As we survive the end of winter and look forward to warm days of sunshine and flowers, many people are still feeling pretty bleak from the lack of sun. One way I cope with the winter blues is by reading books that are sure to inspire me and prepare me for the happier days ahead. I’ve done a lot of book hunting in my day, so I have tons of recommendations on what to read for an inspired spring.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
If you haven’t heard of Glennon Doyle, you’re missing out. In Untamed, Doyle touches on everything from mental health, sexuality, spirituality/religion, and raising a family. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll ‘hmmm.’ No matter what topic she’s covering, you’ll find a way to relate to this former-Christian-mommy-blogger-turned-queer-icon. Bonus tip: listen to her podcast “We Can Do Hard Things” after reading!
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert
Okay, I know your mom has already read this years ago and you might have even seen the movie, but you really need to read the book for yourself. Gilbert is an engaging and relatable writer who approaches life in an unscary way. You’ll feel less alone in your troubles when you read this, because Gilbert understands you, she’s been there. This book will definitely make you want to eat more pasta, experience more pleasure, and find your inner peace (in a non-pretentious, un-cringey way).
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
If you feel like you need to kick it into gear this spring, this book is a great way to do it. Clear offers practical habits that you can easily incorporate into your daily life. He’s done his research as well, drawing from the fields of biology, psychology, and neuroscience to back up his methods. I suggest going into this book with a specific intention (or two) in mind, and if you follow his guides you can see serious results.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
In Alderton’s memoir, the journalist and former Sunday Times columnist recounts her young adulthood and all the trials and tribulations that a woman experiences in her 20s. Adlerton uses lists, recipes, vignettes, and observations in a way that’s witty, insightful, and heartfelt. You’ll feel all the emotions––both high and low––that accompany being a young woman, and you’ll love every second of it.
Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard
You might have recently read about Chouinard, the founder of clothing brand Patagonia, as he donated all of his stock in Patagonia to fight climate change. His book is just as inspiring. Known as an ‘existential dirtbag,’ in this autobiography Chouinard shares the story of his life and how he became the head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth. Sorry to be cheesy, but this book will warm your heart and give you hope that there is indeed good in the world.
