Drop that phone! If you think you don’t have time to read, think again. There are always little moments that you can steal while you are waiting in line or trying to unwind to fall sleep. That’s why everybody (yep, even the busiest of moms) needs a summer reading list.
If you’ve got young kids, it might feel impossible to squeeze in even a moment for yourself, but it is doable. Here’s what you’ve got to read this summer and how to actually make it happen.
Making Time to Read
From making you better able to empathize to improving your sleep quality, the benefits of reading are very real. If you’re like most of us, though, you’re probably forever in the process of making more time to read. So, how do you actually make it happen? How do you actually open a book and stay awake long enough to turn the page?
The first step is to be realistic. Sure, it seems cozy to curl up with a good old fashioned book but if that doesn’t ever really happen, forget about it. Make reading more accessible by getting the Kindle app on your phone. Add some books in there and put the app on the front screen of your phone. Tuck away all of those social media and news apps that can be time vampires and make your reading app front and center.
While there was a time when we all felt like we were obliged to keep up with the news, that time has passed. In fact, even the media has recognized that following the news is bad for your mental health. So, skip the headlines and dive into something deeper with a good book.
Literally so busy that you never even have time to waste on your phone? You need Audible! These modern books on tape will turn every spare moment into an escape. Transport yourself to another world while you’re driving the kids to school. Pop one earphone in while you’re cleaning and dive into another life.
What Oprah Is Reading This Summer
Now, let’s look at what to actually read. Of course, the queen of book recommendations has a summer reading list. From romance to thriller to non-fiction, this lady knows a good read when she sees one. Here are a few titles on her very posh bookshelves.
What Bill Gates Is Reading This Summer
Whether you want to escape from it all or completely dig into what is going on around the world, you get a few tips from one of the richest (and most well-read) guys on the globe.
Check out what he will be flipping through during the warm months:
“The Choice” by Dr. Edith Eva Eger – This gripping true memoir about Auschwitz and life in the United States afterward is hailed as a “guide to healing.”
“Cloud Atlas” by David Mitchell – You might know this mind-bending tale from the Tom Hanks and Halle Berry movie. If not, come prepared for a wild ride.
“The Ride of a Lifetime” by Bob Iger – Want to get some life insights from the head of Disney? Whether you’re a CEO or just want to learn about this important cultural time, it’s a good read.
“The Great Influenza” by John M. Barry – A good source of info on the 1918 influenza pandemic we’ve all been thinking back to lately.
“Good Economics for Hard Times” by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo – These two won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences and have a powerful insight into wealth inequality.
The Social Media for Lit Lovers
Want to stay motivated to read? You need more Good Reads in your life. If you haven’t heard of the site, it’s like Facebook for the literary crew. You can rate books, read reviews, and create a list of everything that you want to read. Have friends who are always recommending great books? This is the perfect place to keep track of them all.
Rather than relying on professional reviewers, you can just check out what is popular. Even more importantly, you can get tips based on the books that you already love. Having these personalized recommendations and connecting with readers who are into the same kinds of books is a perfect way to discover new gems.
Want to keep the kids busy while you’re reading? Here are a few smart ways to engage kids WITHOUT screens.
