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The Best Books For A Boost Of Motivation And Inspiration To Level Up In 2024
We love a good book list over here, especially when we're looking for a boost in motivation and inspiration for a new year. Whenever I read a profoundly written story about a Black woman who is able to overcome challenges in order to be the fullest version of herself, it gives me the kick in the pants I need to continue striving for greatness. (And we can't take that for granted since many of us are bombarded with world news and other life struggles that can negatively impact our mental health and drive.)
Here are a few books to add to your New Year's reading list for that boost of confidence, self-love, inspiration, and motivation to last all 2024 long:
'Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma' by Dr. Mariel Buqué
Dr. Mariel Buqué is an amazing Afro-Latina woman who is dedicated to seeing us overcome trauma, find our higher selves, and live the lives of our dreams. If you need a bit of guidance on how to tap into your higher self and how to attach trauma, this is the perfect book for you. Go ahead and add it to your Amazon wish list and make things official come January when it's available.
'Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Triumph' by Sheila Johnson
Amazon
Sheila Johnson played a major role in the culture, cofounding BET and becoming an icon in business. Her story of resilience in an environment of male domination is one to be admired and you can learn a lot about resilience, business acumen, and confidence from this memoir.
'Playing From The Rough' by Tiffany Mack Fitzgerald
This book was written by Black Girls Golf founder, Tiffany Mack Fitzgerald who spent years working in Corporate America before launching the platform to make learning golf more inclusive.
'Naomi Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power and Her Voice' by Ben Rothenberg
Amazon
This biography of the tennis star serves as an inspirational look into her life building a career in tennis, finding success as a champion, and standing up for her own wellness and self-care despite naysayers and critics. Naomi Osaka's powerful stance to own her life and her career is one to be admired. Take a nod and be inspired in your own life with this one.
'Do It Anyway: Don't Give Up Before It Gets Good' by Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Set to be released in May 2024, this book has themes of resilience and faith from gospel powerhouse Tasha Cobbs Leonard. If it's anywhere near as transformative and powerful as her voice and music, you're in for a treat next year. It's definitely worth checking out for tidbits on the singer's firsthand experiences in ministry, navigating a blended family, and more.
'Nothing Is Missing: A Memoir of Living Boldly' by Nicole Walters
Amazon
This book, written by entrepreneur and income strategist Nicole Walters, is all about her life's journey of overcoming challenges and advocating for herself in order to build her business and thrive, including her experience with an appearance on Wheel of Fortune, adopting children, and strategically going for the life of her dreams.
'I Did a New Thing: 30 Days to Living Free' by Tabitha Brown
Our favorite vegan auntie, Tabitha Brown, is back with the inspiration and high vibrations with this book, all about her 30-day challenge to try something she'd "never done before." And we all fell in love with her when she decided to do something new---go vegan---and take charge of her health, catapulting her into the well-deserved stardom she enjoys today, so we know this will be nothing but goodness. This read will be released in January.
'Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You' by A'Ja Wilson
Amazon
Written by a WNBA star, this book includes stories and insights that affirm being your truest self and got a co-sign from Gabrielle Union. Set to release in February 2024, you'll want to go ahead and get your copy via the pre-sale, as A'Ja candidly shares her experiences as a young Black girl finding herself and growing into a professional basketball champion.
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Actor Jessie T. Usher reveals his secrets for maintaining his physical appearance while filming Amazon Prime's The Boys.
The series, which spans four seasons, follows vigilantes as they battle corrupt superheroes. In The Boys, Usher portrays Reggie Franklin, also known as A-Train, a superhero with incredible speed.
During a recent Men's Health magazine interview, the 32-year-old spoke about his diet and workout regimens. These routines help Usher stay in shape for the show's stunt work, which involves intense cardio to match his character's super-speed abilities.
In the discussion, he revealed his workout regimen consists of resistance training and cardio. On rest days, the Shaft star incorporates yoga and stretching into his routine.Jessie On What He Eats In a Day
Regarding his diet, Usher shared he typically eats three meals daily with minimal variations. He begins each day by hydrating and waiting an hour or two before breakfast. On production days for The Boys, Usher opts for eggs with herbs and seasonings, accompanied by fruit.
The Dangerous Lies actor keeps it light for lunch with protein-rich options like quinoa bowls or salads with lentils, chicken, and vegetables from CAVA. Dinner is his heartiest meal, featuring chicken and fish (particularly sea bass or salmon), after which he refrains from eating for the rest of the night.
Usher focuses on protein intake for all his meals rather than counting macro calories to support muscle growth. He boosts his protein with peanut butter shakes. While maintaining a disciplined diet, The Almost Christmas star allows himself occasional indulgences like Funyuns or Nutter Butters. To round out his health regimen, Usher takes daily vitamins.
Jessie On His Diet And Workout Routine For "The Boys"
When asked about adjusting his diet or workout routine for his role in The Boys, Usher explained that his health-conscious lifestyle eliminates the need for significant changes.
“Honestly, no. Because by the time I got to The Boys I was already health conscious. Very much aware of what I was putting in my body and how,” he said.
Regarding his workouts, Usher revealed he tailors his routines to include more diverse cardio exercises. This approach ensures he's physically prepared for the scenes he shoots for the show.
“A day of working out for The Boys is a little bit different. I feel like I added more variations of cardio work,” he stated. “When [you’re shooting] you just have no idea what they’re about to throw at you. I just want to be ready for all of those challenges, especially the cardio things. I just wanted to have the endurance to be able to get through whatever type of scene that I would possibly be shooting.”
Season four of The Boys is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Everything ‘The Boys’ Star Jessie T Usher Eats In a Day | Eat Like | Men's Health
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