
I’ve always loved reading and have found, like everything else, that my focus ebbs and flows in different seasons of life. Some months, I don’t feel that I have the energy to read for pleasure and other times, I find it to be the most refreshing ritual. Lately, I’ve found myself reading more before bed – it’s been the nicest way to wind down at the end of the day.
A few tricks I’ve found to incorporate more moments of reading into my day: First, keep a stack of books next to your bed. That way you have some options and are more likely to be in the mood for at least one of them that night. Second, don’t read the summary on the back! Lately, I’ve really enjoyed not knowing what I’m getting into when it comes to reading. I look for recommendations from people who’s taste I trust and then just dive right in. Everything feels like a surprise that way. Lastly, if you have 10-15 minute chunks of time – you have more than enough time to read a few pages. I find if I don’t pick up a book, I will almost always pick up my phone and mindlessly scroll with that same amount of time. I’d much rather get in the ritual of reading > scrolling.
Okay, here are my recs this month!
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
This book is set in Alaska and felt like a true story of adventure. I was completely immersed in a different kind of life as I read and felt totally invested in the story of the main character. This book was entertaining the whole way through but near the end I couldn’t put it down. The best kind of story.
Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel
I need to admit that I’m not finished this one yet but it’s so good that I want to include it here. This one is nonfiction and is written by a psychotherapist who specializes in relationships and erotic intelligence. The focus is on how to sustain desire in long-term relationships. I think Esther is brilliant and I have loved everything she’s put out into the world (her podcast Where Should We Begin is also amazing!)
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This story takes place in old Hollywood which was a fun era to step into. There was glamour, love, loss, ambitious women and friendship – all the makings of a captivating story. I enjoyed this one and felt like it was an easy read.
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
I found this one heartbreaking, beautiful and completely gripping. I read it a while ago but it was the first one that came to mind when thinking of books I would recommend to others. I don’t want to give anything away but this story takes place on a Virginia plantation in the decades before the Civil War.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This one seems to show up on every “must read” list these days but it really was a must-read. I just finished it this week and at the end of the story, felt so sad it was over. The writing was beautiful and poetic, the characters were complex and endearing and the story was captivating. You know that feeling when you’re coming to the end of a great book and you feel like you have come to know the characters so intimately that it feels bittersweet when you get to the last few pages? That is how I felt with this one.
That’s all for now, friends! xx