I did a quick count this week, and I’ve read 59 books thus far this year. I know this because I have a little notebook by my bed that I jot down each completed title in, among many other things (deep dark secrets). This helps me to pause and keep track of the books that I devour so that I can, first off, remember each book, but also look back at what time in my life I was at during that reading, and how it both absorbed and shaped those life events and emotions. It’s kind of wild when you are able to reflect on how much you loved and felt connected to a book, only to realize that it so wholly encompassed something important that was going on in your life at that time. For that reason, I’ll keep reading, writing down what I read, and sharing it with you all. These are some of my favorite books that I’ve ready over the past three months, and please feel free to share your favorites right back with me. I’m always looking for a good book recommendation 🙂

The Uninhabitable Earth – Whether you’re new to climate change and trying to get your bearings, or are looking for a thoughtfully written examination of all facets of this issue, David Wallace-Wells’ book should be your go-to. I devoured this book with both fear and hunger – fear that I am still woefully uneducated on this issue of our time, and hunger for a solution that is most certainly within reach.

Modern Love – A curated compilation of one of my favorite New York Times columns, this book manages to incur raucous laughter, tug at the heartstrings, and invoke poignant moments of self-reflection. From a treatise on the stages of ghosting to a dying wife’s letter to her spouse’s future second wife, there is something here for everyone, and this book also makes a great gift.

Genius Foods – When Max Lugavere’s mother was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, he began a deep-dive into the world of functional medicine and nutrition that resulted in this astoundingly well-researched book. There’s the right balance of detailed explanations with humor and a sense of levity – the book reads quickly, even as you’re learning massive amounts of information about how we can be eating for optimal brain, gut, and full-body health. 

Seabiscuit – This book has been on my list for a while, and there’s nothing new, buzz-worthy, or noteworthy about it aside from the fact that it’s a great piece of historical research and writing. If you’re into competitive sports, you’ll feel fueled by the minutely-detailed play-by-plays of the races that this epic horse competed and won in. 

Sourdough – This absolute treat of a book was a two-day read for me, but made me smile at every turn. I would definitely categorize it as a light read, but that made it no less enjoyable to me. I don’t know if it was the sourdough starter as the central character, or the SF food and tech scenes that came to life and felt so relatable for me, but I couldn’t put this book down. 

My Year of Rest and Relaxation – I have to say, I was quite skeptical about this read, but it ended up being one of the most humorously hyperbolic books I’ve devoured this year. It details the year that a young millennial female spent in a heavily drug-induced state in attempt to escape the world and reset her identity. The character descriptions, from her best friend to her therapist, are cruelly and riotously funny. 

Eat the City – The history of the city and the history of its cuisine collide in this story of New York’s culinary preferences. From honey, to oysters, to manischewitz, the book devotes one well-researched chapter to each treat, and chooses a person or a family’s story to carry the narrative. I came away with an even deeper appreciation of the things that I eat and drink here and what their rich history is.