My Summer Reading List

Ciao tutti!

I know it’s already July but it still feels like the summer has just begun (particularly in Chicago where we’ve been wearing sweaters until about a week ago) and I have a whole list of books I’ve read, am currently reading, and would like to get through.  I’ve found these books in a number of different places and their genres vary, so there should be a little something in there for all types of readers.

My sister once described reading to me as “a vacation for your mind” and I think that’s just the perfect way to put it. Watching movies, taking walks, or lying on the beach just don’t bring me that same total mental relaxation for my mind, and every time I’m swept away in a book, it feels just like a mini mental vacation or even meditation. Pair that mental vaca with some beautiful weather and possibly a pool or beach and you might as well just float away.

I’ve been alternating between self help reads and great novels so I have a little mix of everything here. Those who have read my blog for a while know how much I advocate for self help books, but they can be dense and I don’t always want to read them back to back since there’s often a lot of information to digest even after reading. So without further ado, here’s my summer reading list.

The Untethered Soul | Michael A. Singer

I think this is the best book I’ve read all year and I’m not even done yet. I had seen the title pop up in a few different places and knew that that meant it was time to pick it up. The Untethered Soul is all about listening to, understanding, and separating yourself from the constant stream of thoughts that our mind produces at all times. Our mind forms all kinds of opinions, judgements, and commentary all day long and stepping back and simply observing the thoughts, rather than engaging with them all day long is the way to feeling lasting peace. The way that the author explains consciousness and awareness is so original and I have never felt those concepts so deeply as when I read his explanation. It is a truly innovative way to think about our thoughts and who we are.

Find it here.

Something in the Water | Catherine Steadman

Again, this book popped up for me in a couple places and it sounded like such a cool story.  It’s a psychological thriller about a young couple on their dream honeymoon who find something in the water and are faced with the choice to speak out or keep a secret. The choice they then make leads to a chain of negative events. I’m so fascinated by the ocean and love the idea of finding treasure there. I don’t often read thrillers, but this one sounded right up my alley and it’s next up on my list.

Find it here.

La Vita Accanto | Mariapia Veladiano

One of my favorite ways to stay in touch with the Italian culture and language is reading Italian novels. I have a whole bunch of them that I acquired while living in Milan, and this one was gifted to me by a parent of one of the children I taught English to. He gave it to me when my mother was sick and thought it would encourage me to see the beauty in ugly moments. It’s a story about a woman who lived through a number of exrtemely difficult circumstances but found a way to start her life over through music. I don’t know why I haven’t read it yet, but I think it’s time I do.

Find it here.

What Alice Forgot | Liane Moriarty

I’ve definitely touched upon this on my blog and Instagram, but I’m completely obsessed wtih Liane Moriarty’s style of writing. I’ve already read two of her books (Truly, Madly, Guilty and The Husband’s Secret) and enjoy so much the way she develops her characters so fully. The way she writes through each character’s point of view with their inner commentary and personality quirks is so real, it always reminds me of how complicated humans are and how many shades we each have to our character. What Alice Forgot is up next for me, and I’m certain I’ll enjoy it just as much.

Find it here.

The Alchemist | Paulo Coelho

I was lent this book by a friend and mentor who thought it would help me continue to feel inspired and excited about this new chapter of my life. (My friend is Spanish and the book was originally written in Spanish but has been translated to English.) It’s a story about a boy who becomes aware of the concept of living his own personal legend and with guidance he comes to understand that for whatever he wants, the universe is working hard to help him achieve it. It also takes place in Egypt, and I’ve always felt a connection to Egypt so I’m very excited to get into this one.

Find it here.

---

Have any of you read any of these yet? If so, please let me know your thoughts! If not, I’d love to know what’s on your reading list as I’m always looking for new ideas.

A presto,
Amanda ❤️