The Next Chapter

Typically, when people use the phrase "starting the next chapter," it's being used as a metaphor. It marks a new and different time in a life, a fresh start in an ongoing story, a reset. Nothing really drastic is changing in my life that I know of, but I still feel the phrase applies to me right now — in a more literal sense.

Starting earlier this week through the month of February, I hope to use almost every break while at work by staying in the office and reading. I'm already certain there will be one or two days where that won't work out, but I think for the most part it's pretty doable. It was a personal goal of mine to read two books a month this year, and this could really help make that possible.

Now, I know reading during one's free time isn't some huge accomplishment, but this is the first time in years I have time to read for fun. I intend to take advantage of that.

Over the past few years, I've developed a love for creative nonfiction, possibly because of my journalistic roots. What this love has turned into is a very specific brand of books that I tend to read — autobiographies, usually from established comedians, most of the time by strong women. The two books that started this trend were "Yes Please" by Amy Poehler and "Bossypants" by Tina Fey. It really spiraled from there.

Even though I'm not an aspiring comedian, these books make me feel confident and empowered within my career. I learn from their periods of growth, I'm humbled by their times of failure. These books remind me that my icons didn't enter the world actualizing their dreams -- they doubted themselves, failed, tried again, fought and (most importantly) worked for it.

The latest completed read was "I Might Regret This: Essays, Drawings, Vulnerabilities, and Other Stuff" by Abbi Jacobson. Abbi, if you aren't aware, is one half of the legendary and wild duo on Broad City. The book was a huge lesson in vulnerability and authenticity. This book was written over the span of a cross-country road trip, on which she was hoping to get out of a dark place, grow and feel inspired again.

Abbi's willingness to put it all on the table was refreshing, and her honesty about failures along the way was human. I believe this book instilled in me a desire to challenge myself and be more authentic with others. That's one of the reasons I'm so thrilled to continue reading as much as possible as the year goes on.

Currently, I'm reading "My Squirrel Days" by Ellie Kemper. I'm only a few days in, but I'm hoping to have it done by this time next week. Already, I can say that each chapter feels like I'm having a conversation with Ellie over some ice cream. For those not familiar with Ellie, she's widely known for her roles as Erin on "The Office" and Kimmy on "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt." She tends to play characters that are delightful and cheery, but a bit oblivious. Based on how she presents herself in her book, she really does seem like a breath of fresh air -- but she's witty, confident, daring and funny.

As with all of the books I have lined up, I'm excited to get to know her better through her stories. I can't wait to see what sorts of lessons I learn by the last page.