I have been pondering the necessity to buy another bookcase to house my ever-expanding book collection. Typically, these were acquired on a whim, made super easy by Amazon’s click and buy function and next day delivery. And then, the books would sit … and sit … and sit, dust descending on them to blanket my avowed intention to read them.
NO MORE BOOKS!
But that left me in a quandary – what would I read this summer? And then it hit me – what about those books gathering dust? I decided that this year I would find my summer reading list treasures in the books I already own.
A few days ago, I mindfully scanned my bookcases (plus the piles of books waiting for the new bookcase), and just noticed on which books my eyes fell. Perusing the summary and the table of contents for each book, and I quickly decided if it was a Yes/No for the summer of 2023. Then I had to pare them down to a manageable number, realising that summer has a finite number of days – “So many books, so little time”.
With great joy and delight, here are the 7 books that made my 2023 Summer Reading List:
- “Speed and Scale” – John Doerr. Every day I ask myself what I can do to play my part in solving the climate crisis. John Doerr promises an Action Plan to do just that. The book is divided into two parts – “Zero out Emissions” and “Accelerate the Transition”. I am sure there are nuggets for my personal action, and for me to share for others to take action to solve the climate crisis
- “My Life in Full” – Indra Nooyi. From a childhood in India, to leading one of the foremost Fortune 100 companies, Indra Nooyi has been an example of sterling leadership, all whilst rearing and caring for her family. I remember reading about her efforts to make snack food healthier at PepsiCo, and I knew I had to learn more about her.
- “Entering the Sacred Mountain” – David A. Cooper. I have no idea where I got this book – may have been one my daughter left when she moved to The Netherlands last year. The byline – “a mystical odyssey” caught my eye. I was hooked when I read that the book is about his journey in search of truth, through meditative practices. A must-read for me, as I deepen my own daily meditative practice.
- “Stolen Focus” – Johann Hari. I started reading this book as soon as I purchased it but got distracted! Distractions still abound and rob me of so much. So, I am very eager to read about why I can’t pay attention, and how I can learn to think deeply again. No distractions this time!
- “Around Harvard Square” – C.J. Farley. This is one of my newest purchases from the bookstore at the Calabash Literary Festival in Jamaica in May. “Harvard Square” caught my eye, as it was a favourite hangout spot when I was at HBS. I am looking forward to reminiscing through the eyes of a fellow alumni.
- “Lose Your Mother” – Saidiya Hartman. This promises to be a journey reminiscent of my ancestors’ journey from Africa to the Caribbean. I hesitated about choosing it as I am sure it will bring up some painful memories deep in my DNA. But there’s power in exploring history – or, my “herstory”.
- “The Power of Kindness” – Brian Goldman. What a wonderful world this would be if we each were a little kinder! I am particularly interested in reading through the lens of a kind leader, and what this might mean for organizations, and of course, my dear clients.
Will I read them all? Maybe, maybe not. But what fun to start with intention (and no extra money spent).
What’s on your dusty bookshelf that you might want to read this summer?
