Summer Reading: A Few Good Recommendations
If you’re a reader, you don’t need much encouragement to pick up a book and settle in for an evening (or long afternoon on the beach) of reading, right. You look forward to reading, to falling deep into stories, ideas, images that make you think but also give you a respite from daily life. As human beings, we’re wired for story. In fact, human beings have been telling stories since the beginning of time. Story is how we process who we are, what we are doing, where we are going, and what we want.
For more on this: The Science Behind Storytelling
Reading books changes us in a variety of ways. A recent article on healthline explains that reading changes our brains, increases our ability to empathize, builds vocabulary, prevents age-related decline, reduces our stress levels, alleviates symptoms of depression, prepares us for a better night’s sleep, and may even help us live longer, more fulfilling lives. Simply put, reading is good for you. Even if you don’t love it, you should read a little every day.
But what to read?
I’m a fan of stories, and most good books, even those nonfiction business books so many people I know love to read make their points through stories, so you don’t have to read novels to reap the benefits of reading. Read anything.
And if you’re looking for something new, we’ve got a few suggestions for you because the folks at AMT love a good book. Spring is here, and summer is around the corner. It’s time to create a reading list that will take you to the beach and back. Hopefully, you’ll find something here (or on our Amazon page) that will pique your interest. If so, let us know what you think.
Book Recommendations for Summer
Recommended by David Abell: This is a great book about networking and the power of building a community and a network.
Recommended by Laura Matthews: I read Firefly Lane and then watched the Netflix show. It’s about two best friends through at least three decades of their lives and all the ups and downs that go along with it.
Recommended by Derek Walker: I’ve always found that some of the best lessons come from sources we might not seek out immediately. A lot of people might disregard what Curtis has to say, seeing him only as the rapper 50 cent, and not as the successful and wise business owner he’s grown to be. I’d challenge everyone to pick up a book that may be a little out of their comfort zone. Those are normally the ones that impact you the most.
Recommended by Hannah Thomas: The last book I read was Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee.
Recommended by Hillary Steber: A personal development book, it’s all about believing you can achieve greatness. The book discusses how to embrace who you really are and not care about what anyone else thinks. Sincero encourages us to stop focusing on the negative and to get rid of silly fears; then go out and kick some a**.
Recommended by Kathleen Carey–Joel Carey’s literary better half.
Recommended by Brandy McKinney (Michael’s wife): There’s a reason this book won the Pulitzer Prize and has a 4.12 rating on Goodreads from over 12k people. While you may be intimidated by the size of the book, at the end you’ll be wanting another 500 pages. The depth of the 9 main characters, their differences, their similarities, their fears, and their bravery will have you rooting for all of them and their individual agendas. The book explores humanity’s impact on our planet and the probability of the future. The message is deep, the story is entertaining, and the feeling lingers after the last page.
Recommended by Michael McKinney: Noe Alvarez’s memoir is a moving book about a young man who leaves behind his immigrant life–the apple-packing plants of Yakima. After working hard to make it to college, he finds himself struggling to find his place. He learns of the Peace and Dignity Journey’s epic marathons meant to bring cultural awareness to indigenous peoples across North and Central America. As a runner, I was intrigued by the routes and methods the group used as they traversed continents and even more so by Noe’s insights into the life of an immigrant family in our country. I picked it up expecting to learn about a long run, but got so much more.
Recommended by Erik Jensen: I love short stories, so when I saw George Saunders recently released a book focused on analyzing and breaking down some of the best Russian short stories ever, I knew I had to check it out. If you’re like me and appreciate writing that is to the point with no wasted sentences or words, give A Swim in the Pond in the Rain a read.
Recommended by Bridgett Jensen: I love historical fiction, but didn’t expect to be so thoroughly transported into the world of Shakespeare’s incredible wife, Agnes, during the days of The Black Death. Maggie O’Farrell’s retelling of the death of Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, is a story born in the depths of a mother’s grief. It’s beautifully written and the best book I’ve read this year.
And if you’re still not convinced . . .
We have a few viewing and listening recommendations for you also!
Recommended by Jakob Boulb: This show is full of puns and mind-numbing humor that helps me relax. It’s an easy show to watch and also works as something to just have on in the background!
Recommended by Carson Scherer: This TV series is set in 1977 New York City and stars Al Pacino.
Recommended by Rob McClain: What fascinated me about this podcast was how after so many years, a podcaster could reinvigorate an investigation.
Recommended by Hannah Thomas: I recently listened to Your Own Backyard podcast per Rob’s recommendation. It was phenomenal. I listen to 2 Bears, 1 Cave most frequently, but also enjoy listening to other miscellaneous crime and comedy podcasts.
Recommended by Colby Shawver: We just finished up watching Game of Thrones for the second time. You pick up on a lot more stuff the second time around. A must watch if you have never seen it.
Recommended by Zac Egleston: This is a great show we watched just last week!
Something for everyone.
So here you have it, our recommendations for reading, listening, and watching. If you check out any of our recommendations, we’d love to know what you liked and/or disliked!