These are all books I’ve read this year and thoroughly enjoyed for various reasons. I hope these are helpful as you look for books for yourself or someone else on your list!1
For those seeking calm and art:
Draw Yourself Calm by Amy Maricle
“Discover the relaxing, mindful practice of slow drawing
Whether you enjoy drawing and doodling or are looking for a way to de-stress, boost creativity, and reconnect with what matters most, this appealing guide will invite you in to the soothing art of slow drawing.
With 25 nature-inspired patterns designed to relax the mind, Draw Yourself Calm provides a welcome break from our stressful, always-on world. Ditch perfectionism, tune in to the moment, and nurture yourself creatively and spiritually - one line at a time.”
For the technically minded:
“We use water, electricity, and the internet every day--but how do they actually work? And what's the plan to keep them running for years to come? This nonfiction science graphic novel takes readers on a journey from how the most essential systems were developed to how they are implemented in our world today and how they will be used in the future.”
For those who love The Great Gatsby (or just want to support me):
My book! The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by K. Woodman-Maynard
“A sumptuously illustrated adaptation casts the powerful imagery of F. Scott Fitzgerald's great American novel in a vivid new format.”
“The book is rendered in luxe colors of rose, gold, amethyst and aquamarine, making us feel as though we're watching the events of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel through gems held up to the light ... readers ages 14 and older will find it hugely rewarding.”
-The Wall Street Journal
For those looking to level-up:
“With over 100,000 copies sold, New York Times bestselling author Gay Hendricks demonstrates how to go beyond your internal limits, release outdated fears and learn a whole new set of powerful skills and habits to liberate your authentic greatness. Fans of Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Marianne Williamson, and Gabrielle Bernstein will discover the way to break down the walls to a better life.”
For a thrillingly crafted mystery:
The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths
“Clare Cassidy is no stranger to murder. A high school teacher specializing in the Gothic writer R. M. Holland, she even teaches a course on him. But when one of Clare's colleagues is found dead, with a line from Holland's iconic story "The Stranger" left by her body, Clare is horrified to see her life collide with her favorite literature.
The police suspect the killer is someone Clare knows. Unsure whom to trust, she turns to her diary, the only outlet for her suspicions and fears. Then one day she notices something odd. Writing that isn't hers, left on the page of an old diary:
Hallo Clare. You don't know me.
Clare becomes more certain than ever: "The Stranger" has come to terrifying life. But can the ending be rewritten in time?”
For monsters and mysteries:
The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo by Drew Weing
“The first volume of a new middle-grade series, Drew Weing's The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo delivers a fresh and funny take on the age-old battle between kids and closet-dwelling monsters.”
For smart and silly kids:
“The first book in this beautifully drawn comic strip series follows the unlikely friendship between a somewhat awkward girl and the magical unicorn who gradually shows her just how special she really is. Over a series of hilarious adventures, Phoebe learns to bask in the awesomeness of Marigold and discover just how extraordinary it is to have a unicorn for a best friend.”
Recent Podcast Interview
I was recently a guest on a podcast and the host, Sal Daher, asked for my top advice for someone looking to get into a creative profession. Here’s what I said:
Be precious of your time
Be a good communicator
Have self-compassion
I’ve been a designer for Angel Invest Boston podcast for seven years so it was an honor to get to be on it to talk about my favorite episodes, advice to start-up founders, and having a career in the creative world.
1 I use affiliate links through Bookshop.org which means I get a small percentage of every purchase when you use that link.