THE 3 BEST BOOKS I READ THIS SUMMER ARE...

By: Jenn Grandlienard

If you know me at all or follow me on social media (@mrsjenngrand), it doesn’t take long to know I’m a book lover. I fell in love with books at a young age, reading in that stereotypical kid way: flashlight under the covers too late at night. 

Ever since then, I’ve adventured all over the world, back in time, into the future. Into different worlds, fighting alongside wizards, vampires, tributes, and faeries. I love a good non-fiction memoir or personal growth book, but suspenseful fiction is my FAVORITE. 

The kind of book you can’t put down because you just HAVE TO know what happens next. Reading way too late into the night because the page or chapter ended on a huge cliffhanger and there’s no way you can stop now.

As hard as it was, I’ve narrowed my recent reading list to 3 of my favorites I’ve read this summer: 1 non-fiction, 2 fiction. 

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A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

This book had been on my TRL (to read list) for YEARS. Fans of Backman are kind of their own little community, reading, loving and advertising their love of his writing. Multiple friends told me to read this book, and I’m so glad I finally did! 

Ove is a loveable, old curmudgeon of a man who recently lost his wife. He is very OCD and likes his life and his things just so. He is very by the book and doesn’t let anyone get away breaking any rules. But behind the cranky, bitter exterior is a long story of love, sadness and loss. Just when Ove thinks he’s lived all the life he’s meant to live, a family moves in across the street and mixes up his “just so” lifestyle, bringing him what he thought he didn’t need: family. 

It’s seriously one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I highly recommend it! You will fall in love with Ove,and want him to be your new best friend. 

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The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman

Sometimes decisions can paralyze us. At least sometimes they can paralyze me. Whether you’re at a huge crossroads in life, with a new job opportunity, or whether you’re simply trying to decide whether to volunteer for the school PT, we all react and respond to decisions differently. 

In The Next Right Thing, Emily P. Freeman offers a simple solution to “analysis paralysis.” Just do the next right thing. In shrinking huge decisions down into bite-sized pieces, it takes away the anxiety of making the wrong decision and creates space to shift or change directions along the way. 

This book was excellent, and one I would recommend even if you don’t think you’re at a crossroads. Because eventually you’ll have a decision to make, and having these practices in your back pocket will definitely come in handy!

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The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

I just finished this book and let me tell you it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s about a family, Ernt and Cora Allbright and their daughter Leni who decide to move to Alaska to start a new life. When they get there, they realize there’s no electricity or running water. But they stick together and make a life and a community for themselves. 

However, as the winter nears, they realize they are very unprepared for the elements as well as the physical and emotional stresses of the “bush.” I don’t want to give any details away, but this book will take you on an adventure that you’d never imagine. It’ll make you believe in love and the true meaning of family. It’ll make you cry tears over the hardships in life and be thankful for the ones you love. 

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You might be wondering why there’s a post about books on the website for the Xenia YMCA. Well, if you don’t think reading and exercise have anything in common (other than exercise and fitness books,) I’ll tell you what, one of my favorite places to read is actually at the Y! I usually sit on the recumbent bike and read while I burn a few extra calories! 

I do see people reading books while they walk on the treadmill, but I find that a little difficult. I do actually like to listen to audiobooks or podcasts while I walk on the treadmill though! It’s a great way to kill two birds with one stone and do two things I love at once! And that way when I read in bed or on the couch later in the evening I don’t feel quiiiiite so lazy ;)

What books have you read recently that you loved? Leave a comment or message me on Instagram- @mrsjenngrand. 

Happy reading!