Top Shelf: Best Summer Reads, Part II

Fay posted her best summer reads few weeks ago so today it's my turn! My pace wasn't nearly as fast as I had hoped, but I did finish three good ones that I'd recommend you add to your #TBR. (Unfortunately, I read more that I wouldn't recommend.)

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller - This is a well-written book about complicated families, first love and confronting your past. I experienced a variety of emotions will reading it which is a testament to the author's captivating and descriptive characters and setting. She weaves the complicated issues of sexual abuse and infidelity into the plot without overwhelming or distracting the readers.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson - I've eyed this book for some time and I'm really glad I listened to the audiobook on my commute to work (without kids in the car)! Mason does a great job of using humor, personal reflection and research in his argument that we need to care a little less about things in life while providing a warning about the negative effects of toxic positivity. He argues that life sucks and we don't always have to "look on the bright side." We are human, and therefore are imperfect, and we need to accept that even when society tells us otherwise.

Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas - This book was recommended to me a few years ago and I've had it on my list ever since. It's a deep dive into the United State's current capitalistic and political structures that provide wealthy "do gooders" opportunities to be heroes as long as their wealth and rank aren't threatened. The author argues that these "saviors" are in fact a component of the systems that perpetuate society's greatest challenges, such as poverty and homelessness. His solution is to build a stronger democracy and institutions that represent all people so that the wealthy "do gooders" don't have the power to be the winners who take all. It's a thought-provoking read.

Have you read of these books? If so, what did you think?

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