5 Books That Have Me Buzzing

I'm totally loving the pace of summertime, as I usually can carve out more time to read "for pleasure." But honestly, most of the books I read are pleasurable, or I simply stop reading after page 53. (I learned early in life that you need to give a book a chance to hook you, and for me that's one page for every year I've been alive!) 

Here are five of the books I've read in the past few months that I truly enjoyed and that sparked connections in my brain. Among them were audio books I intended to use as company on long, solo drives, nonfiction purchases that felt "important" from the moment I saw them, and novels that people I respect kept recommending until I promised to read them. I'm adding just a bit about what I took away that I can use in my work and in life, since I'm all about finding insights that can can have impact for myself and others.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 

Wowza! This is the kind of fiction that is firmly modern fantasy, but also also serves as life-coaching in disguise. I was amused, saddened, chastened and buyoed by this book. One quote: “If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. Aim to be you.” I loved the humanity of this novel, the delightful storytelling in bursts, and the fact that it's just as good as an Audible (read by the delightful Carey Mulligan) as it is in hardcover. I thought I would be able to read The Midnight Library and pass it along, but I'm holding onto my copy because I love it so much. 

Takeaways: People are not one version of themselves, and a single decision always has ripple effects. If the multiverse is real, how can you make the most of where you are in it?

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

You know I had to listen to the author reading it...is there a point otherwise? What a fantastic, fun peek into Matthew McConaughey's life and notoriously "chill" perspective. He's a little loopy and I love that! He and I have a similar view on gratitude and shifting your thoughts to make barriers just another part of the story, not the end of it. He has a sheen about him today but he's learned some lessons the hard way and has crafted a life he loves. Alright, alright, alright.

Takeaways: Authenticity and bravery are both required if you're going to do great things and be recognized for them. 

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande

I don't know what I was expecting from a book with this title, but I was blown away learning about aging and how to go about it (for myself and for those I love) with less worry, eyes wide open, armed with good questions rather than the right answers. Dr. Gawande's perspective as a surgeon, and one with considerable experience in geriatrics, provides credibility and empathy that makes his writing lively yet grounded, and filled with empathy. Being Mortal offer so many great stories, so much good advice for those of us worried about people we love getting older.

Takeaway: There's no "best way" to live, age or die...but asking good questions gets to the heart of each person's needs and wishes. Also, do everything possible to prevent falling!

The Storyteller's Secret by Sejal Badani

Fiction that feels like a memoir is always fun; a beautiful, compelling story that educates and transports you across time and place is even better. The Storyteller's Secret was not only poignant, but educational; I learned about India’s caste system, Hindu beliefs and cultural shifts. But I also fell in love with the generations of characters, their struggles, and their complex relationships. I was swept into the dual-timeline story - both heartbreaking and emotionally rewarding - and filled with evocative details. I hope they make this one into a movie!

Takeaway: Not every yearning can or should be achieved immediately, but having someone who believes in your ambitions can sustain you until your dreams come true.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb

I love learning about people's perspective on their careers and telling great stories that bring their own successes and foibles to life. Lori Gottleib is fascinating on her own (a respected psychotherapist who started out working in film and TV production in Hollywood before going to med school and then becoming an author) but the way she weaves stories of 5 different patients - one of them herself - is captivating. I have patience for stories, since it's my job to pull them out of people, reflect back what they say, notice what goes unsaid, and be comfortable with silence. Perhaps that's why this book spoke to me - it felt like great qualitative insights as much as a book about therapy.

Takeaway: Compassion is an unlimited resource. Listen and hold space for other people's stories without judgement. Don't be afraid to ask for that from others, too.

Books I'm currently reading:

• Bedside table... Anxious People by Fredrik Backman 
• Office desk... Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam M. Grant
• Car speakers (via Audible)... A Promised Land by Barack Obama

What are you reading? What books have recently captured your heart and mind and won't let go?