I was a reader when I was young. I would spend my weekends sprawled on the sofa reading one novel after the next. My bookshelves were lined with everything from horror to romance. After having kids, I would find the time only occasionally to bury myself in a good read, usually on vacation. I went from a few novels read per month and it slowly dwindled down to one or two per year, some years zero.
As a part of my slow living journey, I am making it a point to devour books again. Sometimes I’ll read a paperback, with its sweet smell and crisp pages. Other times, I choose to listen, as a way to consume more stories while going about my day. Either way, rekindling this hobby has helped me slow down and relax.
Summer Reading List
Here is my Summer Reading List. Some I have already finished, others are waiting in queue. They range from self-help to fiction.
All quotes are credited to Audible
Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown
“True belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are. It requires us to be who we are.” Brown will again change the cultural conversation while mapping a clear path to true belonging.” Brene Brown doesn’t miss with her insight and inspirational science backed work. Braving the Wilderness was no different. This book is a required read for anyone who has spent too much time on the sidelines of life afraid to rock the boat.
Slow by Brooke McAlary
“Alongside Brooke’s affirming personal stories of breaking down and rising up, Slow provides practical advice and fascinating insights into the benefits and challenges of the slow life, such as: decluttering to de-owning; messiness to mindfulness; and asking “Why?” to asking “Where to now?” I am just beginning this book, and can already tell it will be an essential guide to building a slow life, your way and on your timeline.
The Mountain is You by Brianna West
“For centuries, the mountain has been used as a metaphor for the big challenges we face, especially ones that seem impossible to overcome. To scale our mountains, we actually have to do the deep internal work of excavating trauma, building resilience and adjusting how we show up for the climb.” As I go deeper into my journey, I uncover more about myself that brings about more questions than answers. I am hopeful that this book will give the inspiration to ask those hard questions.
The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine A Aron
“The Highly Sensitive Person is an in-depth look at characteristics that define sensitivity…This exceptional book can lead to remarkable results for many who suffer from constant stress and anxiety.” I finally felt seen when reading this book. I have been ashamed of my differentness all my life. Unsure of where I fit, what labels fit me, and why I felt misunderstood. This book has helped me to understand my personality and given me the confidence to not fight it.
Feeding My Mother by Jann Arden
“Feeding My Mother is a frank, funny, inspirational and honest account of the transformation in Jann Arden’s life that has turned her into primary “parent” to her mom, who is in the grip of Alzheimer’s.” My own mother played a primary role in caring for my grandmother through her Alzheimer’s disease and I am hopeful this book will give me some insight into what she might have gone through during that time.
The Flame by Leonard Cohen
“The Flame is a stunning collection of Leonard Cohen’s last poems, selected and ordered by the author in the final months of his life.”
Women Talking by Miriam Toews
Eight women -ordinary grandmothers, mothers and teenagers- gather in the hayloft for a secret conversation and August, a Mennonite like the women, has been asked to record the conversation as they debate with each other. “They have forty-eight hours to make a life-altering choice on behalf of all the women and children in the colony.”
I Curse You With Joy by Tiffany Haddish
“In these humorous and heartfelt essays, Tiffany gets real about the highs and lows of life. Believe it or not, there was a time when Tiffany didn’t totally know who Tiffany was.”
Mind Magic by James R Doty
“A deep exploration of the neuroscience behind manifestation, with a six-part plan for realizing your dreams.” I am a little bit of a neuroscience nerd. Anything that can be explained by studying the brain I want to learn more.
The Anxious Generation by Johnathan Haidt
“After more than a decade of stability or improvement, the mental health of adolescents plunged in the early 2010’s. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rose sharply, more than doubling on many measures. Why?” As a parent of two teens, this book calls to me as a required read to help understand what they are going through and why.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
“An invaluable guide to living the artist’s life.” As a part of my journey into who I am, I am claiming the label artist, a label I felt unworthy of before. I am excited to read this book and gain some more insights into living the artist’s life.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
“Gilbert asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives.”
The School of Mirrors by Eva Stachniak
I love period dramas. The school of Mirrors is “a rich and engrossing tale of love, deception and scandal in 18th century France.” Well, who won’t be enticed by that.
What is on your Summer Reading List? Have you read any of these? What did you think?
Read More
Related Articles
