Looking for something to read in the sun that still stimulates your brain? These six books are on the top of my reading list, some of them for the second time.

Reading is the number 1 summer activity for me. I’ve always been a bookworm, and when I was a kid, my mom used to rush me outside on sunny days even though all I really wanted was to curl up on a corner of a sofa and read.

Well, you can read outside, too, can’t you? These six books are on my reading list this summer. 

1 – Cal Newport: Deep work

You all know how much I love cocooning myself from interruptions. Cal Newport’s Deep Work will shed more light on the science of brains and concentration. I also hope to get practical tips on how to incorporate more deep work into my days and weeks to make sure my brain gets enough focus time.

2 – Shawn Achor: The Happiness Advantage

The basic premise of this is very simple: the happier we are, the better we perform. Oddly enough, it doesn’t seem to work the other way around. Performing better, earning more or succeeding in terms of climbing a corporate ladder doesn’t seem to make us happier. 

What is more, Shawn Achor shares loads of actionable tips on how to make ourselves happier in our everyday lives! Sounds like a must read for every pessimist and realist out there (and maybe even optimists can use a revision).

3 –  Rachel Hollis: Girl, Stop Apologizing!

As a chronic apologizer, this one caught me at the cover. Rachel Hollis promises to deliver a “shame-free plan for embracing and achieving your goals”, so I’m expecting a powerful energy boost that skyrockets me to a productive autumn. 

4 – Anne Lamott: Bird by Bird

“Beautiful and wise”, “the Bible of writing guides”, “wry and honest” promises the back cover of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. Sounds like a book that’s an enjoyable read and gives food for thought all at once.

And, to be honest, sometimes it’s nice just to read a well-written book about writing instead of actually doing the writing. It almost feels like you’re working on your text but without all the criticism, self-doubt and resistance. What’s not to love?

5 – Steven Pressfield: The War of Art

Creativity sounds like fun but in reality it often feels difficult. Writing, let’s say a blog, is often 10 % of creative flow and 90 % of thoughts like “I don’t want to do this!”, “I don’t know how to do this!” and “Why on earth did I get started with this in the first place?”

In The War of Art, Steven Pressfield promises to share tools to tackle that persistent resistance. Can’t wait to know how! How about you?

6 – Elizabeth Gilbert: Big Magic

This is a classic that every writer and creative person needs on their nightstand, bookshelf or Kindle. Elizabeth Gilbert has the talent to be straight-forward, gentle and right at the same time, and though I’ve read and reread The Big Magic, it never fails to inspire me. 

My favorite part is the letter she wrote to her fear, that little rascal that tends to come in the way of all fun and creative projects. If you only read three pages, choose those ones!

+ Sasha Rouge Miel: Weighed, Measured and Found Wanting

One autobiographical addition to the list: Weighed, Measured and Found Wanting by alias of Sasha Rouge Miel – and I’ve had the pleasure and honor of not only having met her in person, but also to have accompanied her on her content creation and communication planning journey. 

While I’m by no means taking the honor of the beauty of her work, it also gives a special insight to the book to know the author, doesn’t it?

Share your favorites!

Which books are on your list? Share your favorites in the comments below, on my social media or report through this link. I’ll feature the best ones here on the blog and on social media, so this is the perfect occasion for showcasing your favorites and own creations as well.

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