With more of us sheltering at home these days, there’s more time at our disposal to read the books we’ve always wanted to read. Whether you made a commitment to yourself as part of your New Years’ Resolutions or you simply just want to escape to another world, reading is one of the best things that you can do for your wellbeing.
When people read, not only are they actively improving their memory and empathy, but research shows that it also makes you instantly uplifted and in a positive mood. Reading can help you check your stress levels, as well as help you deal with anxiety and depression.
And you don’t even have to read a classic with some deep moral story at the end. Anything as simple as a blog or your favorite magazine can reap huge rewards for you. And with spring finally, upon us, you may have some time for a vacation and a good book.
Self-Care for Men: How to Look Good and Feel Great by Garrett Munce
A lot of men do not take time out for self-care; this book aims to change all that. Self-care can mean a lot of things to different people. To some, self-care means taking leisurely showers, working out, or a trip to their favorite barber.
Self-care can also mean taking time to unplug, ditching alcohol, and adding relaxation techniques such as meditation to one’s routine. whatever it may mean to you, self-care is something a lot of men ignore.
This book was written to encourage men to start a self-care practice for themselves. It shares with readers an array of ways that they can care for themselves without denting one’s wallet. This book covers every facet of self-care for men from skincare and spa treatments to mental awareness and health.
All Adults Here: A Novel by Emma Straub
As far as family dramas go, this book has it all. This New York Times Bestseller by Straub features a widowed almost 70-year-old mother of three based out of upstate New York. She witnesses an accident that causes her to make a promise to live a more honest life. This is a story surrounding the drama of modern families and everything that they have to grapple with in life.
Perfectly timed for spring, this page-turner will make you think critically about what brings families together and what ultimately causes their separation. If you are looking for a small-scale American drama-based book, then you cannot go wrong with this one.
Wine Girl: The Obstacles, Humiliations, and Triumphs of America’s Youngest Sommelier by Victoria James
If you consider yourself a foodie or love wine, then you will have a very tough time putting this one down. This book features the triumphs and tribulations of Victoria James in her career as one of the most highly sought-after Sommeliers. James was only 21 years old when she became the youngest sommelier to work at a Michelin-starred restaurant; an aspiration of many world-class chefs and sommeliers.
Catering to some of the richest individuals, it would appear as though she was living the ultimate dream. However, after some time, she was soon exposed to the dark side of such a high-profile job. What was once the dream job in the wine industry turned out to be a world characterized by harassment and discrimination in an industry with very few women. This memoir traces James’ incredible journey to the top of her field and all the obstacles that came with her journey.
The Wedding Dress: A Novel by Danielle Steel
Danielle Steel is an institution in the world of romance novels that don’t need an introduction. This novel details the life of 4 generations of women in one family. Steel covers the lives of each of the 4 women in their various periods with great detail uncovering truths that are both inspiring and heartbreaking.
Through all the changes over the years, the wedding dress made in Paris of 1928 is passed down from one woman to the next. The dress represents different hopes and dreams for each woman as they start their married lives with different men. Written by one of the world’s most renowned romance writers, this book will not disappoint.
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
What would a Spring reading list be without at least one sci-fi novel? The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells is one of those classics that was way ahead of its time, as the best sci-fi novels usually are. The War of the Worlds features an alien invasion of Martians who arrive on Earth intent on feeding on human victims and causing havoc on the planet.
But the Aliens along with their red earth-destroying seaweed stand no chance when a hero arises. Plus, the earth and its people are a lot more resilient than these aliens realize. This book was later adapted by Orson Welles for his popular 1938 radio drama. Other filmmakers have also used this book as inspiration over the years.
Even though The War of the Worlds is more than 100 years old, it is still one of those cult classics that never go out of style. So much so that it was even listed in CoolThingsChicago’s Best Sci-Fi books of 2021.
Final Thoughts
Spring is on the horizon and it appears that it is going to be yet another unusual spring thanks to the pandemic. In a world where everything has been turned upside down by this contagion, a steady stream of great reads is one of the only few things that has remained constant.
So whether you are planning a short road trip or are planning to stay sheltered in place, you will need a good book to keep your mind occupied. Cozy up in your favorite spot at your local coffee shop, solo at any open restaurants, or while snacking in between a freshly washed pile of laundry with any one of these reads shared above. Thanks us later.
