What I Read — June 2022
Halfway through the year (which totally does not feel like it in any way), I unconsciously gravitated towards books that helped me live my one-word theme for the year: HEALTHIER. These books left me feeling rejuvenated and excited about the the path ahead.
In 2019, I inadvertently completed the 52 books in 52 weeks challenge and have decided to attempt the same challenge from here on out… mainly because my to-read list is out of control! Normally, I’ll have a physical book and audiobook going at the same time, so for review clarity, I will put either duration or pages for the stats based on how I completed the book.
Here’s everything I enjoyed this June:
The Obesity Code
Jason Fung
Stats: Health Nonfiction, 330 pages
Quick summary
Fung debunks why age-old weight loss techniques don’t work in the long term. Citing numerous human studies in weight loss and obesity, Fung reveals that weight gain isn’t caused by calories in versus calories out (CICO), but by our hormones, particularly insulin. The book ends with practical advice on how to maintain a proper weight for your lifetime.
What I thought:
Gamechanger. I’ve been following CICO for the past two years with no success, constantly gaining and losing the same 5 pounds. By following the advice in this book of controlling insulin levels through intermittent fasting, I’ve finally stopped the cycle within three weeks. This was all achieved by simply shrinking my eating window and nothing else: calories consumed, types of food eaten, workouts, etc. have all stayed the same.
Who should read it:
Anyone wanting to learn about intermittent fasting and its benefits beyond weight loss.
Everything is Figureoutable
Marie Forleo
Stats: Nonfiction, 7 hours and 55 minutes
Quick summary
The title gives a pretty good clue on what this book is about. Whatever hurdle you’re struggling with, whether it’s reaching a milestone or leaving a situation that isn’t for you, every problem is figureoutable. The book additionally deals with overcoming doubt and imposter syndrome, reframing fear of failure and building more time to focus on your goals.
What I thought:
I added this to my list forever ago after Forleo was interviewed on the Happier podcast. I vibed with her personality. This book left me feeling empowered to conquer my goals and gave concrete steps forward, leaving me feeling like I did after reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (which I also recommend). There’s a good bit of tough love in here, which I definitely needed.
Who should read it:
People who are ready to stop planning and researching and do the damn thing already.
Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies
Tara Schuster
Stats: Nonfiction, 11 hours and 43m minutes
Quick summary
As self-described minimally parented, Schuster found herself at the top of her career but spiraling out of control on an emotional level. She stepped back and began to reparent herself through rituals that invoked gratitude, healed emotional wounds and silenced negative self-talk.
What I thought:
Part memoir, part self-help, I got the most out of the first half of the book which walks through journaling, meditation and mindset reframing. The food and exercise portion spoke a little less to me personally, but I enjoyed this recommendation from my sister-in-law.
Who should read it:
Anyone looking to improve (or start) a life of self-care and respect.
The Reading List
Sara Nisha Adams
Stats: Fiction, 380 pages
Quick summary
Murkesh has struggled to connect with his granddaughter following the passing of his beloved wife, an avid reader. Determined to form a relationship with his bookworm granddaughter, he sets off to the library to return a stray library book. There he encounters Aleisha, the teenager working at the library for the summer, struggling with her own home life, and asks her for a book recommendation. Thanks to a reading list shoved between the pages of a book, Aleisha and Murkesh develop a special bond over shared reads.
What I thought:
After having all of my heart strings tugged by A.J. Fikry in May, I was ready to love again with this Goodreads recommendation. The story was okay, but it just didn’t spark for me.
Who should read it:
People who want a warm fuzzy and maybe a few book recommendations.
Wild and Wicked Things
Francesca May
Stats: Fantasy, 464 pages
Quick summary
Following her estranged father’s death, Annie arrives in Crow Island, one of the few places turning a blind eye to magic after it’s prohibition following World War I, to settle her father’s affairs and reconnect with her childhood friend, Bea. Walking along the beach, she stumbles upon her mysterious neighbor, Emmeline, during one of their notoriously magical parties. Following a confrontation between Bea and Emmeline, Annie is swept up into a world of witchcraft, love, and blood magic that may be a matter of life and death.
What I thought:
I was ready for a slow burn, but this trickled into nothing. The author dazzled me within the first 100 pages, transporting me to Crow Island through vivid descriptions of the setting. Slowly the characters began to fizzle and the supposed romance followed illogical patterns.
Who should read it:
Will everyone just read Night Circus please? I need to discuss this with someone.