Five Books to Learn More About Social Excellence | Recommended Reading
Updated: Jan 24, 2022
It's Janaury. First month of the year.
And I bet some of you are going into 2021 with the intention of making reading a priority.
I'm a BIG fan.
Whether you read for pleasure or personal development (or maybe both!), reading is an EXTREMELY #sociallyexcellent activity!
Reading helps us become more curious by introducing new ideas and broadening our imagination. A compelling auto-biography shows us authenticity and vulnerability. We see all of the pillars of social excellence in good character development, excellent scene setting, and overall quality writing.
If you're looking for a few books that will help you expand your understanding of Social Excellence, I've put together this short list of books, paired with each of the Four Pillars of Social Excellence: Generosity, Curiosity, Authenticity, and Vulnerability. I hope you'll find something you enjoy!
Social Excellence: We Dare You
by Matthew Mattson, Jessica Gendron Williams, and Josh Orendi
You know we can't have a list of #sociallyexcellent books without mentioning the OG: Social Excellence: We Dare You. If you haven't read (and worked through) this book, I HIGHLY recommend making it a priority. This book is filled with real-life challenges that get you out of your comfort zone and push you to be your most socially excellent self. I have scribbled, reflected, highlighted, and tabbed ALL over my copy of this book. It's one I re-visit frequently, and one I recommend everyone take the time to read. (Amazon)
Generosity | Tale as Old as Time: A Twisted Tale by Liz Braswell
In this retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" Belle is a shining example of someone who generously gives of her time and talents to help others. She throws herself into helping the Beast and castle inhabitants break their curse, while also working to right some serious injustices in her town. None of this is her job or her individual problem to solve, but she sees a need to help her community and she steps up and gives her time and talents.
If you love Disney, retold fairytales, or YA fiction, this book definitely belongs on your list!
(Amazon)
Curiosity | A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle
Literally the whole book is about some seriously curious kids who trust their equally curious parents as they head on some inter-dimensional adventures. They find out how to execute an improbable rescue by asking really good questions and continuing to wonder "why?"...or really, "why not?"
If you're a fan of classics, children's lit, adventures like Harry Potter, and a good old-fashioned adventure, definitely pick up this gem! (Amazon)
Authenticity | Blame It On Bianca Del Rio by Bianca Del Rio
Bianca Del Rio is one of my favorite, and one of the most famous, comedian drag queen
s of all time. This book, and Bianca, are excellent examples of living your truth, being unapologetically you, and showing up as you really are.
If you're a fan of drag brunch (it's kind of my favorite), laughing until you cry
, and genuine human beings, definitely check this one out! (Amazon)
Vulnerability | Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Brené Brown is literally known for her research and writing on vulnerability. I mean, just read this exchange from the Introduction on vulnerability:
“What does it feel like?”
“Like I’m coming out of my skin. Like I need to fix whatever’s happening and make it better.”
“And if you can’t?”
“Then I feel like punching someone in the face.”
“And do you?”
“No. Of course not.”
“So what do you do?”
“Clean the house. Eat peanut butter. Blame people. Make everything around me perfect. Control whatever I can—whatever’s not nailed down.”
“When do you feel the most vulnerable?”
“When I’m in fear.”
If you can relate, for one you're probably a normal human being. For two, you DEFINITELY need to grab a copy of Daring Greatly. (Amazon)
Alright, y'all.
Those are my recommendations. Five books to get you thinking about Social Excellence.
You officially have no excuse for not knowing what to read next.
Now get out there and find yourself a good book!
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