10 books for your summer reading list

Summer! A time to enjoy the season, relax, and catch up on reading. I have fond memories of going to the library in the summertime – checking out stacks of books and devouring them on hot summer afternoons. Need some book recommendations? Here are 10 ideas for your summer reading list.

Summer Reading to spark creative productivity

1. The Artist’s Way. This is my go-to book for anything creative (or productive). I swear by morning pages (my key to creative productivity), and have gone through Julia Cameron’s program a couple of times. Works wonders!

2. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I recently finished this book by Marie Kondo, and am going through her “tidying up” process currently. It’s amazing how many items we have stashed in our closets – or even cluttered in plain sight – that don’t bring us joy. Her advice? Just get rid of it! Fill your home with things that bring you joy.

3. Creative Confidence. I confess I haven not read this book, but my sister gave it to me and it comes highly recommended (and rated). I’ll have to update you in August when I finish.

Summer reading for healthy living

4. The Happiness Project. Another book recommended by my sister. The author Gretchen Rubin has become one of my favorite writers to follow. In this book, she does research and happiness and tries a variety of tips and recommendations on happiness. I listen to her podcast regularly, and I can’t wait to read her new book about the Four Tendencies.

5. The Omnivore’s Dilemma. Michael Pollan’s food philosophy – eat food, not too much, mostly plants – is one I align with. This book is full of history of the food chain, and gives you a glimpse into where your food really comes from.

6. Healthy at Home. Want to know a little about essential oils, herbal remedies, and general preventive health…all written by an MD? Look no further than Tierona Low Dog’s book. It outlines basic ailments and how to fix them, recommends how to eat healthfully, and debunks myths about essential oils. I’ve written about holistic health before, based on another one of her books.

Summer reading for purposeful growth

7. Daring Greatly. Brene Brown’s book can give you the strategies you need to grow your condience and learn to trust yourself – all while being vulnerable with others.

8. The One Thing. What a great book on leadership, how to prioritize, and what can make you truly effective. Instead of doing a million things, aim for just one thing.. You will see a difference!

9. Strengths Finder. It’s always good to work on your weaknesses, right? Wrong! According to Tom Rath, it’s more important to focus on and develop your strengths – it will make you more effective. This book also comes with an in-depth quiz that tells you your top five strengths. You can find my strengths here.

BONUS topic! You have to have a summer bonus read, right?

10. Girl on the Train. I am late to the party, but am finishing up reading Girl on the Train. It’s a thrilling book – a real page turner. If you haven’t read it and want a fun and exciting read this summer, check it out.

What books are you reading this summer? Let us know in the comments!

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