Non-fiction Summer Reading
A few book recommendations for the summer
Hello there! Summer is finally upon us, and with it comes summer reading!
I am not one for sappy romance or YA, what I read most is, and has ever been; non-fiction. Here’s what’s in my book basket this summer.
The Complete Guide to Asperger Syndrome - Anthony Attwood
A specialist at the mental health institute guided me to this book after my Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. He said it would more clearly represent my reality as a high-functioning autistic adult than the other books I fell upon.
I am not very far into this book, but I recognize myself in every description. If you or someone you know is diagnosed or suspects a diagnosis of high-functioning autism, I highly recommend it.
The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity―and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race - Daniel Lieberman
Also related to autism, and/or ADHD is Dopamine. This single molecule drives a lot of our decision-making and can predict addictive behaviours. Its receptors can be skewed in persons with mental health or neurodevelopment issues.
This book about dopamine is really interesting and thought-provoking, but I realized after getting it and starting it that I meant to buy Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke. I guess I’ll read it next!
This one is not too dry and reads quickly, it’s meant for laypeople and is very well vulgarized.
On The Shortness of Life - Seneca
I love philosophy books! Alas, I do not devote much time to them and I want this to change!
This one has been made palatable by the translation of John Basore.
I follow Ryan Holiday on social media and YouTube and his content made me want to get reacquainted with the Stoics. I read his Daily Stoic book, one page every morning, but now facing middle age, and the invariable finality of life, this 50-page book found its appeal in me. I found much to ponder, already halfway through.
I highly recommend it as you advance in age.
How To Turn 39: Thoughts About Aging for People of All Ages - Colin Wright
Again, on the topic of aging, this short read is a collection of reflections on aging and entering middle age.
As a 39er myself, I thought it would drive my introspection and light up this new path I’m walking on.
So far, I find the writing dry, yet not scholarly, and I do not enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I give myself 60 pages before I decide if I DNF it or not.
Lined up on my TBR in the same vein are The Middle Passage: From Misery to Meaning in Midlife by Jungian analyst James Hollis and Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up also by the same author.
Stop People Pleasing: And Find Your Power - Hailey Magee
Hailey is a superstar on Instagram where she shares advice on how to navigate relationships and set healthy boundaries. This is her debut book and I love the tone. It’s both highly relatable, and actionable.
I never defined myself as a people pleaser, but more as an internalizer according to Lindsay Gibson in her body of work. But upon watching Hailey’s content on Insta and reading this book, I realize that I people-please, or fawn, much more than I care to admit.
If you tend to be an over-giver, or you feel resentful or taken advantage of by your loved ones, I guarantee you will find value in this one.
No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model - Richard Schwartz
I’m not sure if it’s an actual trend, or if I just tend to follow people online who talk about trauma and healing, but IFS, or Internal Family Systems seemed to pop up a lot around me this past year.
The idea is that most people foster different parts of the self, with their own identities, and behaviours, and that by giving space and understanding to these different parts of yourself, you can bring about healing.
I’m not sure I subscribe completely to the idea, but I’m interested in learning more. I have done a lot of research on Shadow Work in recent years, and I can see how the dark aspects of the “parts” in Richard Schwartz’s model could mirror Jung’s shadow.
This book is also very easy to read and not dry or scholarly in any way.
Solitude - A return to the self - Anthony Storr
Ever since I started the Miracle Morning (almost!) 10 years ago, I have been craving silence and solitude. I started doing biannual silent retreats and moved in on my own. I can now spend entire weeks by myself, (a thing I never thought possible not so long ago) and I find immense value from it.
This book is a contemplation on solitude, with a leaning towards psychoanalysis. I’m always interested in the duality between Jungian and Freudian philosophies and how the greatest men and women alive decided to live their lives. I particularly enjoyed the section about Beatrix Potter and it made me want to see the biopic they released a few years ago.
This book is a little more scholarly, but that’s something I appreciate. Maybe you will too?
And just for fun…
I always read a paperback novel before bed to wind down, as non-fiction tends to set my brain on overdrive.
My summer read is the great saga of the Targaryen family Fire & Blood, written by none other but George R.R. Martin. Not really a novel, but more of a history book, this epic tale spanning over centuries is the greatest world-building work I have ever read.
I wanted to read this before I binge-watch House of the Dragon on HBO Max in August, as Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen’s story was first recounted in Fire & Blood.
What are you planning to read this summer? Let me know in the comments below! It doesn’t have to be non-fiction!