Beach reads – Your ultimate summer reading list.

Have you made your summer reading list? It’s my absolute favourite time of the year. The sun is out and everyone is generally in a great mood. It’s also the best time to enjoy a good read. Here are some of my favourite books to add to your summer reading list.

Words: Griselda Togobo; Image: Pexels

I’ve always loved reading books. It’s a habit that has brought me so much joy and knowledge yet a few years ago I stopped reading. My brain was so busy reading online articles, blogs, listening to podcasts, and watching videos – to a point where I could not sustain the prolonged discipline, solitude and silence needed to read and digest a good book. It’s taken a few starts and stops but I’ve had to retrain myself to start reading again. The passion of reading has taken me places, and I know with my renewed interest will take me even further.

The 6 books I’ve chosen are a mix of genres and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Please share your recommended read in the comment box and tell me why you’ve enjoyed the book so much.

1. The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich
   by Timothy Ferriss
   Link: http://amzn.eu/1jMtok8

This is a great book for challenging your thoughts, work and how you can generate income. I first read this book back in 2010 but I keep going back to it as some of the ideas, particularly around productivity, helps challenge my thoughts around how I get work done.

2. The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream
   by Paulo Coelho
   Link: http://amzn.eu/fEJ4QIE

We are all on a journey searching for success. What does success look like? Read this book and I guarantee you’ll get some light bulb moments.

3. The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to be Calm in a Busy World
   by Haemin Sunim et al.
   Link: http://amzn.eu/2XUvjDR

This is an easy read. It’s a table top type book which was created from Sumin Haemins social media updates. It’s in short and sweet bites and very philosophical. It’s a book about life, relationships and being mindful in today’s fast paced world.

4. From Bags to Blenders: The Journey of a Yorkshire Businessman
   by Gordon Black
   Link: http://amzn.eu/7veZ41G

This book is on my list because it’s full of anecdotes and business lessons from years of running a family business in Yorkshire where I’m based. I really enjoyed it as it’s easy and quick to read and you pick up so many lessons along the way. I’ve even underlined a few lines in the book, which is always a good sign!

5. When Breath Becomes Air
   by Paul Kalanithi
   Link: http://amzn.eu/aHIAy8q

This book is heartbreaking and you’ll shed a few tears when you read it but it’s simply incredible. Such an inspiring and true story and I highly recommend it for those reflecting on life; especially when pursuing your own career and business goals whilst faced with some big decisions.

6. Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
   by Trevor Noah
   Link:http://amzn.eu/3hJgozw

A family favourite which we read together whilst on a road trip. You’ll laugh, cry and experience shock and fear. You’ll learn about the horror of growing up in apartheid and the incredible, strong characters of those people whose story is told. I’ve forwarded this book to a few friends. A must read.

So what are your favourite books for this summer?