I challenge you to read four books of your choice this summer. The books do not have to be about your work; in fact, don’t make it about work at all! The only requirement for this challenge is that you pick four books that you are drawn to reading. You can read on your Kindle, your iPad, your iPhone…or go “old school” and read a real book.
You know, there is something wonderful about real books. The crack of the spine as you open a new one, the feel of the paper—the way some people take off the cover just to keep things pristine. Do you have a ritual when you start reading a real book?
I am in the very early stages of my May reading. One of my friends recommended Thrive by Arianna Huffington, and she thought it would be cool to read it at the same time to compare notes. It just so happens she signed up for Oprah’s Book Club, and there is a course on Thrive, complete with lessons. Wow. Perhaps I’ve bitten off more than I can chew; my intent was for this to be a “summer read.” Nonetheless, I liked the way the book began. Even in the preface, I was already hooked. Huffington writes: Success is not always about doing more, but also about doing better—and we do better when we’re connected to our inner wisdom, strength, and intuition. I think this book is going to matter to me. I think this book will stir a conversation about what it means to live a good life, to live a life that is balanced and focused. Stay tuned.
My June book is sure to be a paperback that can sustain a bit of saltwater and sand; I’ll be reading at the beach. This book will no doubt be a page turner, and likely a David Baldacci novel. I can go through 500+ pages and have a cold drink or two with the sun on my shoulders, in no time at all.
In July, I will be flying to see friends and that’s when I pack my Kindle. It will be charged and ready to go and I’ll start reading The Vacationers by Emily Straub. It’s a top-ten summer recommendation, described as "an irresistible, deftly observed novel about the secrets, joys, and jealousies that rise to the surface over the course of an American family’s two-week stay in Mallorca.” Nothing like being immersed in family drama on vacation!
My August read is up in the air. Feel free to send suggestions to me,mlpetty@loyno.edu.
I hope you have a terrific summer, filled with family, friends, and time to recharge. Let me know how the reading challenge goes!