1. Drop Dead Healthy: One Man’s Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection by A. J. Jacobs
A.J. Jacobs is one of my favorite modern authors – he’s smart, funny and takes on “projects” of all sorts and then shares his experiences. This one is all about his desire to “get healthy” and all the expert advice he tries out – workouts, diets and words of wisdom.
2. The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronté by Syrie James
2. The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronté by Syrie James
If you love a good old-fashioned love story with a powerful female character or are a fan of Charlotte Bronte’s novels, then you will really enjoy this blend of history and fiction about her life. The author did extensive research and used actual letters and notes of Bronte and her family and friends to construct a story of her becoming an author and her surprising love affair.
3. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller
3. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller
Ever wonder what it would be like to hike the entire 2,168 miles of the Appalachian Trail – from Georgia to Maine? This book is a realistic picture of the ups, downs, joy and pain of a “thru-hike” on the AT. As an avid hiker and someone who lives by the Appalachian Trail in PA, I loved David’s descriptions of the scenery, the people he meets and the trials that face anyone who sets out on such a big journey.
4. The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work by Shawn Achor
4. The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work by Shawn Achor
Most of us have learned that if we work hard, we’ll be more successful, and if we are more successful, THEN we’ll be happy. Well, Achor begs to differ. He actually shows how happiness fuels success, not the other way around. He not only shares the solid research around this premise, but also lots of super helpful tips, strategies and fun stories about how to put this into practice.
5. Better Than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo
5. Better Than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo
If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, this book is a must read! Striving for unattainable goals, holding yourself and others to impossible standards and basically making yourself miserable or even sick in the process – THAT is the reality of perfectionism. Dr. Lombardo lays out a plan for getting of your own way and creating a life you can love – with great wisdom and exercises for you to actually implement what you are reading.
How about you?
What’s on Your Summer Reading List?
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
