Terri-Karelle was excited about the announcement which she says is a step in the right direction especially for persons who are living with disabilities. “Ideally, I wanted to release it on the day that the National Disabilities Act came into effect in February but I changed course at the last minute due to a few other projects and shifted the focus to my first year book launch announcement anniversary.” She continued, “The audible was inspired by my grandmother who received the first copy of my published book. However, she wasn’t able to read it due to her deteriorating eyesight. So, while she was overjoyed that I had written the book; she wasn’t able to read it and so I thought about others, who, like her would not be able to read it.”

“As a strong advocate for inclusion especially for persons with disabilities, I thought that launching an audible was a great way to encourage others to express love in different ways outside of our partners and spouses but to include persons outside who are often very marginalised,”

Terri-Karelle further stated that launching the audible was even more important to her since 2023 was the first anniversary of the Disabilities act in Jamaica. “The act makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica. It also aims to protect and promote equal rights for the disabled and prohibits discrimination against them, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), of which Jamaica is a signatory.”

Terri-Karelle further stated that launching the audible was even more important to her since 2023 was the first anniversary of the Disabilities act in Jamaica. According to her, “The act makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica. It also aims to protect and promote equal rights for the disabled and prohibits discrimination against them, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), of which Jamaica is a signatory.”

Last Year, Terri-Karelle embarked on a book tour and shared in a statement that that tour in 2023 was a way to get to her TK Tribe members and to receive feedback about the lessons that they had learnt from the book. Now, the audible is an extension of that to cater to a wider demography of people of which she shares a special love and appreciation.

“The Audible is special gift to my people living with disabilities because not many Caribbean-authored books are available on that platform. I wanted to make it available on different channels for different kinds of readers who simply want nuggets of wisdom to be poured into them,” she ended.

Last year, Terri-Karelle embarked on a number of book signings across Jamaica as well as in Trinidad and Tobago and Miami.

The audiobook is available on Audible, click here to listen.

The post Terri-Karelle’s “My Brand Compass” launches Audible a year after official book release appeared first on Terri-Karelle.

With students out in their large numbers, the curated garden like setting was tastefully littered with blankets imprinted with positive words of affirmation, throw pillows and umbrellas that provided the perfect backdrop with books dangling from a guango tree.  While many students brought their own post-it filled or bookmarked copies, others gathered around the designated area as the recognized storytelling writer and TEDx Speaker, Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid, read excerpts from her favourite chapters. During her message, Reid reinforced the importance of reading; “Read to Escape, Read to Elevate, Read to Transform,” she noted as she casually perused the pages of her book.

‘My Brand Compass: the 13 C’s to building your personal brand’ is an excellent resource for individuals looking to gain a deeper understanding of self-branding and marketing. The author, experienced motivational speaker, event host and community builder, Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid, provides practical tips and insights that university students can apply to their academic and professional careers.

During the event, Terri-Karelle led a discussion around one of the 5 C’s (character) that she considers to be the most important when it comes to self-branding and shared some personal experiences from her time as a student through her corporate stint, finally landing at her pinnacle of entrepreneurship.

The students were attentive and actively engaged in the discussion, asking insightful questions, and sharing their own views and experiences. When quizzed about how to bounce back from negative back lash with the advent of social media, Reid easily responded, “Not performance or performative but with purpose and passion.” 

After the book reading and discussion, participants had the opportunity to network with one another and connect with Terri-Karelle in a more intimate one-on-one manner. Additionally, the students got the chance to document the occasion through social media moments, ask further probing questions and receiving autographs from the author.

 The first Reading of the ‘UWI Special 75^th Book Club’ was an excellent experience that enriched the minds of students and introduced them to the world of branding and marketing. It was an event to remember and one that the university should be proud of.

The UWI’s 75th anniversary initiatives are purposely designed and aligned to reflect on its past, confront the present, and articulate plans for its future across all five campuses, as well as internationally through partner associations and affiliates. The UWI 75th anniversary is celebrated under the theme: UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.

The post ‘My Brand Compass’ Author Terri-Karelle Reid debuts at UWI’s ‘Reading on the Lawn’ appeared first on Terri-Karelle.

Nevertheless, I got some reading done and oftentimes, it was my escape from reality. That’s the thing about reading, it allows you moments to escape, learn, swoon, get angry or feel whatever emotion the author or authoress wants to evoke. In June, 3 months after the first case of COVID-19 hit our shores, we were under severe restrictions and at the request of my community, I shared the “Books I’ve Read In Lockdown” as a way of serving my community. There were 23 in total. This list will just be a continuation of those so as not to duplicate or bore you.

Before I list my books, there are things I want to make abundantly clear:

Reading books is a personal journey.

It is never a competition. There is nothing to be ashamed of IF you only read one book. That’s fine, the next year, you can push for 2 and maybe even surpass that.

Reading books is subjective

If I got a dollar for every time someone asked me to recommend a book for him/her/them, I would be an extremely well wealthy woman. My response if always “it depends.” It’s personal, individual and subjective. It depends on your likes, preferences and objectives. A person who is trying to learn more about digital skills is more likely to consume books that are related to that objective. For those who are fierce feminists, their books might be curated to their interests. It’s never easy suggesting any book to anyone because what is beautiful or informative to me, may be traumatic to you and vice versa. So when I share my list, I am sharing what I like, not telling you what you should. The more you read, is the more you find out what your preferences are.

Reading Books is exploratory

This year, I read more books that fall outside of the “norm.” You know, sticking to authors we know or cultures we are familiar with. This year, I explored more books that highlighted social and cultural differences- from Arabic, to African, to LGBT. We can’t truly understand people if we never read their stories. Naturally, no one is forcing you to read any material that you aren’t comfortable with. It’s a suggestion to broaden your general knowledge.

Reading books forms community

What do I mean by that? With books being published everyday, Amazon, New York bestsellers being advertised, contradicting reviews, it can be difficult narrowing down and finding books that you might like. That’s where communities come in- communities that you can trust. They offer objective opinions, offer insight, suggest good options, provide reviews and oftentimes facilitate book clubs and meet-ups. In other words, you don’t have to feel alone. I have a few resources that I follow on IG:

• rebelwomenlit
• decentredlit
• bookofcinz
• 2treads
• bookmanexpress
• semicolon
• books for diversity (children)

Special Book Community shout outs

Rebel Women Lit. 2020 was theirs, they launched a Like A real Book Club podcast , started the RWL Library (83 library users across Jamaica, 300 books in their catalogue), conducted RWL Book Club meet-ups online, author interviews and the works, launched the RWL Bookstore Subscriptions and planned RWL events like poetry festivals and movie nights.

Congratulations to Book of Cinz becoming a Samsung Ambassador in the Caribbean. Goes to show that micro niches have just as much impact and influence as the larger, more recognizable personal brands.

Lastly, Bookman Express recently published and promoted the children’s book “Ian Takes Flight” written by Richard Nattoo, who won the Prime Minister’s Youth Award in the category of Arts and Culture weeks later. BOOM!

As always, do your research before purchasing a book. Try something different, new, have fun and be intentional. So let’s get to my 2020 Booklist:

Fiction

24. A Woman Is No Man -Etaf Rum ******

25. The Mothers– Brit Bennett

26. Grown – Tiffany Jackson

27. Silent Patient– Alex Michaelides *****

28. Love After Love– Ingrid Persaud

29. When No one is Watching– Alyssa Cole

30. The Vanishing Half– Brit Bennett

31. Before We Were Yours– Lisa Wingate******

32. The Girl In The Letter – Emily Gunnis *******

Memoirs (my favourite category of books)

33. My Own Words – Ruth Bader Ginsburg ******

34.The Promised Land-Barack Obama

35. Why Should White Guys Have All The Fun– Reginald Lewis

36. Untamed – Glennon Doyle

37. By Faith, Not By Sight – Senator Floyd Morris ******

38. Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter – Curtis Jackson

Business

39. That Will Never Work– Marc Randolph ******

40. Alibaba, The House that Jack ma Built– Duncan Clark

Feminist

41. Ain’t I A Woman -bell hooks

42. Sister Outsider – Audre Lorde ******

Personal Development

43. Mastery – Robert Greene *****

44. The Four Agreements– Don Ruiz *****

45.What A Time To Be Alone -Chidera Eggerue

Non-fiction

46. The Penguin Book of Historic Speeches – Brian MacArthur (this is an ongoing book- it’s isn’t one to finish within a year but rather reference)

Miscellaneous – An irreverent book that has no category LOL

47. Your Children Are Boring– Tom James ******

I really would like to take the time to acknowledge all the persons in my community who just 2 years ago told me they never even read one book for the year. Some have now reported that they have graduated from 2-8 books, another informed me that she managed 31. I commend and thank each and everyone who has ever sent me a message indicating that I inspired their efforts to read more. I love you and keep up the great work.

Cheers

TK

The post The Books that made my 2020 Booklist. What were yours? appeared first on Terri-Karelle.

We are now in June! How is this even possible? Oh right, Coronavirus *rolls eyes*. She has monopolized life and taken ownership of 2020 thus far. In January, I had written a blog outlining all 45 books that I read last year. Most of us who are book lovers might have anticipated more downtime to read, but honestly, I haven’t been able to concentrate as much. Between homeschooling, observing best covid-19 practices, taking care of my mental health, carving out time for my daughter, and watching the world in turmoil etc. I have read far less in this half-year. However, my online community has asked me to share the books I have read thus far and here they are. Let me add, that similar to music, we all have preferences. Some years I might focus on one theme and in another year, I might be all over the place. Whatever your preference, I hope that there is a book that you might find interesting.

I am making a conscious effort to read more books written by female and black authors, especially Caribbean authors. There is definitely a different vibe when you are able to identify places, schools, or colloquial expressions that we use. There are Caribbean authors who are sharing their experiences, lending their voices and creative souls to include communities that aren’t often represented due to cultural and societal indifference or disgust. Regardless of the theme, it is delightful being represented in some way, shape or form. If you need a little help getting started on Caribbean books, you may like 100 Caribbean Books That Made Us

I encourage you to always review books before you purchase to assess if they have themes that you are comfortable with. For my sister queens who have been sexually violated, ensure that you review books for triggers that might send you into an emotional spiral.

My awesome resources are: @2treads, @rebelwomenlit, @decentred_lit_ja, @thetallestpineapple

As always pace yourself. The number of books you read for the year isn’t relevant. If you aren’t an avid reader, don’t be ashamed. Take your time, if you get through one book a year, kudos to you. The more you practice, the more you will find the time and even look forward to reading. If you are often distracted, you could try audiobooks via www.audible.com Reading is personal and shouldn’t be compared to others.

I encourage you to try new types of books, try something different from what you are accustomed to and try to learn something that you can apply to be and do better. That being said, here are some of the books, I have managed to read thus far:

***** indicates the books I loved the most.

Feminist &/or Race (4)

THICK– Tressie McMillan ***** (LOVED)

Hood Feminism– Mikki Kendall ****

So You Want To Talk About Race– Ijeoma Oluo *****

Natives:Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire– Akala ***** (LOVED)

Feminist &/or Race- Fiction (7)

These Ghosts Are Family– Maisy Card ***** (LOVED)

Here Comes The Sun – Nicole Dennis-Benn ***** (LOVED)

PATSY– Nicole Dennis-Benn *****

The Thing Around Your Neck– Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The Girl With the Louding Voice– Abi Daré ***** (LOVED)

Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche ***** (LOVED)

Confessions of Frannie Langton – Sara Collins

Memoirs (4)

Daring To Drive– Manal-al Sharif *****

Beneath the Tamarind Tree– Isha Sesay

Shoe Dog – Phil Knight

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind– William Kamkwamba *****

Social Science (1)

What the Dog Saw- Malcolm Gladwell*****

Personal Development & Mindset (4)

Atomic Habits – James Clear

Limitless– Jim Kwik

The One Thing – Gary Keller& Jay Papasan

Linchpin – Seth Godin *****

Business (3)

Fanatical Prospecting – Jeb Blount

The Future is Faster Than You Think– Peter Diamandis & Steven Kotler

Purple Cow -Seth Godin

I am here to remind us all, that going forward, we shall continue to educate ourselves, understand the world and people around us, write our own books, document our own experiences, provide cultural and historical context for the next generations and create generational wealth and legacy.

Feel free to recommend books in the comments or share your thoughts/reviews on any of the books I have listed. I welcome them all.

Cheers

The post Books I’ve Read in Lockdown appeared first on Terri-Karelle.

With just under 500 students, they’ve managed to transition from a junior high school to having their very first cohort of 5th formers graduating in 2020, yet it hasn’t been an easy journey. Many of the students at the school struggle with reading and literacy.

That’s why in October, when Roxanne South, a literacy teacher at the school, reached out to me via Instagram, I immediately shared her story with Kingston Bookshop, hoping they could help with even a small donation towards the school’s mission of furnishing their recently-created literacy centre.

Kingston Bookshop stepped up in a big way! Not only did Shauna Fuller Clarke, Director of IT and Special Projects at KB, offer to donate more than 200 books to the school, we all trekked to St. Elizabeth to deliver them in person. Here’s a look at how it all went down.

I didn’t know Roxanne South before she messaged me, but her desire to help her school was so great, that she risked the possibility of getting ignored or rejected to serve her students. All the other teachers knew the shortcomings of the school, yet it took this one teacher to send a simple message that resulted in the donation of so many books.

This goes to show just how much one person has the power to have a massive impact their community. That person doesn’t have to be rich, famous or known. Just someone with a heart big enough to want to change the world.

Thanks to Kingston Bookshop for your generosity and dedication towards educating the children of Jamaica, and thank you, Roxanne, for making the effort to improve the lives of your students. They are very fortunate to have your support.

The post Kingston Bookshop helps to Sow Seeds of Literacy appeared first on Terri-Karelle.

A few days ago, I shared on social media that I managed to read 45 books in 2019. While many of my followers were shocked that I had managed to read so many books, others had tons of questions. Some of the most popular questions I got were:

• How do you manage to read so many books when you’re so busy?!
• What strategies can I implement to read more (or as much as you do)?
• Can you share the full list of books you read in 2019?
• What’s the first book you’re reading in 2020?

Well, guess what. I’m answering all of those questions right now! It took several hours to get it all down, but with so many asking, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to share and hopefully help others to expand their horizons through reading more books.

View this post on Instagram

The quote I despise the most in this world is “Ignorance is bliss.” It’s not bliss, it ain’t cute and it certainly does not encourage growth. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss 2019 was an awesome year of growth personally and professionally. The more I read, the more I learnt, the more I learnt, the more I grew! I close out this year having read 45 books: 40 hard copies (missing book is Tipping Point- dunno where it is ) and 5 audiobooks. My Top 6? • • “Born a Crime” ~ @trevornoah “Talking to Strangers” ~ @malcolmgladwell “Outliers” ~ @MalcolmGladwell “Dear Ijeawele” ~ @chimamanda_adichie “The Book of Joy” ~ Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu “21 Lessons for the 21st Century” ~ Yuval Noah Harari What were yours? #yourjamaicangirl #terrikarelle #bookstagram

A post shared by Terri-Karelle (@terrikarelle) on Dec 31, 2019 at 4:36am PST

Strategies for Reading More in 2020

1. Don’t compete.

Read as many or as little as you want. It’s not a competition. If you want to read more, do it because you want to better yourself. Do it because you realise that there is so much out there to learn about and because you want to enhance your self development. Please don’t read because “successful people do it”, don’t do it because you want to match or outdo what others are, don’t do it because you jumping on a bandwagon. If you read for all the wrong reasons, then chances are you won’t retain, learn or apply it to you life.

2. Don’t limit yourself.

Most people set targets, my very humble and unpopular opinion is that you shouldn’t. Targets will have you speeding through books without actually enjoying or absorbing the material, just to check it off your list. On the other hand, targets can also be limiting – you set a finite number in your head, you reach it, then you stop. If a number is significant number to you, cool! If not, don’t limit yourself to any one target. Quantity won’t matter if the quality sucks.

3. Make the time and make it sacred.

I’ve heard so many people say that they just don’t have the time to read. Yet we make time for so many people and things that don’t serve us, that only seem to distract. So instead of leaving reading until you have some free time (which will never come), carve out some time in your day or week just for reading, and don’t allow for any distractions. Put your phone on silent, mute notifications, lock yourself away or go somewhere no one can disturb you. Better yet – all that time you waste standing in lines, waiting for meetings to start, waiting for food in restaurants, commuting to work, etc. – read! I travel with my books everywhere. I always have books in my car, bag and at least 3 audiobooks available on my phone. So whenever I find down time, I read my books.

4. Find what makes you happy!

I don’t buy the argument that print books are better or superior to e-books or audiobooks, or vice versa. I also don’t read a book just because it’s trending or it’s related to my career. I read in the format that’s most comfortable for me (mostly hard copy, with some audiobooks for faster or on-the-go reading) and I read what interests me (currently books about women, leadership, memoirs, mindset, the future). Choose what’s most comfortable for you and works with your lifestyle, and read whatever intrigues you. Otherwise, it will be boring and difficult and fuel a hatred for reading that so many have, simply because they’re keeping up with others’ expectations.

5. Read multiple books simultaneously.

I read multiple books at a time. Yup! We do it when we are in school, don’t we? We read multiple books covering various subject material. Some of us manage various tasks and projects at the same time and yet we limit our brain into thinking that we have to read one book at a time before we can start another. Why? I sometimes read up to 3 books all at the same time. If it helps, try choosing books from different genres or on different topics, so you don’t mix them up.

6. Follow great resources and read reviews

I don’t buy a book just because someone says I should. Instead, I follow certain hashtags and resources that I trust to get some great recommendations (such as @rebelwomenlit @decentred_lit_ja and @2treads on Instagram), but I also do my own research to find reviews and opinions on the books to see if they are a right fit for me. Reviews help, but just because one person likes (or doesn’t like) a book doesn’t mean it’s for you (or isn’t). Ultimately, it’s your decision – so always read reviews thoroughly to find out what people liked or didn’t like to determine whether those will also apply to you.

7. Pace yourself.

Finally, don’t force yourself to go from reading no books for years to reading 50 in one year. Practice becomes perfect. If you are rusty and trying to retrain yourself to read more, pace yourself and practice. Step by step. Commit and be disciplined, but don’t force yourself to go from zero to a hundred right away. The more you read, the easier it becomes.

The 45 Books I Read in 2019 (By Topic/Genre)

By Women (4) **

Books written by awesome women

1. We Should All Be Feminists – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
2. Dear Ijeawele – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
3. How to Get Sh*t Done – Erin Falcolner
4. I’m Judging You – Luvvie Ajayi

Thought-Provoking (9)

Books on history, sociology and psychology

5. Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell
6. Talking With Strangers – Malcolm Gladwell
7. Originals – Adam Grant
8. Blink – Malcolm Gladwell
9. David & Goliath – Malcolm Gladwell
10. 21 Lessons of the 21st Century – Yuval Noah Harari
11. Tipping Point – Malcolm Gladwell
12. Elephant In The Brain – Jeffrey Kafer
13. When – Daniel H Pink

Autobiographies & Memoirs (8)

14. Born A Crime – Trevor Noah
15. Glass Castle – Jeanette Walls **
16. Educated – Tara Westover **
17. Girl Who Smiled Beads – Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil ***
18. Solitary – Albert Wood-Fox
19. Small Fry – Lisa Brennan-Jobs **
20. Steve Jobs – Walter Isaacson
21. My Political Journey – P.J. Patterson

Financial Literary (2)

22. Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert T. Kiyosaki
23. The Richest Man in Babylon – George Samuel Clayson

Leadership in Business (7)

24. Dare To Lead – Brené Brown
25. Radical Candor – Kim Scott
26. Good to Great – James C Collins
27. The Business Coach – Bradley Sugars
28. It Doesn’t Have to be Crazy At Work – Jason Fried & David Hansson
29. Developing The Leader In You – John C Maxwell

Personal Development & Mindset (7)

30. The Book of Joy – His Holiness Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
31. The War of Art – Steven Pressfield
32. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
33. If Caterpillars Can Fly, So Can I – Alvin Day
34. The 10X Rule – Grant Cardone
35. No Limits – John C Maxwell
36. Today Matters – John C Maxwell
37. 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth – John C Maxwell

Fiction (7)

38. Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens **
39. The Hate U Give – Angela Thomas **
40. She Would Be King – Wayetu Moore **
41. The Fall of Saints – Wanjikū Ngūgī
42. Queenie – Candice Carty-Williams
43. By Love Possessed – Lorna Godson
44. Black Leopard Red Wolf – Marlon James https://amzn.to/3dKI3Q6

Short Stories (1)

45. Chat ‘Bout! – An Anthology of Jamaican Conversations – Shelley Sykes-Coley

**Books centered around a female protagonist.

Reading Plans for 2020

I may read more in 2020, I may read less. For me, it all comes down to quality and not quantity. To be honest, I hadn’t even realized how many books I had read in 2019 until someone asked me for a tally. At the end of the day, I read books because I truly enjoy them and I love learning through other people’s experiences and exploring various interesting topics from the perspective of the experts in the field.

What’s my first book for 2020? Linchpin by Seth Godin. In fact, I’ve already finished reading it.

The post The 45 Books I Read in 2019 appeared first on Terri-Karelle.

I will admit that the older I get, I have developed a bias for memoirs and non-fictional content. Thought provoking authors such as Malcolm Gladwell and Chimamanda Ngozi enlighten my mind. Jim Kwik has stated that the best thing to do is forget the information and knowledge we have and open our minds to new material. I am less interested in fiction and fantasy and more intrigued by facts, data and research.

After sharing the 45 books I read/listened to in 2019 on LinkedIn, Buzz reached out, wanting me to share my top ten favourites from the list. It was extremely hard to narrow down my favourites across various topics and genres, but I managed to do it. Check out their article to find out what they were!

The post FEATURE: “Terri-Karelle’s top ten books of 2019” appeared first on Terri-Karelle.