Summer Reading List 📚
Jul 23, 2024
I know it's the middle of the summer already (or the middle of the winter if you are in the Southern Hemisphere) and I would love to share with you some of my recent favorite books:
1. The Gifts of Pain edited by Elayna Fernandez.
I recommend this book not only because I contributed a chapter, but also because this is a very inspiring collection of stories from 31 authors.
I've met many of them personally and the stories of adversities these humans have overcome showed me that we have a choice in many life situations. This book will move you, make you think, possibly make you cry, and showcase a very inspiring group of humans living amongst us.
2. Only Love Is Real by Brian Weiss. Brian graduated from Columbia University and Yale Medical School, specializing in psychiatry.
More than 30 years ago, he "accidentally" discovered the concept of reincarnation by "accidentally" regressing one of his patients into a past life. Since then, he has helped over 4,000 patients by helping them make sense of this life through past life regression therapy.
3. Same Soul, Many Bodies also by Brian Weiss.
This book has been a revelation for me, as I have experienced past life regression many times. However, the concept of progressive therapy and moving into the future was new to me. Still marveling at this book.
4. Undiplomatic by Deesha Dyer. This is a fun and easy read.
Deesha is a former chief entertainment officer at the White House during the Obama Administration (I know, there is a job like that!!!)
She came into the White House without having a college degree. The story is both inspiring and real since she talks about the imposter syndrome and frequently feeling "not good enough" while being responsible for some of the most exclusive gatherings in the country :)
5. Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race & Inheritance. By Barack Obama.
I am not sure why I have embarked on political books this year - maybe because of the upcoming presidential election.
This book is not an easy read, yet the style and language are superb. I had NO idea that Barack Obama is a fantastic writer. I am sure he had editors helping him with this book. Yet, his style is authentic, vivid, provocative, and relatable. I love this book because there is no censorship in it. He says what he believes in and thinks. It's raw & potent.
6. The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama. This book was written right after COVID and it was meant as a guide for uncertain times. In my opinion, those times are frequent.
I love the personal anecdotes Michelle shares from her family. One in particular stuck with me and showed what I want to cultivate in my family. She describes her mother's saying, "People don't need to like you. When you need to be loved and liked, come home. We will love you here."
That's the kind of home I want to cultivate. This strong family foundation can create courage to explore, create, and lead.
I want to leave you today with this quote by Michelle Obama:
- “If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.”
I would love to hear from you: what are your favorite books this summer?
Love,
Mariya