The Joy of Reading: Embracing Books for Fun and Growth

As summer gently fades and those easy days of lounging on sandy shores start to blend with the allure of cozy evenings, something shifts in the world of the books we're reading. We move from those light and breezy "beach reads" to something a bit more substantial – a shift that marks a moment when we trade quick escapes for something deeper.

I don't know what it is about the end of summer - I'm decades out of school, I haven't been to the beach or taken a vacation all year, but this time of year always signals a fresh start, a new beginning. Time to change things up. The "light reads" that hit the spot sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine just don't cut it anymore. I need something "meatier." Now, I look forward to snuggling on the sofa with a blanket and a cup of cocoa (or wine) and something I can really sink my teeth into. Something that's going to stick with me.

I love reading. I always have. As a kid, I would spend an entire Saturday afternoon at the library, mostly to get away from my brother - but it was so much more than just escaping; it was about growing too. The pages became doors to new worlds, allowing me to walk in the shoes of folks from all walks of life. They helped me feel and understand in ways I might never have imagined.

Reading is transformative. Of course, it's entertainment, but it's also educational. It enhances our vocabulary and language skills, sparks our imagination, engages our brains, and helps with concentration and focus. When we delve into characters in stories, it can prompt us to reflect on our own feelings and experiences, aiding in personal growth. They can inspire us to set goals, overcome obstacles, and become better versions of ourselves.

If you're looking for some great reads to fill your shelves this fall - here are some of my favorites:

Biographies

1. "Educated" by Tara Westover

2. "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

3. "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi

4. "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail" by Cheryl Strayed

5. "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

6. "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson

7. "Just as I Am" by Cicely Tyson

8. "Becoming" by Michelle Obama (I highly suggest you get the audio version!)

9. "Bossypants" by Tina Fey

10. "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

And if you know me for five minutes, you know I love me some personal development books. Here are some of my must reads...

Personal Development Classics:

1. "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Eckhart Tolle

2. "Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!" by Tony Robbins

3. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

4. "The Magic of Thinking Big" by David J. Schwartz

5. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl

6. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey

7. "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear

8. "Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead" by Brené Brown

9. "You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life" by Jen Sincero

10. "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life" by Mark Manson

Ultimately, reading enriches our lives on so many levels. Whether you're reading for pleasure, learning, or personal growth, the world of books offers a treasure trove of benefits.

I'm also excited to say that, in addition to Go Happy Yourself, I am working on TWO other books that I anticipate will be published before the end of the year. I will keep you posted! #readforgrowth #bookishjourney #literaryenrichment #mindfuljourney #gohappyyourself