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11 Phenomenal Books To Add To Your Summer Reading List

Summer is a great time to read and catch up on some awesome books you may have been too busy for during the year.

Blaine Lynch-Gadaleta

Jun 17, 2019

University of Rhode Island

185

11 Phenomenal Books To Add To Your Summer Reading List

Blaine G.

I'd like to preface this list by saying that my taste in books is VERY broad. But because of this, I can guarantee that there is something on this list that will suit your particular interest and maybe help you learn something fascinating!

The following books are not listed in any particular order, mainly because I couldn't pick favorites amongst this list:

1. "A Higher Call" - Adam Makos

This book was recommended to me by a history teacher I had in high school and was one of my first experiences with reading nonfiction for fun. It details a riveting encounter between a German pilot and an American pilot during World War II. The book taught me a lot about the meaning of courage through its wartime narratives and the unexpected decisions made by men who appeared to be enemies.

2. "The Alchemist" - Paulo Coelho

When I think of life-changing books, this is one of the first that comes to mind. I have read it at least three times since first reading a few years ago. Coelho tells the story of a young shepherd boy's journey in order to convey messages about wisdom, following your dreams, and listening to your heart as you travel through life.

3. "The Disappearing Spoon" - Sam Kean

I don't have a ton to say about this book other than that I read it while taking AP Chemistry in high school. This book is HILARIOUS. In short, it is a history of the periodic table. Now, before you tune out because the periodic table brings back stressful memories of high school or college science, this book is nothing like that. It uses humor and adventure to detail the stories of each of the elements throughout history.

4. "Radium Girls" - Kate Moore

This book was also recommended to me by my high school history teacher (he recommended A LOT of books for me to read in high school). Moore phenomenally explains one of the biggest American scandals of the 20th century but was a scandal I knew nothing about prior to reading. It explores the stories of women who worked in radium-dial factories and their battle for workers' rights.

5. "Man's Search for Meaning" - Viktor Frankl

I think I enjoyed this book because I read it during a time in my life when I needed to hear the message. In this book, Frankl, who is a psychiatrist, explains how humans can find meaning in the unavoidable suffering of life and still move forward with a purpose. He explains everything in the context of his experiences and the experiences of others in Nazi death camps during World War II, which is quite fascinating.

6. "Just Mercy" - Bryan Stevenson

This book, which is also nonfiction, details the journey of Stevenson as a young lawyer working within the criminal justice system in the United States to defend the poor and those who have been wrongly condemned. The main focus of the book is Stevenson's experience defending Walter McMillian, a man who insists he didn't commit the murder that he's been sentenced to death for. This book gave me an insight into the US criminal justice system and some of its corruption while also giving me better definitions of justice and mercy.

7. "Rebel Queen" - Michelle Moran

If you're into historical fiction, this book has your name written on it. Moran explores Britain's colonization of India through the stories of the Rebel Queen and her all-female army. This books teaches quite a bit about India's history but is also filled with the adventure, love, and plot twists that fictional stories are well known for. Plus, reading a book about an entire army of badass women - absolute yes.

8. "The Last Lecture" - Randy Pausch

This book is essentially the script of Randy Pausch's last lecture at Carnegie Mellon after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. But don't assume this book will bring nothing but tears because Pausch uses this lecture to bestow lots of little pieces of wisdom on every single reader.

9. "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" - Yuval Noah Harari

Let me start by saying that Chris Evans (Captain America) has recommended this book. I read this book a couple of years ago on an airplane trip out of pure curiosity and it has recently become fairly popular amongst celebrities and their followers (even Barack Obama and Bill Gates). This book combines history and biology (amongst other things) to explore and explain what it truly means to be human.

10. "The Gifts of Imperfection" - Brené Brown

I don't have much to say about this book because my explanation cannot do this justice. If you aren't familiar with the research done by Brown, I HIGHLY recommend looking into it and this book is a good place to start. She combines storytelling, her own research, and experiences to discuss topics like vulnerability and courage within personal development.

11. "Power of Now" - Eckhart Tolle

Once again, I don't have a ton to say about this book because I cannot do it justice and reading it involves a personal journey or connection between you and the words of Tolle. While spiritual in nature, this book focuses on increasing personal awareness of one's thoughts and actions, connecting to your self and the world, and allowing (teaching) yourself to exist fully in the now.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

11 Phenomenal Books To Add To Your Summer Reading List

Summer is a great time to read and catch up on some awesome books you may have been too busy for during the year.

1. "A Higher Call" - Adam Makos

2. "The Alchemist" - Paulo Coelho

3. "The Disappearing Spoon" - Sam Kean

4. "Radium Girls" - Kate Moore

5. "Man's Search for Meaning" - Viktor Frankl

6. "Just Mercy" - Bryan Stevenson

7. "Rebel Queen" - Michelle Moran

8. "The Last Lecture" - Randy Pausch

9. "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" - Yuval Noah Harari

10. "The Gifts of Imperfection" - Brené Brown

11. "Power of Now" - Eckhart Tolle

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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