Here’s My 2022 Summer Reading Guide

Proverbs 9:9 – Teach the wise, and they will become wiser; inform the righteous, and their learning will increase.

Gratitude Day 746

Thank goodness our local library has implemented no fees on late books right now. Otherwise, I’d be racking up fines like crazy.

This was part of a conversation that happened at the library this week when I showed up very late to book club. Because something else ran much longer than anticipated, book club had broken up. Nonetheless, I still stopped by the library, dropped off the book and let the wonderful library ladies know that I was disappointed I had missed the discussion.

The two library ladies humored me, and we had a short discussion about the book. We discussed how the author clearly set-up the end of this book for another book. This is when I noticed the author’s second book was near the checkout counter, waiting to be checked out. One of the librarians asked if I wanted to check out this book. I laughed and said that I already have about 15 library books at home waiting to be read … many of them overdue. I do not need to add to the pile nor take advantage of the no fine period anymore than I already am!

Just in case you are looking for a book or two to read this summer, I have a few suggestions. I have read several of these books. Some are on my summer reading list. One book, I’m right in the middle of reading. I’m sharing different kinds of books: easy reading, growth and development, spiritual growth and contemplation books.

Recommended Books to Read This Summer

In Shock: My Journey from Death to Recovery to Redemptive Power of Hope by Dr. Rana Awdish

I am writing a second book and read this book as research. I was swept right into the author’s powerful story.

Dr. Awdish shares her very personal story of fighting for her life for months, which included multiple surgeries and organ failures. A critical care physician who was the director of a hospital program at the time, she discovered how careless fellow doctors were with patients. Repeatedly, doctors treated her with indifference, disregarded her suffering and anguish and purposefully emotionally distanced themselves from her. While she speaks directly to people in the health care field, her story will resonate with anyone navigating an illness or providing care to someone who is. If you find it beneficial, recommend it to your doctor.

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

If you are looking for a well-written, interesting story to read on vacation, pick up this one. The story starts in northern Minnesota and is the tale of four orphans who travel the Mississippi River during the Great Depression, looking for safety. They experience more in a few months than some people experience in a lifetime. You will be cheering for the orphans and praying they will be OK.

Books I Plan to Read this Summer

Waymaker: Finding the Way to the Life You’ve Always Dreamed Of by Ann Voskamp

Ann is one of the most well-known female Christian authors and has written a treasure trove of popular Christian books. I pre-ordered this book before it was released and still have not read it. But I plan to this summer. Ann writes in a very specific style that many people so enjoy. Lots of folks have spoken highly of this book.

I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet: Discovering New Ways of Living When the Old Ways Stop Working by Shauna Niequist

Another best selling author, I resonated with Shauna’s Present Over Perfect book a couple years ago. Again, I ordered this book when it was published a couple months ago, and it has been patiently waiting for me to crack it open. Obviously, I thought I really needed to read it, as I discovered I have two copies of the book! Now in her 40’s Shauna is experiencing life differently these days and shares her personal experience of this.

What I Am Reading Right Now

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr

This is one of those overdue library books that I wished I had purchased so I could write inside of the book while reading it. I still might buy it. Rohr is a Franciscan priest and runs a center in New Mexico that he established.

In this book, Rohr explores how life’s failings can be the foundation for our ongoing spiritual growth. Rather than being frustrated with our challenges, Rohr encourages us to reframe them, grow from them and use them as the basis for growing spiritually. He challenges us to not drift through life but to be intentional about getting to a place spiritually where this influences the choices we make in life.

Personally, I have discovered reading as a great way for me to learn, relax and enjoy someone else’s thoughts and stories. I read a wide variety of books, as reflected in these suggestions. I hope to read lots of books this summer and welcome your favorites. What are you looking forward to reading this summer? Please share in the comments so I can add your suggestions to my never-ending reading list!

For the opportunity to grow through reading, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Holy God – So many choices and so many options when it comes to reading! Together, may we discover opportunities that will challenge me, help me grow and discover more about myself and You. Amen.

If this post touched you, I invite you to share it.