Tag Archives: empowering

9 New Books I Can’t Stop Thinking About

Posted in Miranda's Book Nook by

We already got a peek at some of my latest 2021 reads already on here, and guess what? That’s not even half of it! Welcome back to Miranda’s Book Nook as I share some of the 2021 book titles I can’t get enough of and which ones should be on your radar through the end of this year and into the next. Happy reading, y’all!

The Fangirl’s Guide to the Universe by Sam Maggs

OMG, this handbook for geek girls is so much fun!! It’s a fun, uplifting guidebook is for all the unapologetic fangirls out there, no matter what you stan. This book is for the fangirls and guys that are living their best stan lives passionately and free.

Author Sam Maggs writes from her own fangirl experience, which makes the book all the more realistic. With her first-person essays and lists, the book is chock full of empowering and informative language, plus fun, cute illustrations and graphics. Lololol, like, I love this book already. It’s all about finding your geek tribe and then embracing this weird, wonderful geek life. Then, Maggs also interviews some of the top geek girls who use fandom in their careers, which is so cool to see their takes on the fandom world. All in all, it’s all about embracing your inner fangirl loud and proud, which I love to see it. This cute and fun nonfiction book focuses on being a geek girl feminist and how to bring change to the geek world, which I loved to see too. Fangirls unite, it’s time to suit up and change the universe!

Available: Now

A Royal Disaster by Jennifer Bonds

I was looking for a happy regal romance to transition my TBR and this book was exactly that. The book follows Elena (aka Lena), a nickname that’s used interchangeably, who’s sworn off dating following a bad breakup and undercover prince Liam in dual back and forth perspectives.

After a disastrous meet-cute, it’s clear these two have so much heat and banter between them. When paparazzi pictures of the two of them go viral, he proposes a fake dating scheme to get the press off their backs and get his parents off of the idea of an arranged marriage right now. Ok, so like Lena repeatedly says “Ay Dios Mio” throughout the book, and that’s the only applicable reaction to reading this steamy romance novel. It’s a fun and quick one-sitting read, and boy, does it bring the heat because there’s so much tension between them, like things had to explode, and damn, did they! It’s smutty and good fun for a romance. I did get so wrapped up in the story that I just couldn’t put it down and ended up devouring it in one sitting. Sure, it’s predictably cheesy but it’s just so darn cute as is. And then, that HEA gave me so many damn butterflies in the pit of my stomach. Like, in general, I do love a good royal romance, it’s truly my favorite trope, and this was the perfect addition to that squad of books. It was so cute, and I just need a full freaking series with the continuation of their love story. Right now.

Available: Now

Survival of the Thickest by Michelle Buteau

This book of essays from comedian and actress Michelle Buteau is all about her life and journey, peppered with a conversational tone and language as almost like if she’s in element doing a standup routine.

I’ve found her comedy bits from The Circle or 2 Dope Queens to be amusing, so I was intrigued by the prospect of her own book. It’s an authentic memoir of essays, where everything she writes and experienced is quite funny because it’s relatable as heck. A fun, lighthearted celebrity memoir read.

Available: Now

 

Mr Right Across The Street by Kathryn Freeman

I was looking for a fun, contemporary British romance, and I got that. Here, Mia has recently moved to Manchester for a fresh start from her disastrous dating life. Then, she notices her hunky neighbor across the street has begun to leave her notes in his window since both their spare rooms face another. He’s Luke, a bar owner with his own issues but by helping to show Mia the town sights, he sees what real romance can be. Because he’s just besotted.

The book is told through back-and-forth dual perspectives, and the two of them have such banter down pat. Soon, they start exchanging messages through the windows, and a friendship develops. It’s a cute slow-burn romance full of fun language and fun, delicious banter that I can’t get enough of. Sure, this book is a bit slow to start and really get into, but it does get a lot better and cuter. I love a good “nerd and cool kid” romance story, and this one is just positively cute and fun. The ending is very sweet too, like giving me butterflies type of good.

Available: January 22

You Were Made For Me by Jenna Guillaume

This YA romance was delightful, fun, and just plain cute. Here, less than popular Katie and her best friend Libby sort of, accidentally, sculpted and baked a perfect teen boy replica who then magically came to life. And it turned out that, once real, he was a super devoted boyfriend to the never been kissed Katie.

It’s described as a modern, feminist retelling of the eighties cult movie Weird Science, and just by the description, I could tell this would be super cute and fun. Which it was. The book’s written like a post-experiment diary from Kate, with interjections by Libby, as they recount this story in the first-person perspective. Sure, it’s a bit slow to start before the boy they make, Guy, comes to life. But once he does, it ramps up and I just find myself so compelled by the language that I have to know what happens next. Sure, this premise is completely off-the-wall bonkers, but I’m actually into it. It’s just a fun and cute YA. A great one-sitting read. Then, there’s Theo, the boy next door who definitely, positively has a crush on her but she doesn’t see it, and also the most popular boy in school who she’s always liked. So, there’s a whole bunch of things happening here. But in the end, it was such a cheesy, cute teen romance, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Available: April 1

Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron

Before I started this read, I was in the mood for an adorable, fluffy contemporary romance with a little steam as a transition read for my TBR, and this book delivers on that front.

Here, the main character Reena sets up a fake engagement with her new neighbor Nadim in order to enter a couples’ only baking competition. So, we’ll get that ole reliable fake date trope to keep us occupied. Nadim is instantly described as a “brown Captain America” which, like, what a solid description lololol with a British accent. He moves to Canada to work for her father and they’re set to have an arranged marriage, which she’s not interested in. Each chapter reads quite quickly with tone and language that pulls you in. It’s captivating and relatable, a book I could hardly put down. It’s a fun, indulgent romance read with a number of laughable scenes. Also, OMG the Buffy jokes were on point at the end. LOL, unexpected but, like, well done.

Overall, this book was juicy and dramatic that I got so invested in the storyline and these characters. Then that HEA actually gave me butterflies in my stomach, so yes, it is darn cute. It’s just so precious and so much fun.

Available: March 2

The Girls Are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

This psychological thriller and women’s fiction novel follows former best friends Ambrosia and Sloane (aka Amb and Sully) as some mysterious letter forces the two girls to reunite to find someone who wants to get revenge for some dark deed they did ten years ago at their college reunion. It starts with an intriguing, mysterious hook that has me so curious from the get-go that had me so interested to keep reading. This book flashes between the reunion in the present day and Amb’s freshman year when the incident went down and what led to its occurrence. Once Amb and Sully get letters summoning their attendance at the reunion, they find out they’ve been stuck in the same room but who did that and is stalking them, or what do they want? This book has so many juicy bombshells and insane reveals that had me on the edge of my seat. It’s so mysterious and I was just so desperate to find out more with all of its unexpected and unpredictable twists that gave me such can’t-put-it-down vibes at nearly 3 in the morning. Whoopsie daisy.

Then, that epilogue. Like, what the heck, it seriously had the biggest twist of them all and I just wanted to scream at ****** for their lack of trust and not believing the truth, and what actually had happened was just so freaking messed up and ***** was so freaking bonkers and bizarre to do this whole thing, like geez, hun, why didn’t you just move on rather than basically try to Single White Female anyone, eesh. But wow, that’s a pretty damn good mystery novel then. I mean, as a non-mystery fan, like holy freaking hell, I can’t believe all that went down and that was so surprising, and also the language was just so captivating that I got so into it.

Available: March 9

The Flipside of Perfect by Liz Reinhardt

I had no earthly idea what to expect when I first was approved for this book on NetGalley, and now that I’m on the other side of this read, I was quite surprised with how cute and realistic it was, and how much I enjoyed it! Here, the main character Adelaide has divorced parents, and when she splits her time between their homes across the country, she takes on opposite personas.

With her mom, stepdad, little sisters, and school friends in Michigan, she’s the proper, perfect, good girl AJ. Then, with her dad and older siblings down in Florida over summer breaks, she’s the more free-spirited and fun Della. These separate worlds, while both her, do not have any overlap whatsoever, until the summer after junior year. While she’s at her dad’s, her younger sister Marnie unexpectedly comes to stay with them, and she must realize who she actually is and how to merge her separate lives. It’s almost as if she lives parallel lives and doesn’t know who she really is or how to merge her complete self into one.

This book has such an engaging, compelling, and relatable point of view, and it’s a quick, fun YA read that I couldn’t put down. I just had to know what would happen next! Then, there’s Della’s former childhood nemesis Jude, who works for her dad in Florida. And the two of them are so dang precious with their little crushes and feelings. Like, awww!! Also, he was the only one to know about her two halves and separate personalities, so clearly she trusts him on a whole other level. Seriously, this book was just so flipping cute.

Available: April 6

To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters

I’m not usually one for historical books, but this was giving me, like, Pride & Prejudice slash Elizabeth-Darcy and Bridgerton vibes, so like, it’s clearly worth a shot. If you are a fan of the Bridgerton series at all, you’ll definitely fall head over heels for this new Regency-set romance.

Here, Diana and Jeremy are enemies of sorts in their upper echelon of English society. They banter and poke each other quite a bit. So much so, that they agree to a wager that the eligible playboy bachelor must marry within the year or she’ll forfeit one hundred pounds. However, he has a counterproposal for her. Embark on a no-strings-attached, secret affair during his fortnight-long party so she can prove he’s not bad in the bedroom after a former paramour yelled at him that he was. Hahaha, oh I love this book already.

The widowed Diana and Jeremy have so much banter that’s so delicious as a reader. This whole book is so freaking juicy, like, by the prologue alone, I was so into this story! Told through back and forth perspectives, this very enjoyable book is full of witty, captivating language and all the tropey romance goodness. These two characters have a certain level of tension between them, told through all their banter, that’s so delicious to watch play out on the page. It’s a compelling read, and one I just couldn’t put down. Sure, it all ends quite predictably but it’s still fun and cute nonetheless.

Available: April 6

Advance reader copies of the books listed were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

16 of the Best Body Positive Moments on Television to Remind Us to Love Ourselves

Posted in Pop Culture by

Most of us, myself included, have grown up and been able to rattle off a laundry list of all of our insecurities since we were young, those so-called “flaws” that signify how we in no way resemble what we see in media. What’s been great about the current body positivity movement is its awareness to different body types in society, in the media, and in the internet sphere. It has been hugely instrumental with body acceptance and facilitating self-love, and I celebrate that. However, the majority of all the classic TV characters has not really reflected that, where we haven’t seen as many characters that resemble us in reality, scars, stretch marks and all.

Believe me, I get it. To be frank, I’ve always struggled with self-esteem, confidence, and accepting what I look like. It’s always been difficult to feel confident when you turn on media programs and no one that looks like you, or is dealing with similar insecurities, is seen as the protagonist, the hero, the successful one, or the romantic lead. However, quite a few shows of the past and present have begun to knock down those beauty ideals of the past and helped to inspire us by showcasing that everyone is different and every difference is beautiful. Here’s a look at some of the most empowering moments to get you through this summer with total confidence and nothing but love and admiration for what you actually look like, cellulite, zits and all.

1. “The Bold Type”

On the third episode of “The Bold Type’s” season two that aired two weeks ago, the Freeform series conquered body positivity, and not just in a way of acknowledging it briefly, but rather they made it the cover story. (Pun intended.) From Tess Holliday’s cameo as a body positive champion and successful model, the girls embracing their “pimples, stretch marks, and moles” in a naked and un-retouched photoshoot, to Jacqueline schooling the board on why it’s such an important message. One of the most inspiring quotes was Jacqueline saying, “Body positivity is about self-love, self-acceptance. And that is healthy” to the media board member that just didn’t get it. All the motivation you need to live your best, confident lives this summer.

2. “American Housewife”

This is the ultimate summer swimsuit inspo we need this summer. Whether you’re scared of rocking a two-piece or that moment you go from covered up to disrobing as you descend into the water, we can all relate to Katie and daughter Anna Kat’s plight of body and swimsuit insecurities. So, follow Katie’s lead, and let go of that coverup and embrace your best swimsuit life this summer and just enjoy the sun, pool, and oceans, judgemental watchers be damned, because you look awesome in your swimsuit and confidence.

3. “Drop Dead Diva”

The premise of the former Lifetime show was what happens when a deceased model awakes in the wrong body— and into one of an accomplished lawyer, who happens to be a plus-size, drab dresser. We see Deb-as-Jane eventually come to terms with her new body and learning that confidence makes the world of difference. And that’s a message we can all get behind.

4. “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”

One thing “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” gets right is creating a female protagonist who’s relatable, but still owns herself, even though she has struggled with if she’s pretty enough to get the guy and her body type. Hey, Rebecca, we’ve all been there! The CW show is all about empowering females to be strong and confident for yourself, and that is why it’s so great.

5. “Younger”

Maggie is the best friend we truly deserve. While Liza becomes nervous about how she looks and her appearance, her best friend Maggie steps in with some words of wisdom, “With everything that women have to be paranoid about, we don’t need to be making up more stuff. You look amazing.” Morning mantra right here!

6. “Ugly Betty”

Betty taught us not to let insecurities overpower your dreams and your attitude. It’s that age-old lesson of “don’t judge a book by its cover” because your confidence outweighs any external beauty or so-called imperfections. Besides, if Betty can survive (and thrive) at Mode, then you got this.

7. “That’s So Raven”

Growing up, this was arguably one of the most inspiring moments on television I’d seen, let alone from a Disney entity! Seeing Raven Symone openly speak up about unrealistic body standards and how that makes people feel gave all the young girls (myself included) out there that didn’t fit Hollywood’s ideal of a “perfect body” all of the confidence in ourselves to own who were were. And that moment is something every little girl should have moving forward.

8. “First Dates”

On the popular British reality show, “First Dates,” contestant Eve stunned the world with her power and strength as she removed her wig, covering up her alopecia, for the first time. Her strength empowered viewers as she unapologetically embraced her baldness and went on enjoying the on-camera date and creating a romantic connection, sans-wig. We should all have this level of internal strength to embrace every so-called flaw.

9. “Suite Life of Zach and Cody”

Another time Disney addressed body insecurities, they discussed eating disorders when neither girl really had any issues to begin with, other than letting some outsider into their heads and disrupting their confidence. That was an important lesson as well, don’t let the haters get to you, because you are beautiful (and definitely model-worthy) as you are.

10. “Broad City”

One of the things that Comedy Central series does best is showcasing these girls living their best selves, confident in who they are and owning it. Ilana is unapologetically herself, with plenty of confidence in everything she does. Then, there’s Abbi who’s not as self-assure but who’s worked hard to find her true happiness in her whole life and can own it as well. Something to aspire to.

11. “Gilmore Girls”

While Melissa McCarthy’s Sookie on “Gilmore Girls” was primarily meant as a humorous character, during her first date with Jackson in season one, we see her as vulnerable, worrying if her date will turn out well and if he’ll like her and the way she looks. Best friend Lorelai reassures her pal, and as the evening, and future seasons, later unfold, it’s clear she had little to worry about, because Jackson liked her when she wasn’t trying too hard and was just herself.

12. “The Mindy Project”

If Mindy Lahiri has taught us anything, it’s confidence, confidence, confidence. May we all have Mindy’s level of confidence in every aspect of her (and our) lives, from her bright wardrobe and outspoken personality, she’s truly an inspiring TV role model we could all learn a lesson from.

13. “Empire”

Gabourey Sidibe’s sex scene on “Empire” was one of the first times a plus-size woman of color is seen in a sex scene, proving that it’s not just for skinny, model-pretty people.

14. “Project Runway”

During season 14 of “Project Runway,” Heidi Klum and the panel of judges chose Ashley Nell Tipton as the season’s grand winner. Tipton was notably the first plus-size designer who won the grand prize, and choosing to design for real women and their different body types, as showcased in her final runway show. As the competition series has continued, the rules have evolved where the pool of models regularly reflects a variety of body types. A step in the right direction for the fashion industry.

15. “Glee”

After Mercedes faints from extreme dieting, Quinn is there to support her Glee Club pal and lets her know that she is already beautiful the way she is, no change needed. Quinn tells her how she’s lucky to “always feel at home in her body” because throughout the show Mercedes had plenty of goal-worthy confidence. Even the most confident of us have those days where it seems like we’re not enough, but it’s important to remember that even when we don’t think so, we are, always.

16. “How to Get Away With Murder”

Even without saying much, this scene from “How to Get Away With Murder” still says a lot in an empowering take of Annalise Keating taking off her wig and all her makeup. It’s an inspiring message that you can still be strong, powerful, and beautiful even without your hair done and makeup carefully applied.

Plenty of strong female role models to look up to that proves you are beautiful as you are and it’s high time to embrace who you are, flaws and haters be damned. Because they can’t mess with confidence. ✨