By Anne Peters, LMFT

Hi and welcome! We are continuing to manage the stress that 2020 has brought us. We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got, right? Reading is one of the BEST self-care strategies that I have discovered over the last couple of months. It gives us a chance to truly “escape” from the stressors outside our doors and immerse into a good read. The best part of reading is that there really is something for everyone. Are you a fan of mystery? There’s a book for that. Romance, biography, history, sci-fi? There’s a book for that, too! The University of Sussex did a research study that showed reading decreased stress by 68%. We could all use a little stress reduction, right? It also helps release muscle tension and decrease heart rate. Win, win, win. Here’s my summer reading list!

1. I Really Needed This Today by Hoda Kotb – I love the way this book is set up. Each new entry is given a date from January through December. It’s a great way to read a little each day, or just conquer it piece by piece as you have the time. Blogger insight: I’ll be doing a full review of this book at the end of the month, so it would be so fun to read it together!

2. The Lies that Bind by Emily Giffin – Emily Giffin is my favorite author and has been for years. This book was just released on June 2, so I haven’t had the chance to read it yet but it’s sitting on my bookshelf just waiting to be opened.

3. Along Came a Spider by James Patterson – James Patterson is a legendary author. This book has an impressive 4.5/5-star review on Amazon. It’s categorized as mystery.

4. It’s Not Supposed to be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst – A Christian book with the tagline “What do you do when God’s timing seems questionable, His lack of intervention hurtful, and His promises doubtful?” Sounds like a great book to read in times of uncertainty, which we can all agree is happening right now.

5. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis – This book has been talked about for a couple of years now, and for good reason. It was a New York Times #1 Bestseller. It’s a non-fiction book all about real issues in a real way. It’s entertaining and encouraging all at the same time.

6. Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult – Picoult is a name you’ve probably heard. She’s a fantastic author. This book tackles race, prejudice, privilege, and compassion – certainly something we could all benefit from reading.

Here are a few recommendations for our summer reading list for our young adults out there.

1. Harry Potter (entire series) by JK Rowling – Talk about being able to escape into a great book. This was one of the first series I found myself being totally immersed in. Taking a trip to Hogwarts through Rowling’s stories is a recommendation I would give to everyone.

2. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris – A great historical fiction that really demonstrates hope and courage. A great read.

3. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs – Fantasy for young adult that also ties in thrilling and mysterious storylines. What more could we ask for?

4. The Selection by Kiera Cass – Prepare to be swept into a fairytale with this book. It’s a captivating read that also found itself on the New York Times Bestseller list.

There we have it – lots of summer reading options! I would like to give a shout out to my friend Danielle for her assistance in compiling a solid summer reading list. She’s the most dedicated reader I know! What’s on your summer reading list?