How to Choose Your Summer Reading Books
One of my life’s simple pleasures is to meander through a book store. It’s a walking meditation as I stroll Zen-like through the aisles, leafing through books that catch my fancy. Then I sigh …so many books to read, so little time! However, it’s summer, and I do have some time to read.
I really hope that you have taken the advice in my blog on “Everyone Needs a Vacation – Especially You”, and have planned your vacation. At the least, as you savour the extra hour each morning gifted to you by schools being closed, have you planned what books you will read this summer? Here’s a guide to choosing your summer reading list:
- Figure out how much time you will have to read. I am going to the Rio Olympics. Sanity check: other than the long flights, and perhaps a few days off, I really won’t have much time to read. So, I am packing a book of short stories (plus my Ipad, just in case I find time).
- What type of genre do you like? Are you a fiction or non-fiction reader? Short stories? Poems? Biographies? Select at least one book in a genre that you enjoy. To make it more interesting, try an author from a different culture.
- What would you like to learn more about? Summer is a great time to read to learn. You are relaxed, with no pressure and time to absorb what you are reading. I chose “The Sleep Revolution” by Arianna Huffington. Arianna is now the apostle of sleep. You will be inspired by her example of how her life changed when she started to get adequate sleep. And what a great time to read this book – the lazy days of summer, when you actually have time to get to bed early!
- Travel down memory lane – is there a book that you love, that you have been meaning to re-read for a long time? Perhaps a book from your school days? Or one of the classics? Not sure if I will get around to it this summer, but Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath” is high on my list.
- And try something that challenges you. I just purchased “Seven Brief Lessons on Physics.” Why? Because I failed miserably at Physics in high school. But a funny thing has happened in recent years – I am actually beginning to understand physics, to see how it relates to organizations, and indeed to life. And I want to learn more.
- Don’t worry if you don’t’ finish the books. Just enjoy the process of deciding what to read and remember that there are always weekends!
Happy reading!
TAKE ONE ACTION
Go browsing in a bookstore – yes, a physical bookstore. They are such friendly, relaxing places nowadays that invite you to linger. And you just might find your summer books!
INTERESTING LINKS
Read my blog from 2 years ago advocating that you consider business books for your Summer Reading List
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Remember Tom Peters? He wrote one of the best-selling business books of all time “In Search of Excellence.” And he wants you to read – not just for pleasure but because he believes it’s critical for your success.
– click to view article
If you are having problems choosing your books, check out what these successful executives recommend
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