I’m not much of a re-reader. This applies to both fiction and non-fiction. I’m not sure why this is. Part of it is that I tend to have a scarcity mindset. If I read a book too much, I’m afraid it’ll lose its magic. Maybe I’ll get bored with it, or maybe it won’t be as good as I thought it was. Another reason is because there are so many books in the world. I know I can’t read all of them, so reading the same ones over again seems like a waste. Nevertheless, there are a handful of non-fiction books that I’ve read more than once. In some of them the information was just that good. In others, I find their ideas helpful and thought-provoking. A few of them have helped me to understand myself better, unlocking doors to parts of myself that I didn’t realize existed.
I adore Gretchen Rubin. She has such a unique way of investigating the world and I find her insights so enlightening. In this book she recounts her year-long happiness experiment in which she focused on building new habits and trying new things each month for an entire year, all with the end goal of making her happier. At first I was turned off by the book. The idea of focusing on one’s own happiness felt selfish and self-absorbed to me. But after giving the book a shot, I realized that happiness is about much more than making yourself feel good. Her lessons can be applied to making those around you happier, developing your spiritual life, and overall self-improvement too. I’m not sure I’ll ever have the self-discipline to do a year-long project like hers, but I think it’s fascinating to read about.
This second book by Gretchen Rubin felt like a really natural progression. The Happiness Project was all about what she could do to be happier, much of which involved developing new habits or getting rid of bad ones. Better than Before is all about habits. There are so many wonderful insights in this book. I’ve already read it twice and I know I’ll probably keep coming back to it again and again as I grow and change.
This book completely revolutionized how I thought about time management. The main premise of the book is that we should look at our lives in weeks built up of 168 hours. If you:
sleep 8 hours/night = 56 hours
work = 45 hours
chores 1 hour/day = 7 hours
meals 2 hours/day = 14 hours
remainder = 46 hours
That leaves you with 46 hours each week to spend with our family, work on our hobbies, start a side-hustle, or whatever else it is that’s important to you. There’s so much freedom in realizing how much time we have that we can put toward the things we care about, as long as we’re intentional. There is lots more practical advice in the book. It’s definitely worth checking out.
Lara seems like one of those magical people that can get an inordinate amount of impressive stuff done and still look good doing it. What I love about this book is her vulnerabilityin her honest and unflinching story. She provides some great questions so that you can dig deep and get a better idea of who you are and what your dreams are. Once you’ve started figuring that out, she helps you set goals to go after those dreams. For me, the best part about the book is the spiritual side. I don’t see a lot of people examine the spiritual side of productivity and goal-setting, so this was a fresh perspective that I really enjoyed.
In this book, Elaine Aron shares her research on more highly sensitive people. This can be sensitivity emotionally and physically. This was such a fascinating book for several reasons. First of all, it made me more aware of all the ways I’m unusually sensitive, especially physically. Previously, I would try to ignore when I was overstimulated, like in a really loud, busy room for a long period of time. Now that I know to look for it, I realize how those situations are making me feel and can either change my circumstances or at least be a little more understanding with myself. Another thing I loved about the book is that it opened my eyes to how others might be sensitive in ways that I’m not. I’ve shared this book with several other people and it’s let to some really great conversations and deep insights.
In this book, Adina talks about how a person’s lifestyle as a whole affects their skin. She also gives recommendations and recipes for how to have a more natural approach to skincare. To be honest, I don’t know whether or not the science behind this is good. But the concepts were interesting enough to me to come back a second time. I definitely noticed a major improvement in my skin when I started eating more vegetables, as she recommends. I’m also impressed that she gave out the recipes for all the products that her company sells.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of this book (no judgments if you haven’t. I too like to occupy dwellings under rocks.) Marie Kondo is famous for her advice about decluttering. I started reading this book the first time because I wanted motivation to declutter my own life. I continued reading it because she’s so extreme and it’s fascinating to me. After finishing, I couldn’t bring myself to find the time to follow most of her advice, though perhaps I will the next time we move.
Susan Cain is an absolute genius. In this book, she shares lots of research, stories of successful introverts, and invaluable advice for navigating the world as an introvert. Introverts and extroverts alike need to read this book. As an introvert, it will help you understand yourself more and do a better job of setting yourself up for success. As an extrovert, this book will help you understand all those mysterious quiet people in your life.
I don’t typically plan out what I’m going to read next. I’ll get inspired by a blog post and then reserve a book from the library moments later, meanwhile all the books that have been getting dusty on my TBR list never get read. That also means that I read a lot of books of one genre while neglecting to diversify. This summer I’m going to try and be a lot more intentional with my reading life. As you can see, I’m working on reading more fiction, so I have a lot more of that category on my summer reading list. Take a look through and let me know if we’re reading any of the same ones!
I heard about this book from the Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Guide. Out of all the books she recommended, this one most appealed to me, which is interesting, since she thought it would appeal to the least amount of readers. I just finished this book a few months ago, and while it was a bit darker than I expected (because I neglect to read descriptions for fear of spoilers – I really bring it upon myself), I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to this read as well.
I devouredthis series andthis series, so I’m really looking forward to reading the Kane Chronicles. These books are about Egyption mythology in YA Lit form. Admittedly, I’m already halfway through the first book and I’ve certainly enjoyed it so far. These are easy, fluffy reads, meant more for my entertainment than self-betterment. To be honest, Rick Riordan and Orson Scott Card are currently my primary educators on mythology, so perhaps I should branch out from YA Lit to more educational mythology books. Perhaps. Both of these authors make for great audiobookreading, if that’s what you’re looking for.
My husband and I made a deal while we were still dating that if he read all the Harry Potter books, I would read some Star Wars books that he recommended. It took a while for him to finish his end. Now that we have theaudiobooks, he’s actually read them almost as many times as I have, but I have yet to hold up my end of the deal. I’m planning on reading the first of this series this summer.
This was another one I found off of Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Summer Reading Guide. She suggests a book that is a sequel to this one, but I feel strongly about reading books in order, so I’m checking this one out first. This book features a federal investigator from Melbourne facing his past. It falls into the twisty, mystery category. I’ll save this for a weekend when I have some downtime so that when I inevitably get sucked in to obsessing over the ending, I’ll have time to finish.
Yet another Modern Mrs. Darcy recommendation. What can I say, the woman has great taste. This is supposed to be an easy but substantive read, which is great for summer reading. If you’re a fan of Grey’s Anatomy then you’ll likely enjoy this book too. But mainly the cover is pretty, and I’m all for a pretty cover.
This bookby Laura Vanderkam completely changed the way I think about time and productivity. I would basically read anything she said about the subject, so I preordered Off the Clock, which comes out May 29, 2018, and am looking forward to reading more.
Even though I can be super frugal, I still have a hard time not spending money at all. I definitely want to cultivate more gratefulness in my life and stop relying on spending money to meet my needs. I’m looking forward to learning from and being challenged by this book!
I feel like lately I’ve been hearing Daniel Pink mentioned everywhere. I haven’t read any of his books yet but this felt like a good place to start. Any help in finding motivation would be much appreciated.
I have been hearing about this book for ages and am really looking forward to diving in. I’ve been thinking a lot about spiritual disciplines lately. It’s easy to think that once my current season is over, I’ll have more time for that. Now that I’m in my late-twenties (unless it can be mid-20s till you’re 30, in which case I’m mid-20s), I’m realizing that I’m going to have to fight hard to make the time for what’s important to me.
This book is all about the reading life from a gospel point of view. I’ve never heard of any books like this, but I love reading and I love the gospel, so I figured this would be a good fit.
I have been listening toher podcast for months and always come away feeling so encouraged and inspired. But I’ve never read any of her books! That for sure needs to change. I chose this title because I’ve been feeling like I could use some more bravery in my life lately. I can’t wait to hear what Annie has to say.
Share the Love
What’s on your summer reading list? Do you go light + fluffy for summer or stick to the usual titles? Leave a comment and let me know!
Young Adult novels are some of my favorite books to read. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for reading high literature, and I also seem to be on a years-long non-fiction streak. But young adult literature is the best way to gently escape into another world, and sometimes that’s all you need. Despite the easy escapism, YA novels can be surprisingly thought-provoking too. Here’s a list of some of my favorite Young Adult novels that adults will enjoy too.
Whatever you do, don’t watch the movies. I proudly fall in the camp of “the book is always better than the movie.” Even movie-lovers will tell you that these movies just don’t cut it, though. The series, however, is delightful. I attribute 95% of my knowledge of Greek and Roman gods to Rick Riordan, so it’s educational too 😉
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can’t seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse-Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy’s mom finds out, she knows it’s time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he’ll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea.
Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends — one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena — Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.
This is, sadly, another movie fail. The movie series started out okay and then completely flopped at the end. The book series, however, keeps you engaged and curious for the entire time. If you haven’t read these yet, definitely give it a try.
One choice can transform you. Beatrice Prior’s society is divided into five factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Beatrice must choose between staying with her Abnegation family and transferring factions. Her choice will shock her community and herself. But the newly christened Tris also has a secret, one she’s determined to keep hidden, because in this world, what makes you different makes you dangerous.
I listened to these while doing my first mind-numbing data entry job. They feel sweet and light-hearted, but if you look closely, they have some serious and deep themes. From what I’ve heard, these really come out in the Netflix series, which I have yet to watch.
When red-headed orphan Anne arrives at the Cuthberts’ home, Green Gables, she feels sure she’s found the home she has longed for. They, however, are less certain; their request to the orphanage had been for a boy. But before long Anne’s irrepressibly optimistic, loving nature has charmed them. While her temper is unpredictable and her extravagant imagination makes her dreamily whimsical and prone to comic mishap, the Cuthberts come to love Anne as if she were their own child. Montgomery’s classic tale is a celebration of the transformative power of love and the unique qualities of a girl who has a second chance at childhood.
Who would I even be if I didn’t mention Harry Potter? If you haven’t read the series yet, I’m not sure what you’re waiting for. Do it. I promise you won’t regret it.
Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry’s eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!
I read the entire Hunger Games series in three days. Yes, a book a day. My eyes were so tired by then, and my heart felt a little traumatized, but in a good way. Going beyond just entertainment, I think the books are great at provoking thought about Western culture in general.
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games.
But Katniss has been close to dead and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Collins delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in this searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present.
I’m not sure why, but the cover really put me off of this series. The book seemed cheesy and unrealistic and I was not interested. However, after seeing tons of people rave about the series, I decided to try it out. I surprised myself by discovering that I really enjoyed it. This is definitely one of those books that you shouldn’t judge by its cover.
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
Similar to the Percy Jackson series, I attribute the majority of my knowledge of norse mythology to this series. For the most part, I really enjoyed this series. There were periods when I didn’t care for some of the main characters, but overall it’s a great story. If you’re wanting to read this with your children, there are some more adult themes. I’d recommend looking into it before diving in with kiddos.
Danny North knew from early childhood that his family was different, and that he was different from them. While his cousins were learning how to create the things that commoners called fairies, ghosts, golems, trolls, werewolves, and other such miracles that were the heritage of the North family, Danny worried that he would never show a talent, never form an outself.
He grew up in the rambling old house, filled with dozens of cousins, and aunts and uncles, all ruled by his father. Their home was isolated in the mountains of western Virginia, far from town, far from schools, far from other people.
There are many secrets in the House, and many rules that Danny must follow. There is a secret library with only a few dozen books, and none of them in English ― but Danny and his cousins are expected to become fluent in the language of the books. While Danny’s cousins are free to create magic whenever they like, they must never do it where outsiders might see.
Unfortunately, there are some secrets kept from Danny as well. And that will lead to disaster for the North family.
I read this the first time in middle school and enjoyed it for the escape from reality. I reread this when I was older and enjoyed it for the deeper themes and messages. It really got me thinking about the idea of choice and the choices that I make.
At her birth, Ella of Frell receives a foolish fairy’s gift—the “gift” of obedience. Ella must obey any order, whether it’s to hop on one foot for a day and a half, or to chop off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not accept her fate…
Against a bold backdrop of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella goes on a quest to break the curse forever.
I’d love to hear what you guys think. Did these ones stick with you? Are there other awesome YA novels I haven’t read yet? Leave a comment with your faves!
Hi, I’m Kelsey! I live in the DC area with my husband and two cats. I currently spend my days working from home, reading all the books, and enjoying home life in our new-to-us 1940s condo. Read more about me here.
Any help in finding motivation would be much appreciated.
