One of the most surprising side-effects of social distancing, for me, was not feeling compelled—or at times even able—to read. As someone who can, in some seasons, put away more than one book a week, you’d think I’d have been excited for all this extra time to bury my nose in some printed pages.
Only often, I couldn’t read.
My brain felt overwhelmed by all the information we were getting on a daily basis. My heart was heavy for all those who were suffering, from all we were collectively losing, and—I was missing time with my dad. For all these reasons and more, it’s felt like a bad season to put more information in my brain.
Have you felt that way too?
This has made me wonder what summer reading will look like for us this year. Will it be another casualty of the pandemic? Or, as restrictions lighten, will we once again feel able to turn our attention to stories and words? I hope so.
Will Summer Reading be another casualty of the pandemic?
I hope that we will find ourselves sitting in the sand, by a pool, or even in a comfortable chair in our living room (with the AC running), reading a fantastic book or two. And, in case you need some book suggestions for those very moments, I am continuing our yearly tradition of Summer Reading Week. Today, I am sharing some non-fiction books in superlative style. On Thursday, I will share some fiction worth losing yourself in for a few hours.
For my fellow over-thinkers and often anxious
Get Out Of Your Head by Jennie Allen
How to Fix a Broken Record: Thoughts on Vinyl Records, Awkward Relationships, and Learning to Be Myself by Amena Brown
If you’re looking for a next step in helping to fight and understand racism
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made For Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
For the woman who needs help remembering her own strength
Ready to Rise by Jo Saxton
Fierce, Free, & Full of Fire by Jen Hatmaker
For when you feel like nothing is happening in your life
Chasing Vines by Beth Moore
For the friend struggling to find home
Roots & Sky: A Journey Home in Four Seasons by Christie Purifoy
For the foodie who wants to get lost in a good story
Garlic & Sapphires by Ruth Reichl
Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl
What are your Favorite Nonfiction books that you can’t stop recommending to others?
What books do you want to read this summer?
Feeling a little adrift in this strange, new normal of being at home? Sign up for my email list and get your free copy of my Social Distancing Survival Guide: Everyday Routines. Sign up here.
Photo by Fabiola Peñalba on Unsplash
