One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to ready by. (Jeanette Walls).

– Desiree Panlilio

The start of summer and an opportunity for teens to unwind, relax, refocus and take a deep breath. For other teens it is racing around at a summer job or a college internship, or even starting that first job out of school. Whatever the summer looks like for your teen and for you as a family, I always feel it is an opportunity to read an extra book, sit on the beach a little later watching the sunset and spending time with those loved ones since the days are longer.
What are some great books to read over the summer….Well I often struggle with that. I enjoy reading books that challenge my perspective and I enjoy reading escape books that let me think about nothing but the story of the novel in my mind. However, I will share a few books that would be great summer reading for teens or parents. Perhaps even a family book club where you both read and discuss the same book.

One of my favorite books is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People By Stephen Covey. The book discusses values, principles, the personal mission statement and to always begin with the end in mind. I encourage you to read this book. It is one of those books that you can read and reread and learn something new or remind yourself to do better in some area of your life.

A book that all the members of my family have read is, Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! By Robert Kiyosaki. A great foundation book for beginning to improve your financial intelligence. This is great for teenagers to read as they begin to earn money or to start their first job out of college. Our copy is old and worn but a great way to start learning about money..

I really enjoy the author Philippa Gregory novels and her series about the Tudors of England. She mixes loose historical facts within her story to make her novels “believable” and entertaining. The first book in the series, The Lady of the Rivers. The intrigue of this novel encouraged me to read the series and it was entertaining and from a different era so I enjoyed it. Much like a more sinister Lady of Bridgerton series that we all watched on Netflix. So an escape from reality.
I always enjoy hearing when people reach out and share what they are reading. I enjoy reading new authors and learning new things. If you have a book I should read please share and I would enjoy the recommendation.