Adult Summer Reading: Diversify Your Library with These Book Recommendations!

Ah, summer! The season synonymous with relaxation, adventure, and those treasured longer days. And what better way to spend those languid afternoons than with an engaging read? While summer reading lists often target children and young adults, I'm here to advocate that they're equally beneficial for adults. Reading for pleasure can be a delightful journey of lifelong learning, personal development, and good old-fashioned fun.?

Now, imagine lounging on a sun-soaked patio, a cool drink in hand, and one of these captivating books that's been hand-picked for your adult summer reading escapades. This list traverses through biography, business, narratives, finance, art, innovation, fiction, philosophy, world cultures, mystery, emotional intelligence, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.?

Let's dive in!

Autobiography: In "Losing my Virginity", Richard Branson narrates his own larger-than-life journey through the world of business, adventure, and life, presenting a frank portrait of his successes and failures.

"Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman" by Richard P. Feynman is a lively collection of anecdotes from the Nobel Prize-winning physicist. Feynman's exuberant tales about his adventures in science and life are both entertaining and enlightening.

"The Natural Mother of the Child" by Krys Malcolm Belc is a touching memoir that intertwines parenthood, gender identity, and the way our society constructs family narratives.

Business: "The Laws of Human Nature" by Robert Greene offers a deep dive into people's drives and motives. Perfect for those wanting to master the delicate art of influencing and understanding others.

Personal Finance: "How to Think Like a Breadwinner" by Jennifer Barrett is a must-read for anyone wishing to gain financial independence and security, full of empowering strategies and insights.

Art: Marina Abramovi?’s "Walk Through Walls" is an absorbing journey through the life and work of this fearless artist, offering profound insights into her creative process.

Innovation: Immerse yourself in the bizarre with “The Catalogue on Fantastic Inventions" with endless images to spark an inventive streak in your day. Maintain a sense of creativity as you navigate the endless rules and processes in the corporate world, as Gordon MacKenzie recounts his artistic role at Hallmark in "Orbiting the Giant Hairball."

Fiction: "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck is a compelling masterpiece about the complexity of human nature and the battle between good and evil. *Spoiler alert* the most important word in the world: timshel ("thou mayest").

Philosophy: "Seneca's Letters from a Stoic" provides timeless wisdom on living a meaningful life. A thought-provoking read, it deals with issues still relevant today despite having been written in c. 65 AD.

World Cultures: Understand cross-cultural dynamics better with "The Culture Map" by Erin Meyer, essential for anyone navigating our increasingly global world and curious how to work more effectively with others.

Mystery: Delve into the riveting world of Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache series. These who-done-it mysteries set in Quebec are just the thing for suspense-lovers and a day at the beach.

Emotional Intelligence: Deepen self-awareness with "The Wisdom of the Enneagram" by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson or learn about your attachment style in "Attached" by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller.

DEI: Explore the humorous linguistics of gender and identity with "Wordslut" by Amanda Montell or delve into the hidden systems and influences that shape our lives in "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson.

Embarking on a summer reading journey not only gives you permission to hallucinate for a while but can also stimulate your brain, expand your empathy, and offer new perspectives. So grab a book from this list, find your favorite reading spot, and let the adventures begin. Happy reading!