Curl up with a good book
“Christine, stop reading and go to sleep!”
My mom (a former reading teacher!) used to regularly yell that at me while I was growing up. I just loved to read and would easily get lost in a fictional world, eagerly turning the page to find out what happens with my favorite characters. Even now, it is not unusual for me to stay up until 2am just to finish whatever fascinating book I am currently reading. If you consider yourself a reader, I am sure you can relate.
Reading obviously has a number of proven benefits (improved mental stimulation, increased intelligence, improved memory, and so on), and I have found that it helps me sleep and reduces stress. But I don’t love reading for any of those reasons, I love it because for me, there is nothing better than picking up a good book and becoming completely immersed in it.
If it has been a while since you sat down with a good book, go to your local bookstore, pick out a book that looks appealing (maybe one of the recs below) and go get lost in another world for a little while.
On to the good stuff – some of my book recommendations. I obviously have many so there will definitely be another chapter in the future :)
Fiction –
Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro. One of my all-time favorite books. Haunting and beautiful love story. If you have not read it, do so immediately. And do not google it beforehand. (One of his other books, The Remains of the Day, is also an incredible novel).
A Gentleman in Moscow, Amor Towles. A delightful novel about a Russian aristocrat who is forced into house arrest at a Moscow hotel. A story about community and love and full of many wonderful characters. I was definitely sad when I got to the end and had to leave this world.
The Midnight Library, Matt Haig. The most recent book I’ve read. About a girl who has a chance to go back and re-do some of her biggest (and smallest) life choices. A great story and pretty quick read about regrets, choices, and what makes a life worth living. It’s more uplifting than it sounds!
Anxious People, Fredrik Backman. Another recent read and from an author whose books I really enjoy. This one is about a group of strangers who are taken hostage during a bank robbery. It took me a little while to get into but it is a funny, surprising, and heartwarming book.
Non-Fiction –
Shoe Dog, Phil Knight. The story of Phil Knight and Nike. One of my favorite business books and a great read. Made me want to throw on a pair of sneakers (Nikes of course) and go for a run.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, Lori Gottlieb. Recommended this one before. A great book about a therapist, her patients, and the human experience. You will laugh. You will cry. You will want to check out therapy.
Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice, Bill Browder. If that title doesn’t get you to read it, I don’t know what will. Just an unbelievable story about Browder’s experience investing in Russia.
Becoming, Michelle Obama. If you haven’t already read it, go do so. She is a great storyteller, and you will enjoy her personal and honest stories from growing up in Chicago to the White House.
Check out these recommendations and let me know your favorite book! I am always looking for new suggestions.
