[BOOKS WE LOVE] Conversations' Top 100 Books of 2021

 

During 2021 there were hundreds of books that Conversations Media Group founder Cyrus Webb was able to read and enjoy throughout the year, but this list represents the books he couldn't get enough of that he wanted to share with the world. 

Introducing Conversations' Top 100 Books of 2021!

Top Non-Fiction Books of 2021 (Listed in no particular order) 

1. Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson  (Harper Collins)
2. These Walls Between Us by Wendy Sanford (She Writes Press)
3. Into the Deep by Robert D. Ballard (National Geographic) 
4. Will by Will Smith with Mark Manson (Penguin Press)
5. Leonard, Marianne, and ME by Judy Scott (Backbeat Books)
6. Influence and Impact by Bill Berman and George Bradt (Wiley)
7. Resilient Heart by Ruby C. Wight (Best Seller Publishing)
8. Stronger by Cindy McCain (Crown Forum)
9. Pops by Craig Melvin (William Morrow)
10. What Happened to You? by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey (Flatiron Books)
11. Finding Forward by Jeffrey Morse (Brown Books)
12. The Water Defenders by Robin Broad and John Cavanagh (Beacon Press)
13. Transformation by Dr. Teresa A. Smith (DQ Consulting, LLC)
14. Standing Upright in an Upside Down World by Dennis J.Perkins (Xulon Press)
15. Uncle John's Hindsight Is 20/20 (Portable Press)
16. Extraordinary Awakenings by Steve Taylor (New World Library)
17. Identity Shift by Anthony Trucks (Lifestyle Entrepreneurs Press)
18. A Necessary Explosion by Dan Burns (Chicago Arts Press)
19. The Burning Light of Two Stars by Laura Davis (Girl Friday Books)
20. Big Brain, Little Brain by Kevin Thomas McCarney (O'Connell House) 
21. The Marathon Don't Stop by Rob Kenner (Atria Books) 
22. Checking In by Michelle Williams (Thomas Nelson)
23. Feeding the Soul by Tabitha Brown (William Morrow)
24. Permission Granted by Regina Louise (New World Library)
25. The Joy of Being Selfish by Michelle Elman (Welbeck Publishing)
26. The Demon In Disguise by Ashley Elliott (Koehler Books)
27. Every Day Is a Field Trip by Jay Hummer (Sparkling Day Press)
28. Committed by Paolina Milana (She Writes Press)
29. No Spring Chicken by Francine Falk-Allen (She Writes Press)
30. Unstoppable by Joshua M. Greene (Insight Editions)
31. Where Tomorrows Aren't Promised by Carmelo Anthony with D.Watkins (Gallery Books)
32. Blind Pony with Samantha Hart (Wild Bill Publications)
33. The Division of Light and Power by Dennis J. Kucinich (Finney Avenue Books)
34. Dance Your Dance by Laurieann Gibson (Thomas Nelson)
35. My West Side Story by George Chakiris (Lyons Press)
36. The Beauty of Living Twice by Sharon Stone (Alfred A. Knopf)
37. The Redemption of Bobby Love by Bobby an Cheryl Love (Mariner Books)
38. The Everyday Leader by Hema Crockett and Michael Crockett (Morgan James Publishing)
39. Hadassah by Hadassah Lieberman (Brandeis University Press)
40. You Will Never Be Normal by Catherine Klatzker (Stillhouse Press)
41. Life Free by DeVon Franklin (William Morrow)
42. Sinatra and Me by Tony Oppedisano (Scribner)
43. Content, Inc. by Joe Pulizzi (McGraw Hill)
44. Involuntary Exit by Robin Merle (She Writes Press)
45. Red Cape Rescue by Darcy Eikenberg (Page Two

Top Fiction Books of 2021 (Listed in no particular order)

1. Sissie Klein Is Completely Normal by Kris Clink (Spark Press)
2. Under Color of Law by Aaron Philip Clark (Thomas and Mercer/ Amazon Publishing)
3. As the Wicked Watch by Tamron Hall (William Morrow/Harper Collins)
4. In  All Good Faith by Liza Nash Taylor (Blackstone Publishing)
5. The Seer by Eva Shaw (Torchflame Books)
6. Kill All Your Darlings by David Bell (Berkley/Penguin Random House)
7. The Society of Intellectual Beings by Iris Bolling (Siri Austin Entertainment)
8. If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy (Hyperion Avenue)
9. The Shadow Box by Luanne Rice (Thomas and Mercer/Amazon Publishing)
10. The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (Berkley/Penguin Random House)
11. Chess Not Checkers by Tony Lindsay (Golden Butterfly Publishing)
12. Don't Make Me Turn This Life Around by Camille Pagan (Lake Union)
13. Hello, Rest of My Life by Rick Lenz (Chromodroid Press)
14. See Jane Snap by Bethany Crandell (Montlake/ Amazon Publishing)
15. Infinite Stars: Chronicles, Book Two by Joe Pranaitis (Joe Pranaitis)
16. The Receptionist by Kate Myles (Thomas and Mercer/Amazon Publishing)
17. Upstate Hustle by Tasha Goins (Tasha Goins Publications)
18. A Gambling Man by David Baldacci (Grand Central Publishing) 
19. Island Queen by Vanessa Riley (William Morrow/Harper Collins)
20. A Final Call by Eliot Parker (Publisher Page/Headline Books)
21. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi (Mira Books)
22. The Reluctant King by K'Wan (Akashic Books)
23. False Witness by Karin Slaughter (William Morrow/Harper Collins) 
24. A House Full of Windsor by Kristin Contino (Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing)
25. The Dead Husband by Carter Wilson (Poisoned Pen Press)
26. Last Girl Ghosted by Lisa  Unger (Park Row Books)
27. Wolf Point by Ian K.Smith (Thomas and Mercer/ Amazon Publishing)
28. Choose Me by Tess Gerritsen and Gary Braver (Thomas and Mercer/Amazon Publishing)
29. One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite (Ink Yard Press)
30. Lies We Bury by Elle Marr (Thomas and Mercer/Amazon Publishing)
31. Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis (William Morrow/Harper Collins)
32. Her Name Is Knight by Yasmin Angoe (Thomas and Mercer/Amazon Publishing)
33. Until We Are Lost by Leslie Archer (Lake Union)
34. Truth Is In the House by Michael J. Coffino (Koehler Books)
35. The Umbrella Lady by V. C. Andrews (Gallery Books)
36. Catch Us When We Fall by Juliette Fay (William Morrow/Harper Collins)
37. A Past that Breathes by Noel A. Obiora (Rare Bird Books)
38. The Social Graces by Renee Rosen (Berkley)
39. The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams ( Berkley)
40. The Seven Day Switch by Kelly Harms (Lake Union)
41. The Love Con by Seressia Glass (Berkley)
42. The Good Lie by A. R. Torre (Thomas and Mercer/Amazon Publishing)
43. Little Pieces of Me by Alison Hammer (William Morrow/Harper Collins)
44. Lie, Lie Again by Stacy Wise (Lake Union)
45. Love Scenes by Bridget Morrissey (Berkley)

Top Books for Young Readers (Listed in no particular order)

1. Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds (Orchard Books)
2. Shady Baby by Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade, Jr. (Harper Collins Children)
3. What the Road Said by Cleo Wade (Feiwel and Friends)
4. Hello, Cruel Heart by Maureen Johnson (DisneyPress)
5. Marcus Makes A Movie by Kevin Hart (Crown Books for Young Readers)
6. Being Clem by Lesa Cline-Ransome (Holiday House)
7. Simon B. Rhymin' by Dwayne Reed (Little, Brown)
8. Tristan Strong Keeps Punching by Kwame Mbalia (Disney Hyperion)
9. Forgiveness: The Story of Eva Kor, Survivor of the Auschwitz Twin Experiments by Joe Lee (Red Lightning Books)
10. Rosie Loves Jack by Mel Darbon (Peachtree Publishing)

[MUSIC REVIEW] To the one we can't stop thinking about, THINKING OF YOU 24/7 is dedicated to them

 

Nathaniel Kimble and Omar Cunningham come together to create a song that the ladies will love. 

THINKING OF YOU 24/7 is all about letting that special someone know how much they mean to you. As guys we are not known for expressing ourselves well, but this song is one we can put on and let it speak for us. In spite of all that is going on in the world we know we wouldn't be who we are without that love.

For the ladies who wonder if their man cares or appreciates them, this song answers the questions with an affirmative. 

[MUSIC REVIEW] IF IT ALL FALLS DOWN asks the questions we want answered when it comes to relationships

Sometimes things can seem too good to be true. With IF IT ALL FALLS DOWN by Karim and Claire Donzelli we are able to see how so many relationships start out, with everything going right. The question is there, however, will it always be that way? 

With a driving beat and the lyrical gift that is Claire on top of it we get the message loud and clear. When love is like a palace and seems magical, will it last? If it all falls down will you be there? When grey skies appear will you stay or leave?

A song that appreciates what is while realizing what might be, IF IT ALL FALLS DOWN asks the questions we want answered when it comes to relationships. 

One-On-One with Actress/Content Creator Nadege August

by Cyrus Webb

Nadege, people have gotten to know you most recently because of the Tyler Perry hit show RUTHLESS, but you've been able to do some great work even before this. What has it been like for you, especially over the past five years to be able to reflect on your work and how you got to where you are today?

I must say it's a little surreal. You get into this work because it's something that you love. You must've heard people say quite often when you're starting out, if there's something else you can do, please go do that instead. It is a very, very challenging life. But when you are driven and you know your why, and you stick to it, the work speaks for itself. 

I've done everything from stage work, and I still do that, television series where I've been a guest quite often, pilots that didn't get picked up... And now seeing this, where it came from of all places, it's just amazing. I'm still a little bit shocked. You mentioned the show RUTHLESS, that's where I'm seeing a response that's outrageous.

I love the fact that you have not been afraid to trust your own voice. When did you realize that you had something that you wanted to share?

I think I got a few glimpses of it when I was 14 and realized this is something I wanted to do. I just didn't have a name for it. Just seeing the impact your performance has on an audience. Their reaction is usually genuine, because people are pretty honest in their nonverbal cues. I also have a podcast . That is where I started to realize that I do have opinions, what I say matters, and I have a responsibility. It's a part of my plan to use my platform that I'm gifted with and to have it be impactful in a way that is about compassion and empathy. 

I'm curious, Nadege, what was that like for you to not only be able to find some fulfillment for yourself, but to find that other people were also enjoying what you were doing?

You know what's funny for me is that you never quite know when you're in the work, After you do the work and you see the feedback, the results, the stranger who takes the time to either leave a review or find your email and send you an email. It takes my breath away. 

Sometimes I pause and I go wow. Those small gestures somehow keeps you going. I'm not going to lie. I don't wake up every day gung-ho and ready to take on the world. I have my highs and my lows, and there are times where I've thought of giving up. During those times I kid you not, I get a whisper from an angel in the form of a human who says something that is so encouraging and completely genuine that gives me this perk that I need to keep going. And it also is a cautionary tale as to when you think to say something nice to someone, you have to say it. It's always so easy for us to criticize and to point out what doesn't work, when in fact, when something does work, take the time and let someone know. You never know what that might mean to them.

Stay connected with Nadege on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bougiedilemma and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nadegeaugust. 

Actor/Producer Reggie Currelley: Enjoying the Marathon Towards His Goals and Dreams

 by Cyrus Webb

No matter what your career true success only comes with hard work, dedication and faith. Just ask actor/producer Reggie Currelley. I caught up with him earlier this year as we were celebrating our 10,000th guest on Conversations LIVE radio show. He was also celebrating being a part of a commercial that was broadcast around the world thanks to the Super Bowl. 

Many have gotten to know Reggie as Victor from the famed State Farm commercial, but one thing is for sure: that was only another milestone on his journey towards personal and professional success.

We talked about the journey and the focus it takes to make it in this inspiring conversation. 

Reggie, you've been on quite a journey for yourself.  Teamwork is very important, but bringing your own personal best is also important. How do you feel like bringing your best to everything that you do has helped your career?

Thank you for that. I think for me if I don't bring my best, I won't put out the best product; and I'll be cheating the world of the gifts that God gives me. So what I do is I put my best foot forward, everything else is going to fall into place. And when you do the work before you actually get the job, the job becomes easier. So that's the work that I do. I try to put in as much work as possible before I even get to set or wherever I'm going.

Have you gotten used to the, 'Hey you are that guy'? 

It's still fun and it's still amazing. You walk into a supermarket and someone goes, 'Hey, are you Victor from the she-shed commercial?'  And I say 'Yes, that's me.' It's still weird to get used to, but it's fun because people tell me I make their day. I'll keep going for the rest of my life if that's the case. I love it.

Did you always know it was going to be a marathon and not a sprint that this was not a, a success story that was going to happen overnight? 

I had an idea. I remember when I decided to come to Los Angeles to become an actor, some people in my neighborhood were like 'You're not going to get a job for 10 years.' So I prepared myself for that. When I got here, I noticed that it didn't come easy. I prepared myself for marathon. I was a sprinter in high school, so I'm used to running. So I just said to myself, 'You know what? I'm in it for the long haul.' I got some good shoes, and I was ready to go. 

Keep up with Reggie on Instagram at www.instagram.com/rcurrelley. 

* Photo by Cameron Radice Photography

12 Social Media Tips to Help Build Your Business and Brand

 

by Cyrus Webb

In 2021 it is impossible to NOT to see the impact and influence that social media has in connecting audiences and for networking. However, if you find it difficult to reach your potential customers or those in your niche it might be time to reevaluate your strategy for using social media. 

Over the past year I have hosted several classes where I have addressed my own social media strategy and success and how I have been able to grow my customer base as well as my rolodex throughout the pandemic. You can do the same!  

Here are 12 tips for building your brand and your business using social media to keep in mind: 

1. Strategize. What is your goal? Is it to grow your audience and find potential clients and customers or to just establish yourself as an authority in your industry. Being clear of your plan will help you realize the best way to approach social media. 
   
   
2. Who is your audience? This is connected closely to #1. In order for you to get the desired result you have to make sure you are speaking to your preferred audience. As an example, for authors you want to reach readers not necessarily fill your page with other authors who are also trying to get the word out about their books and programs. Unless your goal is just to use social media for networking, you have to be clear about who you are trying to attract with your posts.
   
   
3. Decide on the right platforms for you. This is definitely a tip that has to be personal for you as an individual---and should be based on your comfort level. Depending on what kind of content you plan on sharing, make sure the platform is right for that and you can best use your strengths there. That will make sure that you don't see it as a burden to post. It will come more naturally. Which leads to the next couple of steps that are interconnected. 
   
   
4. Stay updated and informed. Over the past year the main platforms that I use (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube) have all gone through updates. Staying informed of the changes, tweaks and new features will allow you to maximize your time and get the best results. Make sure you keep your apps updated and following their social media pages so you stay in the loop.
   
   
5. Provide value. Become a resource. Of course you want to sell whatever your product or service is. I get that. However, social media is meant to be SOCIAL. That means you have to have more to say then "buy my product", "click here to sign up for my newsletter," etc. Share what your know. That will let your audience know who you are, what you do and want to come back for me. 
   
   
6. Consistency. It's great to start your journey to introducing yourself and connecting, but the mistake lots of individuals make is they don't continue! Yes, social media is something that takes time, especially if you're being thoughtful about the other steps. This doesn't mean, however, it has to be overwhelming. The important thing is to pick a general schedule that works for you and stick with it! Not only will your followers appreciate it, but new ones who might stumble over your page will know that you're someone who shows up on a regular basis. 
   
   
7. Communicate. On social media the like, know and trust factors are even more important. That means the communication can't be one-sided. If someone leaves you a comment on your posts, acknowledge. Check your messages daily on your social media, including the spam folders just to make sure you don't miss anything. As you are trying to connect and grow you want to make sure your followers don't feel as though you are just talking at them and not to them. 
   
   
8. Repurpose content. Wondering what to share on social media? Take advantage of the opportunity to repurpose your content. That means sharing posts across other platforms and shortening videos so that certain points or messages are made to stand out. Also just re-sharing content through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and help it get fresh eyes and more engagement. 
   
   
9. Sale without being salesy. This one might seen difficult and even counter-productive, but it is so important. Do we want others to know what products and services we offer? Yes. Do we want to take advantage of opportunities to share discounts and opportunities we're offering? Of course. The important thing is to use that like, know and trust factor to connect with your audience and the benefit to THEM for what you have to offer.
   
   
10. Don't leave the room: This tip is one that you really have to work on daily and is tied to consistency. You are building an audience. You are providing value. You are doing all the right things. The key, however, is to make sure you don't leave those who are following you stranded. I liken it to inviting people into your home and then leaving. Pretty soon they will stop relying on you, and you have lost the trust you worked hard to build. As you are navigating social media make sure you stay in the room and take care of those who have joined you. 
    
    
11. Build (don't burn) bridges. I can't tell you how many times I have ran across some posts on social media and thought to myself the person was going to regret what they said or shared later. We have to remember the internet is written in INK, not pencil. Even if you delete a post there is no guarantee what you said hasn't been screenshot and shared already. The lesson is to realize that social media is for you to build bridges with your brand, not burn bridges. Be mindful of what you say and how you say it. 
    
    
12. Be yourself. Of all the tips this one is the most important. Authenticity is key to your success, both online and offline. If you are able to let your audience see you and get to know you then I know you are going to win. 

Wendy Watkins: Celebrate You's WOMAN OF THE YEAR

by Cyrus Webb

With everything going on in the world we all need something to celebrate. The organization Celebrate You decided in 2020 to honor a women who were making a difference with their platforms and shining a light for all of us. In 2021 they crowned their Woman of the Year: Wendy Watkins. 

As part of the recognition Conversations had a chance to talk with Wendy on all of its platforms including now the magazine. After a delay due to the magazine's uncertain direction we are excited to share my one-on-one with Celebrate You's Woman of the Year Wendy Watkins. 

Wendy, 2021 started off pretty good for you, being recognized as Celebrate You’s Woman of the Year. How does it feel to have your work being noticed and appreciated?

I feel like a 20-year overnight success, and that is amazing! My life’s work is ‘to be the spark that lights your fire for positive impact’, so to be recognized by my peers for contributions in the area of mental wellness is over the top exciting. This experience has fired up my passion to share the importance of mental wellness, even if you do not have a mental illness. 

 The timing is ideal to step through the doors this opportunity is opening up to create more awareness  and  eradicate the stigma of mental illness, particularly depression and anxiety.  I feel honored, grateful and blessed to be on this path.

Have you always known that you had something that was meant to be shared?

That could be the only reason I’ve lived a life of extreme highs and lows. These experiences made me the woman I am today, and the ideal person to share this message. 

I’ve always wanted to be a ‘rock star’. When I was a young girl and my family was together for the holidays, I’d want to be put on a talent show for the adults. I have never met a camera or microphone I do not like. 

 Unfortunately, my grandparent’s belief was that children should be seen and not heard. That stifled my desire, but my passion and commitment never went away.

How did you get to a place where fear didn’t stop you when it came to pursuing your goals and dreams?

Who said that fear did not stop me? Fear has stopped me in my tracks a multitude of times. It is having resilience and tenacity that allowed me to embrace faith and desire to make a positive impact for others. This allowed me to put fear to the side and get on with my purpose and passion. I see fear as Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real.  Our thoughts are all made up. I have an MSU, and so do you.  We all Make Stuff Up, so why not make up the good stuff?

The first large event I hosted in Atlanta, I was terrified that no one would attend. When those thoughts appeared, I would reach out to my coach or mentor to remind me of what I forgot; that I did not have to be perfect to make a positive impact. I forgot that if I mess up on stage, no one but me knows. I forgot that when I come from my heart with pure intention to inspire people to create their best life, there is less room for fear to show up. 

When I remember that it is not about me, that I am the spark that lights people’s fire and that they will take the information and use it accordingly, the fear subsides and resilience kicks into overdrive. 

Remembering that pursuing ones goals and dreams is a marathon and not a sprint is essential to  staying focused on the impact.  

I love that! As a speaker, coach and author you are continually pouring into others. Where do you go to be refreshed?

Upstairs and outside! My day begins with Wendy time to increase mindfulness.  This includes yoga, meditation and journaling – some days just one of those rituals, other days all three.

 I walk my dog, Eli daily and we enjoy the beauty and promise that being in nature provides. When the weather is good, I move my office outside. I just purchased an electric bike, so I can ride these hills in Atlanta, with a lot more ease! When I’m in nature, I am replenished. 

Another essential piece of my self-care is talking and laughing with my girlfriends regularly.

I mentioned Celebrate You in the beginning of this conversation. How did you find out about the online group, and what has been the benefits for you?

I met LaWanna Bradford when she was the chapter leader at the Womens Prosperity Network.  I walked into that room and felt like I was with family. The CY’s group and their message of women celebrating women and wellness so resonated with me, especially because it was not just about physical health and financial success. That was refreshing.  CY is a holistic and diverse group that is aligned with my values, so being with these ladies brings me joy and fulfillment. 

Each month I have the opportunity to share information to support  mental wellness on a panel with LaWanna and other CY ladies. The variety of information that is available for all of us to be our best selves, is priceless. And, who does not love being a Queen amongst other Queens?

As someone who has found success herself, what advice do you have for others about pursuing their own goals?

Your first step is to gain clarify your definition of success. Once you know where you’re going, it’s essential to find ways to enjoy and celebrate the experiences you have on your way to your destination. We love to travel, and I’ve found that talking and dreaming about the trip is often as fun as the trip itself. 

Along this journey, you’ll get to make many decisions. Having a Values Compass to guide you is most beneficial.  When you honor your values, you’ll experience the most fulfillment. It is that satisfaction that’s the fuel in your tank. You may get lost, i.e., experience setbacks and perceived failures. These can be deeply disappointing. Once you get pass the disappointment, you can use this fertile time to uncover the lesson learned. Failures are opportunities for us to grow and shift something on our journey. 

Be easy on yourself , especially with your self-talk. Instead of beating yourself up for not getting it “right”, talk to yourself as you would your best friend or child. The way you explain things to yourself matters!

 Life is more than just making money. Yes, money does provide safety and security, but it does not provide sustainable happiness. Surround yourself with people that are smarter than you. Ask for help! Hire a coach (shameless plug) and other professionals that are good at the things you are not proficient in. increase your Success Karma by hiring others to do what they are good at, so more people hire you for what you are good at.  Last but not, least, share your success with others either through your time, money or wisdom. M&M’s are so much more fun to share, so is your sweet success. 

Congratulations again, Wendy. How can our audience stay connected with you?

If you like gifts, visit www.WendyWatkins.com to receive my latest edition of 10 Succes s Hacks for a Flourishing Life. 

As for Social Media:

www.Facebook.com/PeopleGrower 

IG @WendybWatkins

www.linkedin.com/in/coachwendy