Summer is the perfect time to slow down, soak in the sunshine, and dive into the pages of a great book. As a woman over 30, I believe reading is one of my biggest flexes.
In the last 5 years, I have read over 150 books, that number is still staggering, but the pandemic and several social media detoxes made it possible.
Guess what?
Reading during the summer break is more than just leisure—it is self-care. It is an opportunity to get lost in ideas, stories, and experiences that will inspire, empower, and rejuvenate you. Whether you’re lounging by the beach, enjoying quiet evenings on the patio, or escaping for a weekend retreat, reading offers each of us a chance to rediscover passions that may have been side-lined by the hustle of everyday life.
But this is not just about fiction books (I’m more of a non-fiction gal), but about finding great pieces of writing that can transform how you see the world.
Why You should Read more Books this Summer.
Exploring empowering and entertaining books can be a transformative experience. It can provide a lot more depth and meaning to this season. Here are a few reasons to read:
1. Reignite your Creativity.
If you have been struggling to create new things or refine old ideas, then reading presents an opportunity for you to get your creative juices going.
2. Boosts Confidence
New knowledge and new ideas can give you that much needed surge of confidence. They say knowledge is power, and applied knowledge is an indestructible force. And it’s kinda true.
Knowledge gives you access into places and worlds you did not even know existed and reading is a chance to explore and experience such things.
3. As a Self-Care Practice
Reading is a great way to feed you heart and soul. It can be a healing balm and a covering for the hollow parts of your soul. Basically, reading a good book is life-enriching, which is a good enough reason to indulge in this practice as often as you can.
What Types of Books should You Consider?
1. Fiction
Fiction books are clearly the most entertaining of the lot. If you’re anything like me then you wouldn’t mind occasionally getting lost in a great romantic story. Though as I’ve grown older, I have found my tastes moving more towards non-fiction/self-help books.
2. Memoirs
I believe memoirs and biographies give us one of the greatest opportunities to learn about people we admire and understand how they evolved. I also think people usually ignore this genre of books, even though they are often the most transformative.
It’s one thing to learn about great people in history, but quite another to learn about them in their own words, here you get to understand their motivations and perspectives. I plan to read more biographies this year.
3. Non-fiction
These are probably the most common and they cut across different from self-help books, business books, religious books, and even health books.
Five Timeless Books to add to Your Summer List:
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
I have never seen a bad review of The Alchemist. It is one of those books that almost everyone who has read it was moved by it. I have often heard how the book transformed how they see the world and pushed them to actually pursue a life worth living.
With that kind of testimonial, you know that this is one book you must read. I bought my copy and plan to delve in this summer. Who knows, perhaps it is another timeless piece that I will always come back to.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen is hands down one of my favourite books of all time. I tend to re-read it every couple of years and it almost always feels like I am reading it for the first time.
This book is not only a classic, but I believe it revolutionised the romantic fiction genre, and has led to countless movies adaptations.
You really can’t go wrong with Pride and Prejudice. It is one book you’re going to want to keep coming back.
The first line in the book is still one of the most famous in English literature (apart from Shakespeare, of course):
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
3. The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason
The Richest Man in Babylon is actually a personal finance book. It is collection of stories set in the ancient city of Babylon. The author used these memorable stories to distil important financial lessons and money management ideas.
I love that this book is entertaining but also chock full of wise financial tips and money ideas.
4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
You might have noticed a theme with my book selection, most of these are old books, but they remain timeless as all great books tend to be. Jane Eyre is a 19th century book written by Charlotte Bronte one of the prolific and multitalented Bronte sisters.
It is an incredible book filled with intrigue, romance, and a bit of drama. It’s starts off a bit slow, but quickly crescendo into a book you wouldn’t want to put it down.
5. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Things Fall Apart is pretty special, not just because it was written by an African (Nigerian to be exact), but because of the beautiful tapestry painted by the author of old Igbo culture. The book is rich with imagery, history, and drama. It gives us a glimpse of what life must have been like about a 100 years ago. The author, the late Sir Chinua Achebe, used deep and impactful proverbs to depict life’s realities.
The book is truly a masterpiece and it’s no wonder it remains one of the greatest books of all time.
Create Your Own Summer Reading List Today!
You don’t have to wait until the heat of summer to create your reading list. You can choose to get digital versions or physical. I don’t mind a physical book, now and again.
The five I suggested above are a great mix of both fiction and non-fiction. But you don’t have go with all my recommendations, you can go ahead to create yours, but whatever you do, Pride and Prejudice must be on that list. Lol
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