We’re all about getting into a good book here at SGS, and live for book recommendations that last us a lifetime! We’re heading into mid January, and now that your new year goals are planned, you year is already off to a good start, you need a good book ( 7 good books) to settle in with over the next couple of months. Our SGS team is sharing their favorite books that they like to start the new year off with, whether it be learning how to more powerful in your everyday lift and conversations, or delving deep into a good intricate story – we’ve got you covered boo.

For a Good Laugh

The Last Black Unicorn

Because who doesn’t love Tiffany Haddish!!! Our girl Tiffany made her debut in the 2017 summer comedy, Girls Trip, and y’all she had us on the floor. Tiffany brings such an unfiltered, raw yet comfortable personality to the stale, overdone and let’s not forget fake Hollywood celebrity profiles we see everyday. It was so good seeing her on the big screen, and we die for her interviews as well. ( Check her on Jimmy Kimmel, and thank us later.) There was a bit of controversy around The Last Black Unicorn when it first dropped, but just as much as our girl brings the laughs on the big screen, we are 100% positivo that she brings them in black and white.

For My Girls That Love a Little Nostalgia

32 Candles: A Novel

Okay – this one holds a special place in our hearts. If you haven’t read Ernessa T. Carter’s book 32 Candles, then sis you are in for a real treat! Especially if you love old classic 80’s movies, say 16 candles to be exact? Ernessa has a fresh, vibrant, and melanin filled take on the classic film, and this read is full of laughter, tears, single girl power, but most of all – we’re rooting for her Melanin Queen protagonist. Forever an SGS favorite.

For Some Black Girl Magic

I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual

Sitting down with Luvvie’s book is like sitting down with your best girlfriend over drinks, and she’s keeping it real. I’m Judging You is a read every melanin babe should have on her shelf, in her work bag, and on her coffee table.

For A New Beginning

Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person

Because who doesn’t love Shonda Rhimes and her brilliant mind? We are always looking for inspiration from the trailblazers before us, that broke through barriers and showed the world their full potential. Shonda is no exception, and is still amazing us every Thursday with her #TGIT program with the ABC network. Shonda said “Yes” for an entire year, and her story on that year is nothing short of inspiring, and something that we pick up and read several times throughout the year to remind ourselves that we are responsible for pushing ourselves to the next level, so that we too can reach our full potential.

For the SnapBack Queens

Whole New You: How Real Food Transforms Your Life, for a Healthier, More Gorgeous You

In 2018 we’re trying to be snatched for the gawds honey, and we’re always looking for food inspo when our little chicken breast, brown rice, and sweet potatoes aren’t cutting it. Tia Mowry is in the kitchen with her cookbook, Whole New You: How Real Food Transforms Your Life, for a Healthier, More Gorgeous You , and we looooove the recipes sis is bringing.

For Those of Us that Loved the East Compton Clovers

We’re Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True

Not that we don’t love a good celeb story, because we do love our fave Mary Jane. But – when it comes to books written by celebs we always ask ourselves, “Did she really write it though?” After sitting down with Gabielle Union’s new book, we actually loved it.We also passed it along to our friends, and guess what, they loved it too. Gabrielle gets really personal and gives us a first seat into her life and her journey to the woman she has become today, and to our surprise – she’s a lot like you and me. Read with a glass of wine for bonus points.

For Those that Thrive on Power ( or want to get some)

The 48 Laws of Power

Read this book, and read it again, and then again, and then again. For those of you looking to hold more powerful conversations, have powerful businesse’s, and just be a bomb #girlboss – this book is for you. Robert Greene outlines the 48 laws of power in this must read that every melanin queen should have in her possession.

What are you’re current favorite reads? Leave it in the comment section below, and you might see it pop up as an SGS official recommendation!