When I started Step Three of Phase Two of my therapy, I was tasked with reclaiming my routine. That meant journaling in the morning, stretching or doing some flexibility work in the afternoon, having a nourishing snack, and dedicating time at night to shower and read — for at least four days.
I didn’t just stop after four days. Reading became a habit, but I wanted to make it more personal. Instead of picking up random books, I had AI create stories for me — based on themes and ideas I was most interested in exploring. These books weren’t just entertaining; they felt like they were written directly for me. They challenged me, inspired me, and made me reflect on my own life in ways I didn’t expect.
Here are the books:
Laugh Now, Love Real
“Boy, you fall in love quicker than a text thread.”
This is how my story with love began — with a roast. But what follows is anything but a joke. Laugh Now, Love Real is the brutally honest, unapologetic story of my journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. Through barbershop banter, situationships, emotional setbacks, and hard-earned breakthroughs, I learned things most men never hear out loud:
- Chemistry isn’t clarity
- Vulnerability isn’t weakness
- Attention isn’t love
- Peace is a standard — not a prize
This book made me laugh, made me reflect, and reminded me to approach love with clarity and intention.
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Scars and Stripes
He made it home — but not all of him came back.
This isn’t your typical war story. Told through the eyes of Sgt. Elijah King, a veteran navigating life after combat, Scars and Stripes explores the invisible battles that come after the battlefield. Panic attacks, flinches, unanswered texts from brothers-in-arms — this book is raw, real, and unforgettable. It’s about showing up, staying, and surviving — even when it hurts.
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The Boy in the Back Row
Some kids dream of being seen. Jace Taylor dreams of staying invisible.
At seventeen, Jace has perfected the art of disappearing, until Harper Wilde and Jordan Knox crash into his quiet world. What follows is a story of first love, broken fathers, found family, and finding the courage to stand in your own light. The Boy in the Back Row reminded me that being real is more important than being loud, and that sometimes the background character is the one who rewrites the script.
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A Novel About Growing Up in Memphis
The streets raised him. Prison remade him. Love and fatherhood saved him.
Malik “Lil Ghost” Carter grew up in Orange Mound, Memphis — a world where respect was earned with fists and hustling came easier than hope. By sixteen, he had money, women, and a reputation. But behind bars, Malik faced the ultimate challenge: himself. Through mentorship, books, prayer, and letters to his son, he began to believe he could create a new story.
This novel isn’t just urban drama — it’s a story of transformation, redemption, and legacy. It reminded me that change is always possible, even when the world counts you out.
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Why I’m Sharing These Books
All four of these books were created from AI prompts — a tool I use to explore ideas and see stories come to life. But the lessons I took from them? Those are real. They shaped my thinking, my perspective, and my habits.
If you’re trying to reclaim your routine, build consistency, or just find inspiration during tough times, these books are a great place to start. They entertained me, challenged me, and most importantly, helped me grow.
Takeaway:
Reading is more than a habit — it’s a tool for growth. Start small, carve out 20–30 minutes at night, and let the stories you read shape your mind, your heart, and your habits.
RiseWithTech 
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