It seems that the busier life gets, the more nonfiction I read… maybe I feel like I’m being more “productive” with my downtime? Probably not the healthiest attitude, but I still have some real jewels in this month’s reading selections, from a look at why we all feel so overwhelmed and how to break the cycle, to a fanciful cookbook that makes me want to (like its author) retreat to a cabin in a forest and cook according to my natural surroundings. Speaking of novels, I’m going to need some great ones to take with me on our trip to St. Tropez next month. I have a rule that beach reads must be totally engrossing fiction, wholly “unproductive” and transportive — so leave your best recommendations in the comments, and I’d love to hear about any great books you guys have been reading lately!
The Forest Feast, by Erin Gleeson. If you can force yourself to flip past the jaw-droppingly beautiful cover of this cookbook by blogger Erin Gleeson, you’ll stumble upon her rich illustrated world where mouthwatering vegetarian recipes feel as simple as 1-2-3. From the kale caesar to the blackberry negroni, I can’t wait to try everything.
Kinfolk magazine. I know, Kinfolk has been around for a while now, but I finally went from being an occasional skimmer to a loyal subscriber who reads each issue from cover to cover. The current issue is number 11, and it’s all about Home. The gorgeous photos of interiors around the world, thoughtful essays, and recipes from chefs on what they cook at home make this issue one not to be missed.
Overwhelmed: Work Love, and Play When No One Has the Time, by Brigid Schulte. This title instantly grabbed me because, well, there have been too many days lately when I just haven’t had time to get all my work done, or to play with Phoebe, see friends, cook (the list goes on) as much as I’d like. Schulte explores the scarcity of leisure that’s rampant in our culture, and asks why so many of us walk around feeling completely overwhelmed on a daily basis. Then she shows us how we can reclaim time for fun in our lives. It may seem like a paradox, but the more overwhelmed you feel, the more you need to take time to read this book.
#GIRLBOSS, by Sophia Amoruso. With a release date of tomorrow, this is destined to be my next big read. I’ve been fascinated with Amoruso ever since reading an article a while back about her company, Nasty Gal’s, rapid growth… and Amoruso at its helm, quickly becoming the fashion world’s newest phenom. As a fellow female entrepreneur who straddles the line between the style and tech spheres, I can’t wait to be inspired by Amoruso’s vision and unbending commitment to do things her own way.
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.