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It’s back! My summer reading list! The last one is from 2022, but don’t worry, I have been reading, and here is my latest list of books that have been on my shelf for some time now and are now overdue for reading.
Soon, I will be enjoying a vacation with my family, and I’ve packed the following eight books (in both Dutch and English) to read while traveling, hiking, and sightseeing.
A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern
Jacinda Ardern is the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. “A Different Kind of Power” is her autobiography from her youth and her time in politics. I am already nearing the end of this inspirational book about her adventures growing up in Te Aroha, her challenges in politics, and her experiences as a mother and Prime Minister. Many people ask her how she manages to be both a mother and a Prime Minister. I find her answer fantastic as she acknowledges the support, help, and love from everyone around her, which she calls ‘the village. Everyone should have one.
The Second Mountain by David Brooks
This is one of those books you can not rush to finish. I’ve been reading and studying The Second Mountain by David Brooks for about three months now (I am at the second Mountain now).
The book contains many stories about contributing to and serving life. This resonates closely with my life’s purpose. The first mountain is getting your career going, building relationships, earning money, and keeping up with the Joneses. As people get older, you hopefully get to the second mountain, according to David Brooks. But, you’d rather get there sooner to experience more happiness and fulfillment in life.
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
My friend, sparring partner, and business partner, Marius van Vlijmen, suggested that I read this book. I know Mel Robbins from the “Five Second Rule“. It’s a technique to motivate you to act and not stay in bed.
I tend to be overly worried about what other people say or think about me. This book not only helps me to let others be, but also to let myself be, and to have more love for myself. I am currently flipping through the book to find passages that inspire and motivate me.
Becoming You by Suzy Welsh
Suzy Welsh is featured on the podcast “A Little bit of Optimism” with Simon Sinek. She is a professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business. There, Suzy teaches a popular class called “Becoming You,” helping students live authentically as themselves.
I am eager to read “Becoming You” to learn more about finding your purpose, making your contributions, and living them. An interesting part will be Suzy’s insights on finding and living your values.
At the End of the Matinee by Keiichiro Hirano
I once met a woman on a bus in Minneapolis who was an English teacher at a high school. She is now retired and writes book reviews. She reads… a lot. Recently, I received a message from her, telling me to read “At the End of the Matinee” by Keiichiro Hirano. It was the best book she read this year and it will be my first book by a Japanese writer. It’s a beautiful love story between a guitarist and a journalist. I don’t read much fiction, but I am looking forward to this love story!
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
“Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown is not a regular book. It’s a map with beautiful photographs, quotes, and stories. This is also one of those books that you have to flip through to find passages that resonate with you. It’s a book about true connections, empathy, and compassion. It was suggested to me by Laoise, a Yoga teacher I met after giving a workshop.
Tikanga Māori by Hirini Moko Mead
I wanted this book in hardcover, but it is no longer available. I now have a digital version of Tikanga Māori by Hirini Moko Mead. It’s a book on how to live Māori (spiritual) values in today’s world and a valuable resource for my understanding of Māori Culture.
Goeroes by Stine Jensen
Finally, this is the only Dutch book on my 2025 Summer Reading List. Iris Kolthoff mentioned this book during her talk on how to deal with difficult people.
A guru is a common title for a teacher of spiritual works, according to the ECKopedia by Harold Klemp. There are many false gurus around. I hope the book by Stine will help me recognize and acknowledge the superior teacher of spiritual works.
What are you reading, or which books do you plan to read this summer? Let me know in the comment field below. The other readers of this article. and I are looking forward to reading from you!
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