Summer can be a great time to pick up some new books and take time to relax and unwind. Whether it’s auto-biography, biography, fiction, non-fiction or educational, reading is an important part of exercising brain function, learning exciting new things and can even be a sort of escape. Books have even been recognized as a stress reliever. Some research has indicated that reading a book has been known to lower heart rate and ease the tension of muscles in as little as six minutes. A lot of times reading is done in quiet or calming environments which can also help contribute to de-stressing. Dependent upon your book of choice, reading distracts us and allows our minds to venture into new worlds. These summer reads were taken from the New York Times best seller list in conjunction with the highest rated on Goodreads. If you haven’t checked out the Goodreads App yet, it’s a convenient way to list books you have read and are currently reading. You can also discover books your friends are interested in, and explore some of the most popular picks available. With summer in full swing, here are some top picks to enjoy on your summer journey. Camino Winds by John Grisham is perfect for a road trip while Becoming by Michelle Obama could possibly be the best pick for the park or backyard hammock. And Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering (Volumes 1 & 2) would go well with your favorite living room chair or sofa, or at least that spot close to the kitchen in case of some sudden inspiration!
Camino Winds by John Grisham is a fictional crime thriller. As Camino Island braces itself for a destructive hurricane, people are advised to evacuate. But, Bruce Cable, a best-selling author, decides to stay put and ride out the storm. The hurricane is devastating with homes destroyed, storefronts ruined, streets flooded, and a dozen people lose their lives. One victim is Nelson Kerr, a friend of Bruce’s. But the nature of Nelson’s injuries suggests that the storm wasn’t the cause of his death: He has suffered several suspicious blows to the head.
Becoming is the memoir of former United States first lady Michelle Obama. Described by the author as a deeply personal experience, the book talks about her roots, her education, and early career as a lawyer in addition to meeting Barack Obama. She explains how she found her voice, describes her time in the White House, her public health campaign, and her role as a mother. After 15 days, Becoming became the best-selling book in the US for the year 2018, and has sold over 10 million copies.
Full of personal stories and beautiful photos, Joanna Gaines believes there is no better way to celebrate family and friendship than through the art of togetherness, tradition, and sharing a great meal. This book includes 125 classic recipes from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to small plates, snacks, and desserts—presenting a modern selection of American classics and personal family favorites. Dishes like Chicken Pot Pie, Mac and Cheese and even Chocolate Chip Cookies, this book and its Volume 2 will leave you inspired with new ideas.