August Reading List 2024

“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” – Jorge Luis Borges

In addition to riding over 300 km for The Great Cycle Challenge this August, I read 16 books. I have 4 months to reach my goal of 175 books this year and 60 books left to read. It is NEVER a challenge to find books that I want to read and I have been visiting the local library a lot lately to find not new, but more obsolete titles that are buried in the shelves.
How do you encourage a love of reading in children?
1. Become a reading role model EVERY day.
2. Read together – turn off the screens at least one hour before bedtime and READ!
3. Listen to audio books in the car, while cooking or cleaning, etc.
4. Visit your local library once a week.
5. Take a walk to a local Little Free Library and exchange a book.
6. Find kids that interest and excite and expand your kids creative ideas, imagination and interests.
7. Participate in a reading incentive program or create one yourself.
8. Designate a comfy and fun reading area in your home.
9. Attend local story hours or author and book events.
10. Give them books, give them shelves and teach them to treasure and organize their books.

Non-fiction
Be Your Best Self by Mike Bayer
You can journal along with this book and reflect on the seven spheres of life: social, personal, health, education, relationship, employment/purpose and spiritual.

The Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House by Nancy Pelosi
As the most visible leader in the Trump resistance, her story is one of integrity, purpose and relevance.

365 Days of Personal Growth: A Daily Journal for Productivity and Development by Everard Maclaurin
Questions for reflection and empowerment guiding you through the year.

Safe People: How to Find Relationships That Are Good for You and Avoid Those That Aren’t
by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Many of us have invested in relationships that have left us deeply wounded. How can you avoid this, read the signs and develop a balanced, healthy approach to relationships.

Smarter Not Harder: The Biohackers Guide to Getting the Mind and Body You Want by Dave Asprey
This book was a little much for me – almost too good to be true – an easy way to get healthy and get control of your life. I don’t have an organic garden in my back yard, etc. but, it is worth the read for its “little gems”.

How To Make Better Decisions: 14 Smart Tactics for Curbing Your Biases, Managing Your Emotions, and Making Fearless Decisions in Every Area of Your Life by Damon Zahariades
Lots of practical ideas and specific strategies for working through tough decisions so that you don’t get stuck and can move forward with confidence.

50 Things to Realize Before Its Too Late by Manoj Chenthamarakshan
Life teaches us little lessons every day. How mindful are we of these lessons and how do we use them to improve our lives?

FICTION
Ward D by Frieda McFadden
I like a good “poolside” read that keeps me wondering and interested. McFadden’s books do this every time.

Evidence of the Affiar by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A story written in letters – captivating and beautiful.

My Favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes
A fun read full of crazy family, community and a great love affair. The main character is expressive and fun.

All The Glimmering Stars by Mark T. Sullivan
Historical “fiction” that runs true to the story of child soldiers in Africa and tells the stories of Anthony Opoka and Florence Okori. Very moving – there are really no words for the suffering.

Someone You Trust by Rachel Ryan
A story of danger and secrets for a nanny trying to escape her past.

The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson
Can a community save both their librarian and their library?

The Inheritance by Joanna Goodman
Will the past and family differences and life choices prevent an life changing inheritance?

The Unwedding by Ally Condie
When you marriage falls apart after twenty years and you try to escape but you end up finding a body and getting trapped with a bunch of people with their own set of secrets….can you get your life back or will you die?

The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple
A “Man Called Ove” kind of story but, a very different story line – it was truly breathtaking from start to finish.