To Read or Not to Read this Summer?

It's that time of year in the northern hemisphere when we are drawn to take a break from work, enjoy the summer sunshine (which we have at last in the UK after a rather dreary start), and rest. Hence the abundance of posts about summer reading lists.

Rather than add to the lists, I thought I'd share three different approaches to summer reading for you to consider as you pack your bags, load up your Kindle, and get ready to head off on holiday.

1. Diverse Mix of Reading

Most people recommend a variety of books—fiction, non-fiction, biographies, memoirs, perhaps even a classic. This tried-and-tested method gives you choices. You can dip in and out of different books to suit your mood, energy level, and purpose, stimulating new thinking by stumbling upon interesting combinations of insights and ideas.

I'm particularly a fan of fiction and memoirs for this type of summer reading list. Way back in the early 2000s, I recommended A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry for Bill Gates' summer reading list for its insights and perspectives on Indian life and culture.

And it's summer, after all, so be wary of the temptation to fill your bag with only business or leadership books!

2. Deep Dive

The approach I'm taking this summer is to do a deep dive into one author's work. In my case, it's Carol Sanford's work on regenerative approaches. She's a long-time friend and mentor, and although I have read some of her books, it feels timely to do a deep dive while she is still alive.

There are many worthy thinkers and authors to consider for a deep dive. In keeping with my focus on women this month, here are a few female authors whose books I highly recommend:

• Carol Sanford : Her work on regenerative approaches in business and beyond should be essential reading for anyone serious about creating a better world. She is perhaps the consummate contrarian, so expect to be challenged usefully while your thinking is elevated. Consider starting with The Regenerative Life, No More Gold Stars, and The Responsible Entrepreneur.
• Joanna Macy: Her beautiful work integrates the psychological and spiritual, while cultivating ecological awareness, and helping people shift from despair and apathy about the state of the world and challenges we face to hopeful, collaborative action. Start with Active Hope or Coming Back to Life.
• Riane Eisler : Her work helps us look at the world and ourselves differently, activating the belief that change is possible and that we can create it. Start with The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future or her latest book: Nurturing Our Humanity: How Domination and Partnership Shape Our Brains, Lives, and Future.
• Kim Scott : Known for Radical Candour, her latest book Radical Respect: How To Work Better Together should be good. While I suspect I won't agree with everything in it, I've found "respect" to be a game-changer in relationships and key to enabling change in people, organisations, and countries. Plus, Kim Scott has penned a few novels for light reading.
• Amy Edmondson : Her work on psychological safety is seminal. Start with The Fearless Organisation, then read Right Kind of Wrong - How the Best Teams Use Failure to Succeed, and perhaps also look at one of her books on teaming.

Another way to go deep in a lighter way is for example to read all the novels of Toni Morrison or the top 3 greatest science fiction books. Drawing on both deep and wide, consider reading the 3-5 best debut novels by women of colour. (I'm aware of the lack of diversity in this list, so please share your recommendations of great female thinkers from other countries and cultures who have written more than one book!)

3. Don't Read Anything

Yes, you read that right! Sometimes, the best approach is to take a break from reading altogether.

High achievers are always looking to read, learn, and grow. So, not reading for a week or two may seem impossible or foolish. But there is huge value in taking a break from taking in new information and other people's ideas. It gives us time to integrate, reflect, and reconnect to what we think, know, and are naturally curious about. It allows us to simply be present to life and those around us.

By taking a break, you'll give yourself a huge gift while also gifting your full presence to family and friends, enabling you to return to work relaxed, refreshed, and refocused on what truly matters.

So, pack your sunscreen, grab some books - or don't, and have a truly delightful summer.

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