Here’s my list of books that you might want to grab from the library or Amazon this summer. I have split them into categories. Enjoy my Summer Reading List 2017
Spiritual, Inspirational, and Creative Motivational Books
Wow – an incredible story of how JJ (famed for her 5 books about quitting sugar and food intolerance), got through everyone’s worse nightmare – the near death of a child. This book gives you the tools to learn how to get through practically anything. JJ believes, as do I, that only through the challenges do we find our true purpose.
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.
Nutrition & Health Books
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.
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.
Cookbooks to Invest In
Forks Over Knives – The cookbook: Over 300 Recipes for Plant-Based Eating Throughout The Year
Love this book, which sprang from the great success of Forks Over Knives movie. It’s full of easy, extremely do-able recipes, which will appeal to the whole family.
Plenty More: Vibrant Vegetable Cooking from London’s Ottolenghi
I love Ottolenghi cookbooks! They are really a treat…almost too beautiful to be thumbed and spilled over on the kitchen counter (I keep mine on the coffee table), but aside from the ravishing photographs, Ottolenghi has a talent of taking vegetables to a whole other level in the taste department. If you’re in need of a bit of imagination and/or inspiration, save up for this stunning book.
I use this cookbook every week because it makes vegan cooking simple…very simple, and easy AND so fricking delicious. I first met the authors Heather and Jenny, when I did one of their famed cooking classes at Spork Foods in L.A. I was smitten by them both immediately because of their passion, effervescence and delight when they talk about vegan food. This wonderful book, full of everyday recipes, makes vegan cookery a breeze. I recommend getting one for you, and one for someone you love.
I have followed The First Mess blog for years, and when this plant-based book came out, I was first in line. As I anticipated, the photography is mouth-watering, and the recipes…well…they make me want to race straight to the farmers market, list in hand.
Kale & Caramel: Recipes for Body, Heart, and Table by Lily Diamond
This book is SOOOOOO pretty. The design and photography is really outstanding…the kind of book you’ll want lying around to make your kitchen/living room look Instagram-worthy! But, that’s not all – Lily’s writing is beautiful, which in unique for a cookbook…it’s both deeply personal and poetic. A perfect Summer cook book.
