Book Nook: February 2020

I'm a bit disappointed in myself this month because I started slipping back into my old ways of continuing with books even though I wasn't totally captivated by them.

Thankfully, though, I did eventually catch myself and ended up abandoning a book halfway through. And a good thing too because it meant I could round out the month on a high note!

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I've added links to where you can find each book on Amazon US if you want to purchase it or read more reviews, as well as links to other Amazon services. All of them are affiliate links meaning that, if you purchase through them, I'll make a small commission (and probably use it to buy more books). Thank you! (For more info, read my disclosure.)

February 2020 Book Nook | Book reviews | Goodreads reading challenge 2020


If you're not already following me over there and you'd like to, here is my Goodreads profile. I update it every time I start or continue reading a book, and you'll get to see just how many I'm abandoning!

I'm not a lost cause just yet. 😉

Reviews & ratings

For the month of February 2020, I curled up in my book nook with 3 books (keeping me right on track with my goal of 36 this year).


Book #4 of 2020: "The Real Simple Method To Organizing Every Room"  by Real Simple

Started:  February 2nd          Finished:  February 12th

Books like this are all fine and dandy, and there's definitely nothing wrong with this one; it's just that I've read so many organising books at this stage that it gets repetitive.

But if you're looking for inspiration on decorating and organising every room of your home, and you haven't already read eleventy bajillion books on the topic, by all means pick this one up. It's well laid out, very clear and concise, and full of solid tips.

The best sections were "If You Can Only Do One Thing", and what to tackle in each room depending on how much time you have.


  • Rating: 3 books          Solid advice with a clear structure

Book #5 of 2020: "InstaStyle"  by Tessa Barton

Started:  February 20th          Finished:  February 21st

Whenever I'm feeling the need for some "mindless" content, I always turn to the books and videos of Instagram influencers. They have pretty pictures, live inspiring lives (or at least that's what they highlight online), and there's still enough in there that's applicable to my own business that I can actually learn a thing or two along the way.

I wasn't as enamoured with this one as I'd expected to be, but it had some decent tips nonetheless, and was the perfect antidote to the disheartened, defeated vibe I was rocking at the time.

Still, there's a big gap between "here's how to set up your Instagram account for success" and "now that you're gaining thousands of followers..." that I don't feel this book (or any like it) actually bridges.

I'd much prefer a book that says something more along the lines of, "So your last post tanked. Let's dive into your stats to see what might have gone wrong, how to fix it, and how to ensure it doesn't happen again".

That's the kind of content that would soothe this analytics geek's soul.

(If you know of such a book, drop it in the comments. Please and thank you.)


  • Rating: 3 books          A great guide if you're just starting out and are determined to be Insta-famous

As an aside, if you're looking for a more "grown up" book on the business of Instagram (and by "grown up" I simply mean that you're more interested in creative expression), Sara Tasker's "Hashtag Authentic" is where it's at. It has depth, dimension, and is just pure dreamy. No analytics fix here either though. Le sigh.


Book #6 of 2020: "The Middle Finger Project"  by Ash Ambirge

Started:  February 26th          Finished:  February 29th

I had no idea what to expect (except swearing) but this one definitely didn't disappoint.

Growing up in a trailer park and losing both her parents by the age of 21, Ash documents her journey from sleeping in her car to growing a 7-figure business.

But this is so much more than your average 'rags to riches' tale; it's a blueprint. In its pages you'll find the secret sauce to giving 'mediocre' the middle finger and, instead, building a life of fun, freedom, and financial stability.

If you're ready to walk away from the 9 to 5 – nay, burn it all to the ground – this book will be your (very) irreverent BFF, providing solid advice, unwavering support, and your very own personal cheer squad.

I've never been so ready to grab life by the balls.


  • Rating: 5 books          Teaches you how to jack in your joyless job and live life on your own terms

As you can see, while the month started on a bit of disappointing note, it ended on a shining beacon of badassery.

So here's my question for you...


What's the last book you read that was a rousing 'call to arms'?


Because I read so much "self help", I find it difficult to discover something new or exciting. "The Middle Finger Project" got me really fired up, so I'd love to know what's the latest (or greatest) book that did that for you. (It doesn't have to be in the self help genre – I just want to know what book make you want to get out there and do great things.)

Drop your answers in the comments below, because I think we could all do with a little extra inspiration in our lives and fire in our bellies.


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6 Comments

  1. I’ve just read Flex – the modern woman’s handbook by Annie Auerbach.
    A great read, covers all aspects of life. I want to read it a second time and have my notebook to hand so I can jot down all the pertinent details.

  2. Marybeth Verchot

    Anna Deavere Smith’s “Letters to a Young Artist”. It says some really profound things about the purpose of art, authenticity, and being a good human that I think are helpful for everyone. It really picks me up and relights my fire when things get hard.

  3. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. One of the best books ever for inspiration and a kick in the pants.

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