When I was a kid, summer meant one very special tradition: my mom would take us to the library to join the summer reading program. It was my absolute favorite. I loved perusing the shelves for my next page-turner, feeling accomplished as I devoured each book and filled up my reading chart with stickers. There really is something magical about those sticker charts!
Admittedly, my summer reading habits haven’t been what they used to be. My Goodreads “want to read” list is a mile long, yet it’s been a while since I made a real dent in it. The good news? Summer has arrived, and I’m ready to launch my own reading initiative. My tastes are a bit all over the place when it comes to genre, but that just makes it more exciting.
Here are six books I can’t wait to dive into — and ones that may inspire you, too.
Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game by Abby Wambach
“Based on her inspiring, viral 2018 commencement speech to Barnard College’s graduates, New York Times bestselling author, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and FIFA World Cup champion Abby Wambach delivers her empowering rally cry for women to unleash their individual power, unite with their pack, and emerge victorious together.”
I’ve admired soccer phenom and fearless leader Abby Wambach for as long as I can remember. I believe deeply in finding your tribe and banding together for the greater good. Abby has proven her leadership on and off the field, making this one a must-read for me.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
“From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love and The Signature of All Things comes a delicious novel of glamour, sex, and adventure about a young woman discovering that you don’t have to be a good girl to be a good person.”
I’ve been following Liz Gilbert since Eat, Pray, Love. Her book Big Magic inspired me to tune into the world around me and recognize my own creativity. The podcast of the same name is equally motivating. I’m hoping City of Girls whisks me away to another time while teaching me something new about myself.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
“In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is transported to Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is forced to work as a Tätowierer (tattooist), permanently marking his fellow prisoners.”
I could happily read WWII novels forever. Despite the horror and heartbreak of the era, there are endless stories of courage, resilience, and compassion. This one promises to be both moving and unforgettable.
The Energy Codes by Sue Morter
“Transform your life with this revolutionary and accessible seven-step guide—grounded in energy medicine, neurobiology, and quantum physics—to awaken your true health and potential through energy healing.”
I came across this one through a GOOP recommendation, and it immediately caught my attention. As I continue on my functional medicine journey, I’m eager to explore the healing power of energy and how it can impact overall well-being.
The Longevity Paradox: How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age by Steven R. Gundry, M.D.
“From the author of the New York Times bestseller The Plant Paradox comes a groundbreaking plan for living a long, healthy, happy life.”
Who doesn’t want to live long while still feeling young? If there’s a book that offers tools for a vibrant, healthy life, I’m all in.
The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, M.D.
“An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overturning the centuries-old belief that the brain is fixed. Psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Norman Doidge, M.D., introduces us to scientists and patients whose stories prove that the brain can adapt and heal in extraordinary ways.”
The brain has always fascinated me. My mom passed away from a degenerative brain disease, and my family has wrestled with ADHD and anxiety for generations. The idea that the brain can rewire itself—that blindness can be reversed, that a half-brain can function as a whole—is both mind-blowing and hopeful. They call it neuroplasticity. I call it inspiring.
Happy reading! May one of these spark your curiosity and keep you turning the pages.
xo,
Michelle
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