Inspiring Reads For The New Year From The BELLA Team

In this issue’s edition of “A Novel Idea,” the BELLA Magazine team brings you our latest favorite reads that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of reinvention. As we step into a new year filled with fresh possibilities, our curated selection of books explores themes of transformation, self-discovery, and the power of change. From inspiring memoirs to captivating fiction, each title offers a unique perspective on embracing new beginnings and reshaping our narratives. Join us as we turn the page on the past and dive into stories that encourage you to embrace your own journey of reinvention - because there’s no better time than now to rediscover yourself!

Vanessa Coppes, CEO/EIC

"The Courage to Be Disliked” by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

7 powerful lessons I learned from reading this book:

1. There is bravery in acceptance. Develop the courage to accept disapproval from others. Free yourself from the constant need for external validation. Prioritize living authentically and expressing yourself in ways that resonate with your core values and beliefs.

2. Have personal accountability. Take responsibility for your own life. You have the power to transform it. Strengthen resilience and face challenges head-on with bravery, viewing them as chances for growth and learning.

3. Shed the victim role. Let go of a victim mindset by recognizing your power to make choices and direct your own path.

4. Conquer your feelings of inferiority. Learn strategies to address and overcome feelings of inferiority, building a healthy self-perception.

5. Embrace a positive mindset. Implement concepts from positive psychology to enhance personal development, build resilience, and focus on creating happiness.

6. There is freedom in being yourself. Explore the freedom that emerges in relationships when individuals accept one another as they are, without striving to change each other.

7. Live in the now. Acknowledge the value of living actively in the present, minimizing dwelling on past stresses or worrying excessively about the future.

Jennifer MacLellan, Editorial Director

“The House Across the Lake” by Riley Sager

In “The House Across the Lake,” Riley Sager intricately blends horror and thriller elements with themes of self-realization, acceptance, and love. The story follows Casey, an alcoholic actress haunted by her husband’s death, who struggles with substance abuse and internalized guilt. Her fascination with her neighbor, Katherine, who seems to lead a perfect life but secretly battles her own unhappiness, underscores the illusion of perfection. The physical house across the lake symbolized the hidden turmoil behind a glossy exterior, reflecting the obsession with unattainable ideals and reminding us to not “throw stones.” As both women confront their emotional traumas, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, revealing that to truly reinvent or heal yourself, you must first accept and resolve the issues of your past. The novel also reminds us that it is ok to ask for help and that leaning on others for support makes us stronger. Ultimately, for me, this psychological thriller was a story of empowerment, resolve, and reinvention.

Janene Mascarella, Beauty Editor-at-Large

“The Urgent Life” by Bozoma Saint John

I recently finished reading "The Urgent Life" by Bozoma Saint John, and I found it captivating. Bozoma, a renowned businesswoman and marketing executive known for her trailblazing career at companies like Netflix, Uber, and Apple Music—and now starring in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills—invites readers into her deeply personal world. This poignant memoir captures her journey through unimaginable loss, resilience, and the pursuit of living life to its fullest. She shares how tragedy shaped her perspective, offering lessons on love, grief, and the importance of urgency in embracing every moment. With raw authenticity, she recounts her experiences with both heartbreak and joy, making it feel like you're having a conversation with a friend. The book's profound messages about resilience and growth resonate deeply, offering both comfort and inspiration—a reminder to prioritize what matters most and find beauty in even the toughest chapters of life.

Ruta Fox, Contributor

“The Double Life of Bob Dylan: a Restless, Hungry Feeling (1941-1968)” by Clinton Heylin

In true Hilderbrand fashion, her latest – and last – solo novel takes place in Nantucket, where mysterious newcomers, the Richardsons, move into a $22 million dollar summerhouse. The locals are curious about the lavish lifestyle of the newbies and when their house goes up in flames and their personal concierge goes missing, the search for answers begins. Filled with mystery, drama, and romance, this page-turner will envelop you in the charm and atmosphere of the beachy New England island.

Amanda Mactas, Travel + Book Editor

“The Trade Off” by Samantha Green Woodruff

I am currently reading this fun novel, which takes place in the years leading up to the market crash in the 1920s. The story follows Bea Abramovitz, the daughter of Jewish immigrants, who is a whiz at math and following patterns in the stock market. With a dream of becoming a female broker (unheard of at the time), Bea does as much as she can to achieve her dreams. Unfortunately, in the male-dominated workforce of yesteryear, her opportunities are slim, so she cleverly recruits her twin brother to be the face to her brains. However, she foresees the impending crash and seeks to do damage control before it happens. I love the female power at the heart of this novel, and it’s apparently inspired by a true story. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.