Hey Readers, this summer has been one for the ages. I have gone through so much this summer and you can tell by some of my book choices seen (below). I’m here to give you a brief review of the four listed here.

It’s Called a Break-up because it’s Broken by Greg Behrendt and Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt

• This book was so helpful after my boyfriend of four years broke up with me in May. It helped to put a lot things in perspective. What do you do when you someone just breaks up with you? Personally, I read a lot about relationships and breaking up. It made feel better after reading it. Also in my naivete when your ex says you can call them after the break up, DON’T DO IT. They don’t mean it at all. Great book if you are fresh out of a break up!

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

• This book was also great because, at least, for me it built off what I learn in the previous book. This book challenged you to tap into your energy force and mainly look at the positives and take risk. It was very encouraging because it did help me do things that I would not typically do by myself or try to think of ways out. I applied for a job in another city, right after moving to my new apartment. I went to a concert solo. If you are looking for a confidence boost or way to channel your best self I would highly recommend this book!

A Lucky Child by Thomas Buergenthal

• A phenomenal book about a Jewish young boy’s life before, during, and after WWII/Holocaust. I read it for book club at the library. I could not put it down, read it in two days. This is the author’s memoir about his experience with his parents during the Holocaust. He is very succinct in his writing about the event, which I appreciate. However, he is very careful not call his experience miraculous and not completely luck. While reading this book, as the reader, all you can say he was one lucky child. The events he describes are so horrific. I still can’t get over how people can do this to one another. This spurred me to read about other groups of people affected during the Holocaust and WWII. I loved this book, if you want an intimate portrait of a family and the ingenuity of survival; Please Read!

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

• Ok, this is very silly, I was watching the new trailer for Thor 3: Ragnarok and thought to myself that looks great. I must watch Thor 1 & 2 before I see 3. Reasonable right. I thought so, but I took it one-step further and told myself I need to brush up on my Norse mythology. Thankfully, Neil Gaiman wrote a book with the major stories of Norse mythology. It was written in his style of humor and made it so easy to understand. Now I have a basic understanding. He explains how many things in our world came to be via Norse-lore. I love mythology so much it’s kind of creepy. Greek, Roman, and Egyptian mythologies I know very well. I think I will branch out into other civilizations soon like Sumerian and Mayan. Another great read from Gaiman, a very digestible mythology with lots of humor.  

You can see the evolution of my reading from the beginning of the summer to the now. From very serious–wanting self help to survivor mode, now to let’s laugh about it. It’s pretty cool to see written out.

Happy Reading!