If you've been here a while, you know I love podcasts. But it was a refreshing change in content consumption to read, especially with both in-print and in-my-ears options. With all the podcasting I did, I didn't think I had read enough to have a post!

I was very wrong - and VERY happy about that.

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The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race by Anthony Ocampo

I learned HOW to open my eyes to my intersections, not just know that I need to. Yes, I've been on a feminist journey for a few years now. But I still didn't have the history and language to understand why I feel [not that Asian](https://coffeemeetspolished.com/articles/being-not-that-asian "Being "Not That" Asian"). Turns out colonialism is the answer to a lot of "whys".

Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free by Linda Kay Klein

I learned the real, objective consequences of a religious justification to stifling of women's sexuality -- and subsequently, empowerment. I also was able to feel less alone in my complicated feelings toward the religion I was raised in. To clarify, that journey is still continuing. And I still feel remnants of shame today with sexual desires.

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay

I learned how to have more empathy for those whose bodies don't fit the patriarchy-set, market-set, European beauty standards-set, definition of beauty. And not to judge where someone is in their own journey of self-acceptance. I also got to get more books signed by Roxane Gay this year - 3 total now!

Kintsugi Wellness: The Japanese Art of Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit by Candice Kumai

I learned how my immigrant parents, and Asian-American identity is something to be proud of. Not that I wasn't proud before, but to actively dig deep and seek how to start my own journey to self-actualization with my first-generation identity. I also got to make match with Candice at The Wing!

the sun and her flowers and milk and honey by rupi kaur

I learned the power of words to spark such emotion and beauty when it is brought to life on stage. Getting to watch Rupi Kaur perform in New York City as part of her book tour was absolutely amazing.

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your story in a Noisy Social World by Gary Vaynerchuk

I learned some nitty gritty of how to optimize my voice and shape my story with different social media platforms.

Like A Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy by Angela Garbes

Finally, I learned that there is feminist literature out there on motherhood. I listened and absorbed everything in here, even if I have complicated thoughts on not being a mother at the moment. Did I mention that the author is also a Filipina?

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While I still have many books to catch up on that I purchased in 2018, I'm proud of the ones I did finish. They have shaped so much of my thought processes and understanding sense of self that I will be forever changed.

What did you read last year? And what's on your list for 2019?

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