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.
oh, want to read girlboss! sounds right up my alley! HeartofChic.com
Love all these picks! I just subscribed this past year to Kinfolk too, have been meaning to pick up The Forest Feast (that cover!) and dying to read #GIRLBOSS. Probably heading to the bookstore on my break tomorrow to pick up a release-day copy <3
Good suggestions! I just finished a rereading of The Catcher in the Rye, curious to see how my middle-aged self would react to Holden Caulfield this time around. Happy to report I loved him as much as ever 🙂 Next on the agenda is Ann Patchett’s This is the Story of a Happy Marriage.
great recommendations – thank you!
These are some great tips! Thanks so much!
Should all be good reads! My fiance went to high school with Sophia and didn’t know anything about Nasty Gal until an article he read. I’ll more than likely pick it up tomorrow too. 🙂
That is such a great idea — I’d love to revisit Catcher in the Rye as an adult! I have a feeling it’s still genius. Love Ann Patchett… let us know what you think of this one!
Ooooh! To get in the mood for a trip to St. Tropez, I highly recommend reading Bonjour Tristesse. http://www.amazon.com/Bonjour-Tristesse-Novel-Francoise-Sagan/dp/0061440795
Oh wow, that sounds BEYOND perfect! Thank you Niki! xo
Oh my gosh. This is my favorite Camille Styles feature. I’m about to start reading Gone Girl, which I’m excited about because it sounds like 48 Hours Mystery in novel form (my fav), and I’m also mid-way through Happier at Home, the sort-of sequel to The Happiness Project.
Those are both on my current “to-read” list! You’ll have to let me know how they both are — and if Happier at Home feels too repetitive to the other one, or if it’s totally different content. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, excited to check out #girlboss! While it may be non-fiction, if you haven’t read My Life in France about Julia Child, you must. It is my all-time favorite book and an absolutely engrossing read.
You know, I have always meant to read that book (and I actually own it!) but have never actually read it front to back. Wouldn’t it be perfect for getting me in the mood to eat all that amazing French food? Thanks Andrea, I think this was just the push I needed to finally tackle it! xo
Love love Kinfolk! Such a good read time and again.
Oh I love Forest Feast and Kinfolk. I’ll definitely have to check out the other two recommendations!