June and July 2020
Before we begin, look to the right. If that doesn’t say you’re following the blog make sure you put your email in and I’ll send you free downloads from here on out!
In 2017 I started a list of my goals and accountability tracking for the year. I reached and exceeded every goal.
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If you’re looking for more book or podcast recommendations you can read my other book reviews from this year you can catch up here.
The goal of this section of the blog is to share a glimpse into what inspires, motivates and teaches me. Out of the books I read, I only bring up the ones I would suggest taking a look at…there are still a few that get left out; entirely based on my own opinions.
So where do I find all these books to read? Lots of places. I follow the Book of the Month Club on Instagram and I get weekly suggestions from my daily news source, theSkimm. You can sign up for free here using my referral code!
Read For Entertainment
Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney
This award-winning book did a fantastic job of featuring two young women and how they attempt to navigate adulthood and all the relationships, health issues, and ‘life’ that happens. This book was set in Ireland and, while it does take you through some issues from the main character’s perspective, there’s a lot to be left desired….except for the desire to grab her shoulders and SHAKE sometimes. Maybe that’s what the author was going for!Â
100 percent honest here…I read this solely so I would have some info about the show Emma on Prime which looks interesting. It took me two checkouts to listen to the entire audiobook. I feel if I would have read it maybe it would have held my attention more? The first book was published in 1815 so if you’re in to classics, I’m sure you’d enjoy. Otherwise, prepare for many a matchmaking-relationship-gossip talk in parlor rooms.Â
 Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
This 2020 novel gave me major Lost vibes the way they flashed back and forth between the present with a sole survivor and the past diving in to the backstories of the passengers. This kept my attention the entire time and I think anyone would enjoy this! You’ll find this book on The New York Times Best Sellers list from January 2020, debuting at #2 in the “Hardcover Fiction” category and #3 in the “Combined Print & E-Book Fiction.” category.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.
I really enjoyed this book because of its uniqueness. And I’m just now realizing the cover is a mix of the twin’s faces. It also lightly takes a look at how race looks on different people and what impacts it has on the two different lives the twins experience. While both are African American, one twin leaves the town and passes as a white woman her entire life which gives us a look in to how she navigated an era of segregation. This is a #1 NYT Bestseller and a GMA Book Club Pick. Perfect for book clubs!
All Adults Here by Emma Straub
This novel received glowing reviews across the board, a NY Times Bestseller and a Today Show Book Club Pick. This was a page turner, not because it was a thriller but just that entertaining. The families paired with friendships and intertwined relationships in this small town keep you engaged throughout the story and messiness of life at any stage. Highly recommend!Â
American Royals by Katharine McGee
Another NY Times bestsellers and books I really enjoyed and highly recommend! It gave me the vibes of The Crown mixed with Gossip Girl and a twist of history like The Man In The High Castle. “When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne.” If you don’t look to into the historical inaccuracies and ignore the book description of ‘two completely different girls’ you’ll enjoy this!Â
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Read For Improvement
 The Moment Of Lift by Melinda Gates
Despite the family’s involvement with the WHO and other organizations that may cause division, this book was still eye opening to people’s stories about the lack of access to basic medical needs and essentials like water. There was a large focus on female leadership especially in the area of reproductive and equality rights. “When you lift women up you lift everyone up.”
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin Diangelo
During the June 2020 protests that sparked the talks about BLM and race, this book was repeatedly recommended. I decided to check it out and am glad I did. Robin calls you out for every reason we say we aren’t racist or don’t see race. Being a white girl from a small Midwest town, I fully recognize a lot of what was said or done by myself or those around me was not okay. I also recognize some of the remarks or tendencies that have been ingrained and, even though I’ve intentionally tried reaching out and learning more, this was one more step to help. No matter where you think you are, I highly encourage everyone to read or listen to this book. Â
You’ve read through my opinions so you deserve some FREE STUFF! Make sure you are following the blog (upper right of this page) to get free downloads in the future. Once you’re following, go ahead and download this document: GOALS FOR 2020 from Local Collaborative I mentioned to track your goals and adventures for the rest of the year and into 2020.
Cheers!
Marin
PS: Are you enjoying these blogs? Have we worked together? I would love to get your short and honest review on my Facebook page. Thanks in advance!
“Marin is sweet, kind, and has a huge heart. She loves what she does. She loves helping others. Whether it’s helping for business purposes or even just a quick ear to lend to someone, she’s always there. Her blogs are incredible. She speaks the truth, and says what we all need to hear some days. … Continue reading Ashley Layton
We had Marin look at our business image. I was very impressed with her analysis. It was in depth and revealed some very important areas where we needed to improve or change. She brought up strategies I hadn’t even thought of and will implement. Donze & Associates would heartily recommend her to any other company.
I am a new small business owner and had no idea where to start when it came to social media and website design. I am an avid Facebook user but wasn’t quite sure how to direct my FB business page to a central hub/website. After compiling a killer business proposal, Marin met with me one-on-one … Continue reading Lyneda Rogers, Owner of The Egglady’s Daughter
As someone in the process of setting up small online business, Marin’s expertise was invaluable! With a consultation and a formalized presentation she helped me take things to the next level. I will definitely be back as I continue to build! Shannon Rogge Shannon Nicole Coaching
Writes inspiring blog posts and is an all around good person. Would always love working with her.
Local Collaborative has helped my business in so many ways! Marin Davis is very organized, assertive, creative, and innovative with her ideas for graphics, social media, and much, much more! If you own a business and would like to spend time doing what you LOVE to do, hiring Marin will be a great way to boost your success without spinning … Continue reading Angie Thomson, Owner/Trainer at Thomson Team Training
Local Collaborative was great to work with! I actually contacted Marin and needed things within a short time frame! She was completely willing to help me and not only finished my project early but ordered it for me and had it sent to my house! Marin is professional and talented and I would absolutely use … Continue reading Michelle Shimp, Owner of M.S.designs
Local Collaborative is so easy to work with! I was given a wealth of knowledge and so many great ideas. While I consider myself a creative person it was nice to have someone help me focus on what I want my brand to be. Amanda Kinsler Owner of Dabble Mini Farm & Floral
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