This month’s books left me feeling inspired, from a memoir that explored the relationship between a son and his mother who left an indelible mark on everyone in her world, to the breathtaking images of fashion photographer Anne Menke’s global travels. What type of books are inspiring all of you lately? Beautifully-written novels, biographies of great people, self-help tomes, beautiful photography? Here are the books I’m reading right now, and please leave a comment with any books you highly recommend – I’m always looking to add to next month’s list!
{1} The End of Your Life Book Club, Will Schwalbe. I couldn’t stop reading this memoir about a son and his terminally-ill mother, and the “book club” that becomes their bridge to talking about death and examining what’s really important in life. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to handle a really sad book right now – and yes, it’s definitely a tearjerker – but it’s also such a celebration of life and love that I was left with an overriding sense of joy and gratitude. Especially if you’re a book lover, this one’s a must-read.
{2} Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, Cheryl Strayed. My current book club selection, Wild is one of those books that completely surprised me. I usually can’t get into adventure stories (especially when they’re set in the wilderness), but this true story of a woman who impulsively decides to hike the eleven hundred miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (alone!) is an incredibly compelling journey that’s as much about emotional healing as it is survival against the odds.
{3} Homemade Winter, Yvette Van Boven. This one’s about to be on my nightstand, and I can already tell that it’s going to be one of those gorgeous cookbooks that I read like a novel, cover to cover. Beautiful styling and mouthwatering recipes will no doubt make the last few weeks of winter much more pleasant to bear.
{4} See the World Beautiful, Anne Menke. I’m feeling especially drawn to global fashion influences this spring, and this photo tour from Vogue, Vanity Fair & The New York Times fashion photographer Anne Menke reveals influences from around the world in imagery both bursting with color and quietly beautiful.
Now it’s your turn! Let me know what you’re reading this month… and for other book ideas, be sure to check out the last few editions of On My Nightstand.
