October is the month for creative DIY costumes, cheeky pumpkin-filled cheat days and, yes, lovely autumn weekends filled with tea, cozy throws and good reads. This month we’re satisfying our young adult addiction with these awesome new titles. Enjoy!
1. Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven ($11): After the blockbuster hit that was All the Bright Places, author Jennifer Niven is back with a love story that’s breaking down barriers and finding a true authentic voice amongst the cluttered high school genre. It’s definitely a must-read for fall.
2. Children of Eden by Joey Graceffa ($11): You may know him as the bubbly YouTube vlogger who’s obsessed with his two huskies, but now Joey Graceffa is a fab young adult novelist too. His debut novel is a science fiction about a young stowaway who risks everything to see a world she’s not allowed to. Consider us intrigued.
3. Rejected Princesses: Tales of History’s Boldest Heroines, Hellions and Heretics by Jason Porath ($16): Based on the popular Tumblr blog, this awesome collection of kickass women will definitely make you smile. From real life heroes to killer women in mythology and folklore, it’s a great read for when the patriarchy’s got you down.
4. The ABC’s of LGBT+: Understanding and Embracing Your Identity by Ashley Mardell ($13): Understanding the complexities of language, subcultures and stereotypes in LGBT+ culture can be tricky… and no one wants to be the person who gets it wrong. In this new book from YouTube superstar Ashley Mardell, you’ll find in-depth definitions, helpful infographics and personal anecdotes to help teens and adults navigate LGBT+ identities.
5. When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore ($11): A beautiful teenage love story with twists of magic at every turn, Anna-Marie McLemore’s newest novel will surely inspire some fall wonder.
6. Something in Between by Melissa de la Cruz ($12): Jasmine de los Santos has studied hard for her full college scholarship and she’s excited to start school ASAP. But when she suddenly learns that her Filipino immigrant parents are actually in the country illegally, her plans are thrown out the window… and she might lose more than just her scholarship.
7. Still Life With Tornado by A.S. King ($13): A beautifully written tale that screams with authenticity, this iconic story about how sixteen-year-old Sarah comes to grips with her parents’ divorce after years of lies and domestic abuse is definitely on our Goodreads list.
8. At the Edge of the World by Kari Jones ($13): A book about true friendship in the wake of life’s many hardships, Kari Jones’s latest novel will bring you to the edge of your seat (okay, bed) over and over again.
9. Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst ($11): This isn’t your typical princess story. Although Princess Dennaleia has been betrothed since birth, a new mission takes her on an exciting journey with a new friend… or at least she thought they were just friends.
10. Color Blind by Sheila Sobel ($18): When April tragically loses her mother and father, she is forced to move with her Aunt in Louisiana. Tying the complex string between the past and the present beautifully, Sheila Sobel’s newest undertaking definitely justifies our massive Amazon order.
11. Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson ($11): This is the third installment of the Seeds of America trilogy, and the exciting conclusion to this authentic American Revolution tale will definitely satisfy any diehard fan.
12. This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills ($11): Spoiler alert: This awesome new novel will have you calling (NOT texting) your bestie after just the first few pages. Shocked that she actually found a group of friends when she moves from New York to Florida, Sloane quickly learns about the complexities and sheer amazing-ness that is finding your true best friends.
What are you reading this month? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Featured photo via Getty)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.