I love summer and one of my favorite activities is reading on my screened-in porch. This month I’m sharing some of what I’ve been reading and/or look forward to reading this year.

WOMEN ROWING NORTH: NAVIGATING LIFE’S CURRENTS AND FLOURISHING AS WE AGE

Mary Pipher

In this New York Times Bestseller, Pipher shows, that though older women contend with ageism, misogyny, and loss, they are deeply happy and filled with gratitude for the gifts of life. Their struggles help them grow into the authentic, empathetic, and wise people they have always wanted to be.

I love the hopeful outlook of this book. “If we can keep our wits about us, think clearly, and manage our emotions skillfully,” Pipher writes, “we will experience a joyous time of our lives.

UNFU*K YOURSELF: GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND INTO YOUR LIFE

Gary John Bishop

Another New York Times Bestseller, joining the ranks of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, and You Are a Badas*, this is another feel-good, dose of encouragement and self-empowerment.

In this straightforward handbook, Gary Bishop provides the tools and advice to become a truly unfu*ked version of yourself. ”Wake up to the miracle you are,” he directs. ”Here’s what you’ve forgotten: You’re a fu*king miracle of being.” It isn’t other people that are standing in your way, it isn’t even your circumstances that are blocking your ability to thrive, it’s yourself and the negative self-talk you keep telling yourself.

THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES: WHAT THEY FEEL, HOW THEY COMMUNICATE―DISCOVERIES FROM A SECRET WORLD

Peter Wohlleben

You know from my past blogs that I’m an adventurer who loves being outdoors. In his international bestseller The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben opens readers’ eyes to the amazing processes at work in forests every day.

Through rich language highlighting the interconnectedness of forest ecosystems, the book offers fascinating insights about the fungal communication highway known as the “wood wide web,” the difficult life lessons learned in tree school, the hard-working natural cleanup crews that recycle dying trees, and much more.

If you want a real treat, look for Wohlleben’s latest illustrated edition of this title. The photography is stunning!

MAKE YOUR BED: LITTLE THINGS THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE…AND MAYBE THE WORLD

William H. McRaven

If you’ve ever seen McRaven’s commencement speech to graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on YouTube, you understand this book. Taking inspiration from the university’s slogan, “What starts here changes the world,” he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life. One of the most famous… If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.

LIVING WITH THE MONKS: WHAT TURNING OFF MY PHONE TAUGHT ME ABOUT HAPPINESS, GRATITUDE, AND FOCUS

Jesse Itzler

Speaking of learning from a Navy Seal, I heard Jesse Itzler speak shortly after a tour of his popular book, Living with a Navy Seal. He told us about then current experiment of living with the monks and when it came out, I had to get a copy.

Jesse moved into a monastery for a self-imposed time-out during a time in his life that was just too hectic. In Living with the Monks, he takes us on a spiritual journey like no other, as he turns off his cell phone and moves to a monastery.

Jesse struggles to balance his desire for inner peace with his need to check Twitter. But in the end, Jesse discovers the undeniable power of the monks and their wisdom, and the very real benefits of taking a well-deserved break as a means of self-preservation in our fast-paced world.

BEDTIME STORIES FOR STRESSED OUT ADULTS

By Various Artists

Who doesn’t miss bedtime stories?

A good night’s sleep is essential for our well-being and our health, but in our busy lives sleep is often poor and overlooked. These calming stories and poems will encourage to put away your blue-screen devices while they entertain you and restore an anxious mind before sleep. Also available as an audiobook from Audible.com.

Do you have titles you have loved? Send me an email and suggest my next page-turning adventure.