and loving.
“My Life On The Road” by Gloria Steinem
This book is a journey through the life of Gloria Steinem. Feminist icon, social activist, journalist, fierce woman, driver of this troubled trip. “My Life On The Road” is the autobiographical book of a true #PowerWoman.
Photography: @watchciarareads (via Instagram)
A story about a dystopian future where women live in an extraordinary place, with access to the best care, food, and treatments. The downside? Excessive vigilance, lack of privacy, and the fact that these women are here to bear children that will not be theirs.
“Normal People” by Sally Rooney
Photography: @rosie_gower_ (via Instagram)
A book that initially looks like a typical teen story, but which we quickly realize it is more than that. “Normal People” addresses topics such as social pressure, dysfunctional families, violence, bullying, sexuality, and the drama of making decisions that can change lives.
Photography: @marlenegouveia1986 (via Instagram)
An enigmatic book about the mysterious disappearance of a girl. “Sadie” shows us a different view of the dark side of humanity, making us uncomfortable and, increasingly, more curious, with every page.
“Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton
Photography: @secrettland (via Instagram)
Our last suggestion for 2020 was “Everything I Know About Love”, by author Dolly Alderton. A book about love, passion, friendship, teenage drama, and the importance of the feelings of those around us.
Tell us which book you most liked to read in 2020, using #JosefinasBookClub on Instagram.
