It’s been awhile since I’ve posted my monthly book recos, but I’ve been secretly dying to find time to share a few must-reads that have really impacted me lately. So here goes! This month’s roundup includes a book that’ll totally change the way you think about vulnerability, a memoir that’ll leave you feeling both devastated and hopeful, my favorite nutrition read of the year so far, and the plant-based cookbook that’s perfect for dinner tonight or any night of the week. Keep scrolling for my faves, and I’d love to hear what books you’re currently loving in the comments! xo
featured image via gal meets glam
Daring Greatly: How The Courage To Be Vulnerable Transforms The Way We Live, Love, Parent, & Lead, Brené Brown
I’m not sure what took me so long to get on the Brené Brown train. Her books had been recommended to me by so many people, but I think she’s one of those authors whose message is as much about the reader’s readiness to hear it as it is the actual words. I picked up another book of Brown’s, The Gifts of Imperfection, on a flight recently when I was feeling tired and overwhelmed, and her words on “engaging with the world through a place of worthiness” felt like she was speaking right into my heart.
My sister and I are currently reading this next book together in our two-person book club, and I can’t wait to pour a glass of wine and dive into our discussion about why vulnerability is our best measure of courage and the way to bring real meaning into our lives.
My Lovely Wife In The Psych Ward: A Memoir, Mark Lukach
Reading this will break your heart over the true story of mental illness in a family. It will also leave you feeling hopeful – as a powerful reminder of the power of love to overcome obstacles. Mark Lukach tells the story of his wife Giulia’s psychotic break that ultimately changed their lives as they knew them, sending their family on a years-long journey of learning to understand – and live with – mental illness. My mom is a psych nurse, so it was interesting to get her perspective on the reality of similar situations for so many families she sees, and I think this book gives many of us who don’t have firsthand experience with mental illness a deeper understanding and greater compassion.
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
I’ve been trying to read more fiction, and this book has been recommended to me so many times through the years that I decided to give it a try (even though it honestly doesn’t really sound like something I’d normally read.) It’s been so relaxing to sink into bed at night and lose myself in the pages of this modern classic. The Alchemist tells the magical story of Santiago, a shepherd who travels the world and learns that true treasure is found by listening to your heart and following your dreams.
Green Kitchen At Home: Quick & Healthy Vegetarian Food For Every Day, David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl
I love everything that the Green Kitchen family does, from their beautiful blog to their other book that I cook from all the time. This latest book is full of simple yet delicious recipes that can be cooked during a busy week, and is brimming with their signature veggie-packed dishes featuring tons of spices and flavor. The Middle Eastern sweet potato wraps filled with veggies, eggs, & tahini are already a fave at our house.
Body Love: Live In Balance, Weigh What You Want, & Free Yourself From Food Drama Forever, Kelly LeVeque
I’m usually skeptical of books that make weight-related promises – in my experience, most of them either rehash common sense knowledge that we all already know, or they make offbase claims that aren’t built on solid research. Body Love is a refreshing departure from the norm, written by celebrity nutritional consultant Kelly LeVeque and based on her countless long-term successes with her clients. LeVeque focuses on blood sugar and insulin levels, and recommends a diet plan based on the right mix of protein, fat, fiber, and greens—keeping you full, happy and craving-free all day.
