Summer Reading Rec's
Reading enriches my life in a thousand ways.
Here’s what I’ve been reading and thinking about lately.
Growth and development: The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Singer
Come back to the center of yourself, to the observer within. Use this as a framework or a touchstone for opening up, letting go of expectation, and remembering that you are not your thoughts. It’s a “starting point” text I come back to again and again.
From the YA stacks: Witch Child and Sorceress by Celia Rees
Historical fiction meets fantasy in a fun set of two YA novels. I love YA fiction/fantasy and I’m not ashamed to say it! Great storytelling – and if you want to know what happens to the main character in Witch Child, you have to read both. There are multiple timelines in Sorceress, a device I’ve grown to love since it offers multiple perspectives.
Feel-good Mystery: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
A cozy “romantasy” (a new word and genre for me). This is simply charming and the level of detail is just right; I could see the landscape and characters so clearly in my mind, it felt like I was there. I hear there is a sequel coming later this year!
Exploring Transcendence: Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity by David Lynch
Whether you want a glimpse into the creative mind of David Lynch or some inspiration for your own creative processes, check this out. For me, it’s reminiscent of the Ned Rorem diaries in that it’s episodic, conversational, and offers a chance to examine the creative process while considering new avenues of expression for yourself.
Poetry: Florida Water by Aja Monet
Lyrical, powerful, and inspirational, this collection of poetry was just published in June. Even if you don’t typically “go for” poetry, I’d challenge you to give this a try. Water cleanses, renews, and, like a mirror, invites us to reflect on ourselves. Like the best artwork in any modality, it’s an exercise in meaning-making and an invitation to expand your perspective. We need work like this more than ever.
What are you reading and recommending this summer? I’d love to know!