I am a voracious reader and every week I come across either a book, online piece or website I want to share with others. I’ve decided to curate these gems and highlight them on Friday. I hope you find these faves as insightful as I do.
- It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Zen Habits. I loved “Mental Badassery: Becoming Aware of the Stories We Tell Ourselves” by Leo Babauta. It reaffirmed the truth that our perspectives shape our stories. “We do it all day long: we tell ourselves a story about what’s happening in our lives, about other people, about ourselves. When I call them “stories” … that doesn’t mean they’re false, or that they aren’t based on the truth. It just means we’ve constructed a narrative based on our experiences, a perspective on the world around us, an interpretation of facts as we see them. Not false, but not necessarily the entire truth — just one perspective.
- Is positive thinking too detrimental for us? Gabriele Oettingen offers a unique viewpoint in “Don’t Think Too Positive.“
- I am an avid believer in walking and the meditative aspects that accompany a leisurely stroll. I enjoyed reading, “How Walking in Nature Changes the Brain,” by Gretchen Reynolds.
- Do you believe brainstorming with your co-workers is a waste of time? Turns out you may be right. Fast Company presents “Brainstorming is Dumb.“
What were your favorite reads this week?
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
My favorite book of July is The Stargazer’s Sister, a nineteenth-century novel of female empowerment before it’s time, based on the life of Caroline Herschel, sister of the great composer and astronomer William Herschel. Based on the remarkable and detailed records of both of the Herschels, writer Carrie Brown captures the times and struggles of the sister and brother. Caroline, an astonomer in her own right, out lives her brother and discovers many more comets.In 1846 she is awarded the gold medal for science from the King of Prussia, and other awards. What really made me love this book is the author’s ability to create believable, intriguing characters from history. There is never a dull moment.
Linda,
You always suggest books that are new to me. I love this review and can’t wait to add this read to my list. Hope you are doing well! xo
I enjoy Zen Habits as well 🙂 lovely shares.
Thanks, Ayala. Zen Habits always presents pieces that make me think.
I so agree about walking in nature! I started that in January and I feel totally different from previous years. Awesome find!
Walking outside offers such a soothing quality that is hard to replicate in a gym. I’ve always enjoyed connecting with nature and snapping photos as I stroll down the street.
Ha! I can’t wait to read Brainstorming is Dumb just based on the title alone. 🙂 Beautiful.
Hope you enjoyed the piece, Allison!