Our staff loves nutrition, but we know how important it is to step away from science and self-help to give our brains a break with fiction, fantasy, and other lighter genres. In fact, studies show that reading fiction can increase creativity, critical thinking, sleep quality, and empathy while decreasing stress.
Here are some of the books (both old and new!) that WAG Staff are loving right now that you can add to your 2024 summer reading list:
1. The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah
“I just started reading more fiction since I am always reading books related to nutrition, and I really love her writing and storytelling!” - Amy
2. The Wheel of Time Series, Robert Jordan
“I recently finished the Wheel of Time series, which took a little over a year to read (there are 14 books, and they average 826 pages each). Big commitment, but an amazing series!” - Jess
3. 7 1/2 deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, Stuart Turton
“It is the perfect blend of mystery, sci-fi, and thriller genres. The author took a common premise and made it unique in that the protagonist relives the same day but from different perspectives.” - Miranda
4. Firefly Lane, Kristin Hannah
“It’s been a while since I read it, but I loved it because it told the story of two friends who met in the 70s, and while their lives ended up being totally different, they remained good friends for many decades. It reminded me of my childhood, and I have a similar relationship with a childhood friend, so it just felt like a cozy, worn-out, very much-loved blanket when I read it.” - Pam
5. Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, Matthew Perry
“I'm an audible girl and I listen to books on my daily walks. I love reading autobiographies. My most recent listen was Matthew Perry's book Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing. I listened to it because of his passing and my love of Friends. Definitely tough to listen to knowing the outcome, but I learned a lot about him and his passion for his work and the people he loved. I also listened to Britany Spears, another really interesting book about her childhood and adult life.” - Tara
6. 1Q84, Haruki Murakami
It’s set in a dystopian world(S) in 1984. Two estranged people must find each other across time, cults, and dodgy detectives. What more could you really want?” - Rob
7. One in a Millenial: On Friendship, Feelings, Fangirls, and Fitting In, Kate Kennedy
“This one is for all my millennial girlies who have been made to think that our past obsessions with American Girl Dolls, home decor of the Live, Laugh, Love variety, and finding the perfect ‘going out out’ top are vapid and trivial. (Spoiler: they aren’t, and Kate will tell you why). I’m also big into fiction and fantasy. If you haven’t read Sarah J Maas's Throne of Glass Series, get on it! I recommend it over ACOTAR; IYKYK” - Ali
8. Fourth Wing, Rebecca Yarros
“I started The Empyrean series and, apparently, am the only male on the planet to have done so. There are some parts where I’m like, “yo, who is THIS FOR?” and there is some 50 Shades action in there, but the dragons keep me coming back!” - Josh
9. Vampire Academy, Richelle Mead
“I am into the Vampire Academy series (currently on book 4). Just like Amy, I am enjoying readings that are not related to anything related to nutrition or health!” - Alex
10. Dark Matter, Blake Crouch
“It's a really great, twisty sci-fi thriller. It is being made into a show on Apple TV+ in May. So, read it before you watch it.” - Matthew
11. The Creative Act: A Way of Being, Rick Rubin
“I have, and continue to enjoy its profound insights into the art of music production, offering inspirational guidance on nurturing creativity and cultivating a deeper connection with one's artistic endeavors. Its application reaches beyond music and into anything creative.” - Jourdan
12. Too Late, Colleen Hoover
“It’s so addictive! It's a psychological thriller, and you just want to keep reading to find out what crazy turn is coming next. I can't read it before bed, or I’ll stay up way too late!” - Brittany
13. The Seven Year Slip, Ashley Poston
“For fiction, I recommend The Seven Year Slip. If you’re into thrillers, I recommend Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson or Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins. Right now, I’m reading Fourth Wing. I'm not usually a fantasy reader, but this one has been fun and has major Hunger Games vibes” - Ellie
14. The Overstory, Richard Powers
"Humans have become all but disconnected from the natural world, and our planet is suffering for it. Braiding Sweetgrass is a wonderful reminder of the interdependence of all life and how the actions we're taking as a species, both constructive and destructive, will impact future generations." - Mitch
What books are on your summer reading list this year? Let us know in the comments below or tag us in your bookish Instagram stories @workingagainstgravity
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