What’s better than reading a good book on the beach, at the pool, or at the lake? Just kidding! You’re a parent. You can’t do that!
When you’re a parent if you find time to actually read a book… it better be worth it. Better yet, follow Jessica’s advice and listen to an audiobook! Either way, here are our team’s picks for great summer reads {or listens}. Enjoy!
Holly’s Pick- Capital Gaines: Smart Things Learned Doing Stupid Stuff by Chip Gaines
This book teaches people to focus on the positive and not the things we can’t change. It’s easy to get sucked into social media drama and other people’s opinions, but getting upset and stressed isn’t the answer. Life’s too short to worry about the opinions of others.
Sara’s Pick- Because Crack is Illegal by Raema Mauriello
I really enjoyed this daily devotional for moms, mostly because it was a super quick read every day. Because Crack is Illegal, is funny, witty, and touches your soul in all the right places. Raema is able to hit you right where you need picking up. She is the best friend everyone wants to have!
Chelsea’s Pick- Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
I did not want this book to end. I love Shonda for her uber-popular TGIT shows on ABC Thursday nights, but hearing from her personally was awesome. She basically realized she was one of those people that say no to everything to the point of people not asking her to do things anymore bc she always says no. Then she took on the Year of Yes and it was amazing!
Jillian’s Pick- Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis
Seriously the best book I’ve read in a long time!! I’m obsessed with Rachel Hollis and her book is so real, relatable, and inspiring!! It is a must-read for every woman out there.
Jessica’s Pick- Most Talkative: Stories from the Front Lines of Pop Culture and The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep look at a Shallow Year by Andy Cohen (AudioBooks)
I am a bravoaholic so I really enjoy Andy Cohen’s first two books: Most Talkative and The Andy Diaries. There’s a lot of good celeb gossip and bravoleb dish in there. I love audiobooks because it is someone telling me a story. When I was a kid I was always asking my mom to tell me a story—something about her life or whatever. Audiobooks definitely scratch that itch for me.
Stephanie’s Pick- The Awakening by Kate Chopin
One of my all-time favorite feminist novels is The Awakening by Kate Chopin. It’s about a woman named Edna who struggles with finding herself in a society that is oppressive to an independent woman.
Claire’s Pick- The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith by Gabrielle Bernstein
Starting when I was pregnant, I was stuck with “what if” in my mind. It was an anxiety I lived with daily. I had hoped it would leave after my son was born and my hormones went back to normal, but it didn’t. I still live with the “what ifs” daily, but I know how to deal with them now. This book will help you fight your resistance and open your life to confidence. This book isn’t just for your mental health, but the author’s guidance can be used to help you figure out life’s big and little decisions when you need it.
Julie’s Pick- Amateur Hour: Motherhood in Essays and Swear Words by Kimberly Harrington
This book is such a spot on depiction of modern motherhood. It is a mix of essays that range from the hilariously riotous to the gut-wrenchingly raw. In an interview with VPR, while promoting the book, Kimberly said that she wants the reader either laughing or crying. This book will do both. And, I think, those two emotions perfectly sums up parenting.
What is the best book you’ve read, lately? Let us know in the comments!
