I’ve read about 40 books so far in 2019. I’ll share the entire list near the end of the year, but highlight a few of my favorites throughout the year. Here are 5 books I’ve read this summer that I would recommend.
(Each book has a direct affiliate link to Amazon. If you choose to buy a book, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)
1. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
This is the memoir of Dr. Paul Kalanithi and has essentially 3 parts:
- one part is his story of growing up, becoming a brain surgeon, and taking care of patients,
- the second part is his cancer story and him BECOMING a patient,
- the 3rd part is a touching story written by his wife.
It was one of those books that was hard to put down. I stayed up way too late trying to get through the entire story and really loved it. If you enjoy memoirs or have interest in the medical field – I recommend this book for you!
Disclaimer – After devouring this book, I was left feeling sad. It gave me a glimpse into how FRAGILE life can be. As a mother with young children, I found myself awake at night worrying about the future. I’m learning that some books may not be good for me during this season of my life.
2. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
My friend lent me this book and once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. It made me wish I could skip all responsibilities for 24 hours so I could just READ!
The author is a fantastic writer and made the story and characters, come alive. I’d recommend this book to an adult looking for a great summer read.
Disclaimer – I recommended “adult” because there were a couple parts about the main character and her relationship with a man that were a little graphic. I still loved the book, but felt that a few details could have been left out.
3. Play: How it shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown
This book brings to light all the benefits of PLAY! If you are feeling stressed out, overwhelmed and disconnected – take a break and PLAY. The author believes that PLAY is the cornerstone to happiness. He shares the science, and real life stories, to support his beliefs.
As a mom, I’ve found that taking a few minutes to play with my kids helps us stay connected.
What I hadn’t thought of (but the author pointed out) was how play can also bring life and joy back to a marriage. When was the last time you and your spouse played something together? If your marriage needs a little pep, sign up to do something fun together – mini-golf, axe throwing, or an escape room.
I’d recommend this book to any parent or married person!
4. Relational Intelligence by Steve Sacconne
I read this book several years ago, but picked it back up recently now that I’m in a season of meeting so many new people and beginning new friendships.
I pulled out a few of my favorite quotes from the book here:
Relationships have a direct correlation to the quality of our lives… Our day to day human interactions will determine the quality of our lives more than the tasks of work we do.
By cultivating relational intelligence, we can enhance our ability to affect the people around us more positively.
To be human means to be imperfect and flawed, while simultaneously being God’s unimaginable masterpiece and treasure. This journey involves beginning to fully embrace ourselves as God does, in our beauty and our brokenness, in our goodness and our deficiencies, in our light and our darkness.
Self awareness means consistently investing in our internal growth potential …an unexamined life is an ineffective life.
I’d recommend this book to someone who wants to strengthen their relationships with others.
5. The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha
This book is a super easy-read filled with stories that will make you smile! The whole book is written about things that are AWESOME. I loved how the author pointed out SOOO many things that I take for granted and forget to be grateful for.
Things like:
- free samples,
- tripping and realizing NO ONE SAW YOU!
- Shopping for a specific item and finding it on SALE!
- Your colon, lungs, and other body parts that work hard every day to keep you healthy without you even noticing or having to ask
If you are in a need of a reason to smile … I recommend this book or the blog 1000awesomethings.com
Do you have a book you would recommend? Leave a comment and let us know!
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