I think I’ve mentioned before that I was committed to reading more actual books in 2015. I don’t know how I ever forgot this, but books are amazing on so many levels. They are teachers, entertainers, and beautiful escapes. When you spend an abundance of time online, books are a way to temporarily disconnect and restore yourself.
I did pretty well upping my reading in the first quarter, so I thought I’d share 5 book recommendations based on my favorite reads so far this year. I ordered them all on Amazon with the exception of Catcher in the Rye, which we already owned. If any of the recommendations speak to you, you can click on them to go straight to my affiliate link on Amazon.
1. Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger – It had been probably 10 years since I last read this book and re-reading made me remember why I loved it so much. As I read, I could vividly see every single scene in my head. Yet I craved even more information about every character. Each one had such life that I was drawn into wondering about their story. After I finished reading, I had to know more. Google to the rescue! Did you know there is a prequel of sorts that you can read at the Princeton library? You are actually supervised in a special room while reading! A trip to Princeton is officially added to my bucket list. The story is called “The Ocean Full of Bowling Balls” if you are interested.
I do see how this is a pretty polarizing book, and I think it is more appropriate for college students to read versus being assigned to younger audiences. There is an abundance of profanity, which would normally make me put a book down and not pick it back up. For me, the fact that it is hard to read is a perfect parallel for how hard life is to live for Holden after his loss. So, if you’ve never read it before, please be warned that it isn’t about sugarplums and rainbows, it’s dark. You have to step back and think about the larger themes. IF you HAVE read it years ago and enjoyed it, I stronger encourage picking it up again now that you are older. There were little things I noticed now that I’m certain blew right passed me the first time.
2. Make Your Mark: The Creative’s Guide to Building a Business with Impact (The 99U Book Series) – If you have any kind of business, especially something in the creative field, this is an excellent read. It’s actually a collection of short themed essays about all different facets of business from defining your purpose to satisfying customers. The format makes it easy to read, but the advice is all extremely solid.
3. Make it Happen, Lara Casey – This is a good one for EVERYONE. You don’t have to have your own business to live a life on purpose. Lara is extremely open about her struggles in life and marriage and how she’s using what she learned to improve each day. The book is a great cheerleader to inspire and guide you to define goals and work within your purpose.
4. The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary Change, Adam Braun – This guy has had a crazy life! Everything from near-death experiences to Justin Bieber. All the fascinating stories lead up to his decision to risk everything by walking away from a certain future of wealth to start building schools in areas where the children have no access to education. I love that he talks about not only his good decisions, but when he has messed up. I think the important thing to remember while reading is that we each have different gifts that can change the world. While Adam’s mission was HUGE, we can use the principles he outlines every day to make positive changes around us.
5. Homemakers: A Domestic Handbook for the Digital Generation, Brit Morin – This one is just fun! Creative and inexpensive DIY’s, beauty tips, recipes, and on and on. Every page is full of colorful and stylish photos! I love this as a coffee table book that you can grab for some inspiration on a rough day.
Have you read any of these? And more selfishly, what do you recommend I read this quarter???
June says
I would recommend the following books for next quarter –
Quiet: The Power of Introverts – Cain. If you are an ambivert (you might even know you are until you read this book – I didn’t), you are a supervisor, or have family members that are quiet but yet also outgoing (my daughter), this book is a great read to understand their personalities better.
Medici Effect: What Elephants and Epidemics Can Teach Us About Innovation – Johansson. Wow, this book will make you look at decision making in a whole another light! After reading this book, I now pause to think about other options for solutions than typical responses. My DH is amazed how I will discuss so many options for a project that he had not even thought of (and we joke that he is the smart one in the family). 🙂
Being Wrong: Adventures on the Margin of Error – Schulz. If you tend to beat yourself up about your mistakes, even the little ones, then this is the book for you. The author discusses how often we are wrong, why our brains work in a certain way and can cause errors, and why you should give yourself a break.
Rewriting – Harris and How to Not Write Bad – Yagoda. Great books if you need to improve your writing skills, get over writer’s block, and/or use other author’s works as a stepping stone for your poise.
The Multiplier Effect – Wiseman. While this book is geared towards education, if you are a supervisor or a parent, this book has great examples of how to influence others to reach their potential.
Melissa George says
Wow, what an awesome list! I just saw Quiet mentioned somewhere else yesterday so I might have to start there. Thanks June!
June says
I copied the list from required readings of my MPA program. Not all of them as we had to read a book a week but the books that stood out to me. I forgot to mention my favorite author Jon Acuff. All of his books are inspiring. His books are the ones I read in the summer when I have a break from school. 🙂
Melissa George says
Yes to Jon Acuff! I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I get to see him twice in the next three months! He is coming to our Mardel in May for a Q&A session, then in July he is the keynote speaker at a blogger conference I am going to in Atlanta. He was a huge factor in me deciding to go to the conference again this year! Of course I decided that before it was announcing that he was coming to Tulsa.
Stephanie says
I haven’t read these, they will have to go on my list! One of my favorites I’ve read this year is Still Alice by Lisa Genova- heartwrenching, but SO good.
Melissa George says
Yeah! Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check it out!
Carmia says
Great recommendations! I’m always looking for something to read. I’ve heard good things about Make It Happen, so that might be next on my list. Thank you!
Melissa George says
Come back and let me know what you think if you go for Make It Happen!
Colletta says
My reading time has really been lacking lately. l LOVE to read but end up going overboard, so I’ve toned it down. I really need to find a happy medium in my reading life…
I hope you can stop by:
http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2015/04/weekend-round-up-42515.html
Colletta
Melissa George says
Thanks for visiting Colletta, your peanut butter coffee cake sounds yummy!
Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama says
I love seeing what other people are reading! I have challenged myself to read 100 books this year (you can read more about it at my blog). So far my favorites include: 168 Hours: You have More Time Than You Think; Hands Free Mama; The Mysterious Benedict Society; and The Way of a Pilgrim. Thanks for sharing your recommendations!