Love: Good Summer Reads

If you’ve been hanging out with me here on the blog for a while, or you follow me on social media—you know, reading is one of my favorite things to do. In fact, in college, I remember summers where I’d stay up late reading, sleep in, and then spend almost the whole next day reading until a book was finished. It’s funny how aware we are of all the things we can’t do in adolescence; while being entirely unaware of all the perks of not being a full fledged adult yet. For those of us who are readers,

Reading is a gift.

It takes us out of our current circumstances just long enough to help us see the world with new eyes. It helps us walk around in someone else’s shoes for a couple hundred pages. And it has the ability to teach us something about ourselves and our lives. Give me a cool afternoon in the shade, with a good book and a cup of coffee, and I am set.

However, although the act of reading is rather solitary, the surprising part is how communal it can be as well. Reading a good book can draw people together. Like telling a friend about your favorite restaurant, sharing a good book can be equally exciting. Especially if they find it as enjoyable or inspiring as you did.

For this reason, today I am sharing three books I LOVED that I feel would make an excellent addition to your reading list this summer. Then, I am sharing three books that are on my reading list. If you decide to read any of these six titles, please let me know, and perhaps we can talk about it online or in person!

Three Books I LOVED:

Girl Wash Your Face

By: Rachel Hollis

This has been my favorite read so far this year. In it, Rachel shares at least twenty lies she has believed about herself or what is possible, and then goes on to explain how she discovered they’re not true. All of these lies are ones we can relate to, and if you read it, you are bound to feel inspired and fired up to “go for it”—whatever that looks like for you!

The Power of Habit

By: Charles Duhigg

Though the title may sound rather boring, this book was a fascinating one all on why and how we do what we do. Through telling stories about successful people we’d recognize (i.e. Michael Phelps), or why we all use toothpaste, Duhigg breaks down how habits are formed, and how they can help us. Not only that, he shares how our habits can be changedto help us live fuller lives. A little heavier than a typical beach read, but worth the time!

Delicious! A Novel

By: Ruth Reichl

A former food magazine editor, Reichl knows food, and she knows how to write about it. In this novel, she tells the story of a young woman recently hired at a gourmet food magazine, to be the editor’s assistant. Only, she has a tragic secret that is keeping her from her true calling as a baker. It’s a classic story of a girl moving to New York City to both escape her past and find herself—yet with some fun, historical twists involving food. Great to read on the beach!

Three Books On My Summer Reading List:

I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness

By: Austin Channing Brown

In a time where racial tensions run high, it is important to listen to those who have been on the margins. It’s crucial for us to look beyond our own reality to those who live quite a different one, right next door. I have heard Austin interviewed on a few podcasts, and I am eager to read her story.

Everybody Always

By: Bob Goff

The byline to this book is: “Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People.” We all have people in our lives who are difficult to love, and can use all the help we can get to love them better. Bob’s first book, Love Does, was fantastic, and I am looking forward to reading this one.

The Art of Memoir

By: Mary Karr

I realize this one may not be for everyone as it is all about how to write a memoir. But as it is one of my dreams to write a book (sooner than later), it’s time to learn all I can about the process.

Bonus:

Little Beach Street Bakery

by Jenny Colgan

This is the book I talk about in Monday’s post—in case you too are drawn in by books that involve starting bakeries, heroines down on their luck, and of course, love stories!