We have made it to June—the month where summer officially begins. Which means, if you are a reader like me, you are already thinking about the books you want to read—at the beach, by the pool, or even just sitting in the sun somewhere. Tis (almost) the season to soak up some vitamin D and make a dent in our reading lists.

But, it is also possible that we’ve been so busy that we haven’t even had time to create a reading list, and we need some good recommendations. That is why this week is Summer Reading Week. Today and Thursday, I want to share with you a few of my favorite beach reads,  as well as two books that I found inspiring and educational. Then, on Thursday, I will share some of my favorite memoirs, as well as what is currently on my summer reading list.

I hope you enjoy these recommendations and even find a title or two to add to your list. And please feel free to leave me a few suggestions of your own!

Fun Beach Reads:

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichart: This book is reminiscent of the movie, You’ve Got Mail—only the story takes place in Milwaukee not New York City. And instead of warring book sellers, the main female character is a chef and the main male character is a food critic. Of course on the worst day of this chef’s life, the food critic visits her restaurant, and his horrible review forces her to close. Soon after, by chance, the two meet and begin a relationship, not knowing their true identities or professions. Can their budding romance survive the truth? This is an enjoyable read—perfect for the beach!

A Fall of Marigolds  by Susan Meissner: This book is a little more serious—but if you like historical fiction that weaves a story of the past with one of our current day, this one may be for you. Juxtaposing the lives of two women living one hundred years apart, Meissner illustrates the journey back to life, for those who have faced great tragedy. One of her characters is a young woman in 1911 who survived a fire in the factory she worked in, yet had to watch the man she loved, jump from the building to his death. The other is a woman in 2011, still reeling from the loss of her husband who died on September 11th, in the world trade center. When we meet them, both women have found a way to survive, but this story is about whether they decide to truly live again.

Bel Canto by Ann Patchet: What happens when a group of South American rebels storm a party of governmental officials and foreign diplomats, to kidnap their president—only the president isn’t there? In Bel Canto, Patchet beautifully tells the story of how these ragtag rebels deal with their failed plan by holding an entire house of officials and diplomats hostage for months. Though almost the entire story takes place in this one governmental mansion, the most interesting part is how the hostages and rebels deal with their situation and even learn to co-exist. The characters in this book are intriguing and will have you thinking about them for days after.

Inspiring & Educational

Grit by Angela Duckworth: In this book, Duckworth, a psychologist and a researcher, takes us through years of study that reveal that talent is not the secret to achieving greatness. In fact hard work and perseverance have more to do with success, than how good we are at something. If you are like me, and have a dream or goal that feels impossible, this is an excellent read. Duckworth interviews famous people we all know whose success has seemed effortless, and reveals what has helped them achieve their goals.

The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile: This book takes the reader through the ancient personality type system, the enneagram. Where other personality type systems emphasize one’s strengths and weaknesses, the enneagram emphasizes our motives and desires. It is an excellent read in furthering our self-awareness as leaders, as well as better understanding those we lead and love.

What are your favorite “beach reads?”

What book has taught you something or inspired you lately?

 

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