Summer is here, which means it’s a great time to soak up the sun, kick back, and get lost in a good book. Whether you’re lounging on a beach, enjoying a picnic in the park, or simply seeking an escape from the everyday hustle, I’ve got you covered with three books that I can’t stop recommending.

I recently saw an Instagram post that urged people to focus less on the number of books they read and focus more on the quality of books they read. I’ve come across many average reads lately, but the three books I’ve listed below have truly changed my life. So grab your sunglasses, find a cozy spot, and let’s dive into this literary journey together.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

“If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. Aim to be you. Aim to look and act and think like you. Aim to be the truest version of you. Embrace that you-ness. Endorse it. Love it. Work hard at it. And don’t give a second thought when people mock it or ridicule it. Most gossip is envy in disguise.”

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is an enchanting novel that takes its readers on a profound journey of self-discovery and introspection. I am still captivated by Haig’s brilliant storytelling and understanding of human emotions. At the heart of this remarkable story lies the concept of the Midnight Library, a mystical place where the main character, Nora Seed, finds herself caught between life and death. With each library book representing a different life she could have lived, Nora embarks on a soul-searching quest to uncover the true meaning of existence.

Haig’s writing is both poignant and thought-provoking, weaving together themes of regret, second chances, and the eternal pursuit of happiness. Through Nora’s journey, the author explores profound questions about the choices we make, the paths we take, and the infinite possibilities that lie before us. While reading this novel, I found myself contemplating my own life choices and reflecting on the profound impact of small moments. The Midnight Library serves as a great reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope is never truly out of reach. It teaches us the importance of embracing our flaws, pursuing our passions, and finding comfort in the connections we find along the way.

Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty

“Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness”

For years, I heard about Jay Shetty’s book, Think Like a Monk, but never took the time to read it. Boy, am I glad that I finally did. Think Like a Monk is a transformative book that offers profound insights and practical wisdom for living a purposeful and mindful life. Drawing from his personal experiences as a former monk, Shetty guides readers on a path of self-discovery and growth.

Shetty’s writing is engaging and blends ancient Eastern philosophy with modern-day challenges. He shares valuable teachings on finding peace, managing stress, and cultivating a mindset of gratitude and compassion. Through relatable anecdotes and powerful storytelling, he brings these timeless principles to life, making them applicable to our everyday lives. Throughout the book, Shetty offers practical exercises and techniques that readers can implement to enhance their focus, relationships, and overall well-being. Each chapter provides profound insights and actionable steps, making it a guidebook for personal transformation.

Think Like a Monk inspired me to incorporate mindfulness and purpose into my daily life. Shetty’s genuine desire to help others shine through, creating a profound impact on readers. Whether you’re seeking guidance on managing stress, finding inner peace, or unlocking your true potential, Think Like a Monk is a book that will leave a lasting impression and empower you to live your life with intention and purpose.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

“What is a game?” Marx said. “It’s tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow. It’s the possibility of infinite rebirth, infinite redemption. The idea is that if you keep playing, you could win. No loss is permanent because nothing is permanent, ever.”

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow is a beautifully written coming-of-age story revolving around two friends, Sadie and Sam, who develop a deep bond over their love of video games. The novel follows their friendship over nearly thirty years – from their first encounter as preteens to their college experience at Harvard to becoming creative partners in video game design. Throughout their friendship, the two experience success, fame, love, and loss. The story is thought-provoking and supports the notion that life doesn’t always go as planned.

At the root of it, this novel is a love story. While this story has aspects of romantic love, this book also covers platonic and familial love. The characters are complex and multidimensional. Their lives are messy and raw. For this reason, the characters seem very real and relatable. I also love how Gabrielle Zevin incorporated video games into the storyline. As a 90s baby and someone who grew up playing video games, this story felt very nostalgic for me. More than anything, I commend Zevin on her ability to use video games to illustrate perfectionism and escapism for the main characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an imaginative read about the human experience. Disclaimer: you do not need to like video games to appreciate this story.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? Leave it in the comments below!