Although we adore the falling leaves of autumn, watching winter’s first snow, and inhaling spring’s fresh blooms, there simply is no better feeling than basking in the sunny summertime. Whether it’s feeling the sun shine her warm, golden light on our faces, listening to the chirping of birds at dawn, or feeling a sense of hope and adventure when gazing at the blue sky, summer is a time to slow down and renew.
As the Summer Solstice brings longer, sunnier days, one way we love to enjoy the extra light is by reading a good book. Whether it’s curling up on the couch with a cup of tea or sitting under a beautiful weeping willow, as long as we have a good book, we know we are in for a treat!
Looking for a good book to read this summer? Here are some books we’ve been enjoying recently!
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
This touching memoir is composed of a series of conversations between Mitch Albom and his once-university professor, Morrie Schwartz. Years after Mitch has graduated from Brandeis University, he gets caught up in the hustle-bustle of it all. One night, as he is flipping through TV channels, he comes across a “Nightline” interview with Ted Koppel and Morrie Schwartz, who had been recently diagnosed with ALS. Mitch decides to visit Morrie and soon after, they begin meeting every Tuesday, talking a little bit about everything. They become “Tuesday people”. From death, marriage, family, forgiveness, love and more, they seem to cover it all.
It’s hard to describe what we felt while reading this book, but it was beyond heartwarming. Something we loved so much about it was the humaneness and the rawness of it. Morrie talks about the importance of crying, having human contact, being there for the ones you love, living a meaningful life full of purpose, and dancing.
We truly adored reading this book. It made us laugh, cry, question ourselves, and wish we had had a chance to go dancing with Morrie. We think you would like it too!
Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
A little while ago, we came across a Wired Interview with Jude Law and Natalie Portman, in which Portman mentioned that she was inspired to go vegan after reading a book called Eating Animals. The title piqued our curiosity, and we wanted to know more about what Jonathan Safran Foer had to say about the behind the scenes of this industry from where so many individuals receive their food.
The title of the book pretty much summarizes what it entails. Through extensive investigation and research, Safran Foer writes about what actually goes on in the meat industry. He thoroughly discusses the living conditions the animals face in these industries, the environmental impacts of this particular field, and much more.
Something we found particularly interesting was when Safran Foer went to different farms to see the various environments for himself. From ethical to environmental, Foer discusses it all.
We found this to be an extremely eye-opening and informative read.
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Patti Smith is an Artist with a capital A. From painter, to poet, singer, songwriter, and author, Patti Smith does it all.
Just Kids is Patti Smith’s memoir detailing her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and her growing into her own individual as she moves to New York as a twenty-year-old. The friendship, intimacy, love, patience, and companionship that Patti and Robert had for each other while being innocent, young and experiencing lots of firsts together is just beautiful. Patti Smith describes her experiences in such an etheric and otherworldly way, making this a unique and wonderful read. It made us cry and smile and want to live in New York in the 60s & 70s. Oh, to have been a hippie artist floating through the streets of NY while living at the Chelsea Hotel!
Ps. We’re also big fans of Patti Smith’s music! One of our favourite songs is “Because the Night”.
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Yvon Chouinard is the founder of Patagonia, an outdoor apparel-based brand that focuses on sustainability and conscious decisions, over generating a profit.
In 2005, Yvon Chouinard decided to write Let My People Go Surfing with the goal of combining his personal journey, his creation of his business, and his emphasis on environmentalism. We loved how Chouinard perfectly encapsulated both entrepreneurial and sustainable aspects to the development of Patagonia, which is something we can relate to at BEDI!
Reading is good for the mind and soul!
We’re never without a book in our BEDI bag! You never know when you might have a little quiet moment, and there are so many benefits to reading. It’s great for brain health – helping to improve your memory, sharpen your concentration, and expand your vocabulary. In addition, you are committing to yourself by taking the time to sit quietly alone, which can be a wonderful act of self-care!
One of the things we love most about reading is that the opportunities to travel with your mind are endless. It can allow you to escape into a wonderful, whimsical world filled with pretty words and images. It can make you question yourself and your perceptions. It can be sad, or educational, or beautiful. And it might even make you chuckle…
As the summer days unfold and we bask in the slower pace of the season, we hope you get a chance to enjoy some quiet moments with a good book!
Happy reading!
The BEDI Team
