4 Reads For Your Summer
Reading books is an excellent mindfulness activity that can be used to relax, unwind, and switch off. Particularly when we read fiction, we tend to fully engage the mind and imagination, momentarily pulling us away from daily stressors and lingering thoughts. By relaxing our body and distracting our mind, reading is considered to be highly effective in managing and reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety. Studies have also shown that reading has significant benefits on our brain health and mental capacity, particularly as we get older. It is seen to expand our vocabulary, increase our self awareness and understanding of others, and improve our relationships.
Like a muscle, the brain gets stronger and is able to thrive at its fullest capacity when it is actively and consistently taken care of. With enhancements to our mental and physical wellbeing, getting lost in a good book is simply a top tier leisure activity that we can be both fun and beneficial.
Straight off our bookshelf at Vitality House, we’ve comprised a list of our 4 favourite fictional novels to get lost in this summer. Whether you are on vacation, have a day off, or are taking some time to relax- you won’t want to put these books down.
Love and Virtue by Diana Reid
In a debut novel that was an Australian best seller and won several awards, this story uses a contemporary voice to explore issues of class, consent, privilege and feminism. It tells a unique story of power, sex, and feminism through the eyes of young Australian university students.
Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
A #1 New York Times best seller, this novel follows the story of a scientist in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show. Whilst incorporating themes of misogyny, feminism, family and self-worth, this story telling is remains sarcastic and humorous from beginning to end.
The Last Thing She Told Me by Linda Green
Built on themes of love and loyalty, this novel explores the cost of keeping secrets in a gripping mystery about a woman who believes she’s found the love of her life- until he disappears. Full of twists and turns, this novel is hard to put down and keeps you wanting more.
Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
An emotional, romantic mystery told through two alternating storylines from the protagonists life. One, the present day, and the other her childhood. In a compelling narrative about secrets, lies, love and choice, a woman must pick between her past and her present.