Summer Reading: Finding Bliss in a Book
As the sun shines brighter and the days stretch longer, summer invites all of us to embrace a sense of adventure and relaxation. Just like a well-rounded yoga practice, the perfect summer reading list nurtures our minds and souls, offering both inspiration and escape. Whether you're lounging by the pool, nestled in a hammock, or taking a break between sun salutations, there’s something magical about diving into a good book during these warm months.
In this post, I’ll share a curated selection of some of the summer reads I’ve enjoyed this summer. Some of them align with the themes of mindfulness, self-discovery, and tranquility—perfect companions for my yogi’s.
Angelus : The author of this book, Erica Jago, is one of my yoga teachers in my YTT and she has written and designed a work of art in this workbook. If you’re looking to challenge your at-home yoga practice by increasing your work with the chakras, this is the book for you. My favorite parts include the theming, visuals, journal prompts, and asanaglyphs.
Swell: The author of this tale, Captain Liz Clark, chronicles her incredible journey as she sets sail from Santa Barbara, California, embarking on an adventure that many only dream about. Over the course of ten years and 20,000 miles, Liz navigates the challenges of life at sea, forging deep connections with nature, herself, and diverse cultures along the way. Liz’s gripping tales of wild waves, solitude, and the vibrant world around her offer profound lessons in living harmoniously with the Earth. Her journey serves as a reminder to embrace our own paths of awakening, whether through travel, personal growth, or simply the act of being present.
Move Your DNA: This is a must-read for anyone looking to reconnect with their body. Humorous, fascinating, and grounded in science, this book delves into the alarming impact of our sedentary lifestyles on our health, identifying a lack of movement as a primary culprit behind many modern diseases. Author Katy Bowman offers a compelling exploration of the differences between our daily movements and those of our hunter-gatherer ancestors, revealing how a poor “movement diet” can lead to numerous health issues. She encourages readers to view exercise not just as a means to stay fit, but as an essential component of our overall well-being. Packed with over 70 corrective exercises, alignment checks, and practical habit modifications, Move Your DNA provides actionable strategies to help readers reclaim their natural, reflex-driven selves.
Tantra of the Yoga Sutras: This classic text offers profound insights into achieving oneness (samadhi) through yoga practice, yet many serious practitioners find the original verses daunting and hard to relate to. Author and Guru Alan Finger’s clear and accessible interpretation invites contemporary yogis to uncover the wisdom within the Sutras and realize that samadhi is not a distant goal but an experience available to us in the present moment.Through a Tantric lens, Finger reveals how the Sutras guide us on a journey of spiritual evolution, demonstrating that the path to samadhi is as natural as breathing. His teachings encourage us to integrate the insights gained from our practice into our everyday lives, weaving the grace of our experiences into the fabric of our daily routines.
Eastern Body, Western Mind: This is a book I will be returning to again and again. In this guide Anodea Judith presents a groundbreaking exploration of the chakra system that bridges Eastern wisdom and Western psychology. Judith’s insightful approach adapts the ancient teachings of chakras to contemporary issues, drawing connections between energy centers and psychological development, childhood experiences, and personal empowerment. Organized schematically, the book serves as a map for understanding individual growth through the lens of the chakra system. Each chapter delves into a specific chakra, outlining its characteristics, related childhood developmental patterns, traumas, and pathways to healing. Judith addresses vital modern social realities, including addiction, codependence, family dynamics, and sexuality, providing a comprehensive guide to achieving balance and well-being. Breathtaking work!
Worthy: This summer, make Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima a part of your reading list. In this empowering guide, Lima, who transformed her life from a Denny’s waitress to a billion-dollar entrepreneur, offers practical steps to build unshakable self-worth and combat self-doubt. With a message that resonates deeply, she emphasizes that we don’t rise to our hopes and dreams; instead, we often fall to the level of our self-worth. Worthy is a playbook for anyone who has ever struggled with feelings of inadequacy or faced the paralyzing effects of imposter syndrome. Lima’s heartfelt insights provide a roadmap to recognizing your own value and embracing who you are, allowing you to transform your relationships, career, and personal goals. If you’re ready to let go of self-doubt and reclaim your self-confidence, cause I know I am… this is a must-read experience. One last note on Worthy: Jamie Kern Lima is donating 100 percent of her author proceeds from this book to Feeding America and other programs that are dedicated to building self-worth in girls and women worldwide. Libraries are my favorite, but buying this book is a no brainer.
Your Labrador Retriever Puppy: While this one may not apply to you as it does to me, my puppy Dolly Girl is about to turn 9 months old and I’ve been reading this guide. I’ve never had a dog like her and learning all about lab puppy life has been rewarding, silly, and only a little hairy from time to time. A good sense of humor, and her adorable personality, make the chew marks on the wall OK. Not great, but OK for now.
Yoga: El Arte de la Atención: This summer, immerse yourself in Yoga: The Art of Attention by Erica Jago. It is a transformative guide that inspires motivation, creativity, and consciousness in your practice and life. This book is designed to awaken your awareness and empower you from the inside out, encouraging you to explore new expressions and discoveries within your yoga journey. Through insightful teachings and practical applications, Yoga: The Art of Attention invites you to deepen your understanding of yoga beyond the mat. It challenges you to cultivate mindfulness and presence, enhancing your practice and enriching your daily life. As you turn its pages, you'll find inspiration to innovate your movements and connect more profoundly with yourself and the world around you. Note this summer I am reading the Spanish version of the text (it is available in English and German, too). I am teaching Spanish this fall and am encouraged to learn more yoga asanas in Spanish. Perro boca abajo (downward-facing dog) is my favorite so far.
Do the Work!: This summer, consider picking up Do the Work!—a revelatory and interactive workbook designed to help readers confront and dismantle systemic racism. In a time when many feel overwhelmed by racial injustice and the weight of current events, this book offers a practical, hands-on approach to understanding and addressing these pressing issues. Filled with activities, games, illustrations, and thought-provoking conversations, Do the Work! challenges you to think critically and act effectively. From crossword puzzles that explore historical inequalities to games that debunk the myth of meritocracy, this workbook engages you in meaningful ways. It even provides scripts for tough conversations and encourages collaboration with accountability partners, offering hundreds of ideas, resources, and opportunities to make a difference. I initially worked on this workbook two summers ago after seeing W. Kamau Bell & Kate Schatz present this workbook at a local book reading, and decided to do the workbook one more time this summer. The work of discovering and owning all sorts of biases is never done. Summer is a great time of year to revisit this self-reflection.
The Knowing: OK, so there are three children’s books on this list, because I’m a school teacher and these are some of the books on our school’s summer reading list. In her debut picture book, DiFranco offers a lyrical exploration of selfhood and collective consciousness, inviting young readers to reflect on the difference between external identities and the inner essence of who we truly are. Designed to be read aloud or sung, The Knowing serves as a gentle reminder that the labels we encounter throughout life only tell part of our story. DiFranco’s heartfelt message emphasizes that beneath all those adjectives, we are pure presence—steady, shining, and impossible to define. This book is a wonderful tool for parents and caregivers to share meaningful conversations with children about identity, spirit, and love.
Packs: Be sure to check out Packs by Hannah Salyer, a captivating nonfiction picture book that celebrates the power of togetherness in the animal kingdom. This beautifully illustrated book showcases how various animals benefit from living and working in groups, from packs of wolves to schools of fish. Salyer’s absolutely stunning artwork and engaging narrative remind readers that teamwork is universal and that there is brilliance in biodiversity. The book highlights the strength found in numbers, encouraging young readers to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living beings. This inspiring book not only nurtures a sense of wonder about the natural world but also reinforces important values of collaboration and cooperation that resonate deeply in both nonhuman and human communities.
Malala’s Magic Pencil: This summer, don’t miss Malala’s Magic Pencil, the enchanting first picture book by Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. This heartfelt story, inspired by Malala’s own childhood in Pakistan, invites young readers to discover the magic that exists in the world around them. Malala shares her childhood wish for a magic pencil, which she envisioned using to create happiness and solve everyday problems. However, as she grew older, she recognized that her wishes evolved into a desire to address deeper issues facing her community and the world. Through her journey, Malala teaches children the importance of hope, hard work, and the belief that they can make a difference—even without a magic pencil. This book is not only a delightful read for younger audiences but also serves as a powerful tool for encouraging discussions about resilience and the importance of dreaming BIG. With its simple yet profound message, this book is sure to inspire and uplift readers of all ages.
I encourage you to grab your book (or a new one listed above), find a cozy spot, and delve into stories that uplift, inspire, and connect us to the essence of summer— after all, it is a time for rest, relaxation, and recharge. Have any summer reads that you want to add to the list above? Share in the comments below.
See you on the mat.
Namaste, Meaghan
