Six Books Sophie Can’t Put Down this Summer

Guest post from Sophie Uliano

Ah, summer reading. Honestly, a good book on a sunny day is my happy place. I’ll read anywhere—beach, pool, car waiting for my daughter—you name it, I’ve probably got a book right next to me.

And while I love a trashy romance or a fictional bestseller to get me through the heat, this summer, I’m setting a goal to read more non-fiction. Lately, I’ve found myself gravitating more and more towards materials that will teach me something new (this goes hand-in-hand with going back to school for my PhD).

Sophie Uliano-Approved Summer Reading

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

This is one of my favorite inspirational books of recent years. It’s a wonderful nightstand book to dig into whenever you are in need of a bit of magic to lift you up!

The War Of Art: Break Through The Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

This book isn’t particularly new, but it’s worth owning a copy. It absolutely changed my approach to resistance, and helped me identify how this monkey on my shoulder, this voice, can rather-too-easily hold me back. It’s an easy read because each short chapter is a stand alone, and packs a pretty powerful punch. If you are a bit stuck creatively, or having trouble starting, or seeing a project through, this is a MUST read.

Dying To Be Me and What If This Is Heaven? by Anita Moorjani

I love this woman. I’ve sat and had a long discussion with her over tea, and found her to be charming, honest, self-deprecating, and the real thing. When I say “real thing”, I mean that I really believe and trust her. I find some authors in the New Age space a little woo woo or insincere, but despite Anita’s unbelievable journey, you literally feel as if you’re talking to the girl next door over a cuppa! Her books are deeply moving, inspiring, and leave will leave you feeling full of hope.

The Whole Foods Diet by John Mackey

This is a really well-written and researched book by the CEO of Whole Foods Market. I thoroughly enjoyed this intelligent read, where he pops in contributions from Wellness Giants across the board. This book also makes it really easy to transition to a whole food plant-based diet by way of a weekly eating plan, and recipes.

How Not To Die by Dr. Michael Greger

This book is still a best-seller!!! And there’s reason why. Dr. Michael Greger is one of the few doctors and researchers who looks performs a meta-analysis of all the latest scientific research pertaining to nutrition. In this powerful book, he takes you through all the major diseases that are prevalent in developed countries, and how to side step them by way of nutrition and exercise. A brilliant book.

The Cheese Trap: How Breaking A Surprising Addiction Will Help You Lose Weight, Gain Energy, and Get Healthy by Dr. Neal Barnard

I recently heard Dr. Barnard on a podcast, where he talked for an hour about this book. Much like Dr. Greger, his credentials are stellar, and his advice it to be trusted. In this book, he delves into the world of cheese, and explains why and how so many people are addicted to the stuff. All I can say is that after this read, you’ll definitely be heading to the “alternative” cheese section of your local health food store. And mercifully, there are now a lot of amazing choices.