The value of reading (beyond HS English class!)

It’s been a while since I’ve written about what I’m reading. As the summer draws to a close, it seems like a good time to check in on that.

Before we get there, however, let’s talk a little bit about the value of reading. I see a lot of posts on LinkedIn: “best business books” and “10 books that are the equivalent to an MBA.” And yes, there is a huge (and obvious) value to reading for knowledge. But it’s almost like professional people are afraid to admit that they read fiction, too.

With the soft skills that are required in today’s workplace – empathy, flexibility, problem-solving, self-awareness, etc – reading fiction contributes a significant value as well! ​This 2020 HBR article​ shares more on the topic including the neuroscience behind the claim – it’s not only interesting, but is incredibly validating for a person who spends as much time reading as I do!

To be clear, I’m not going to claim that every single book I have read this year contributed just as much value to me as a professional as every other one. Some were clearly just for fun. But, I do firmly believe that reading is much more than (as my husband says ) “fake people, fake problems.” And it’s nice to see research that backs that up!

OK, back to the update. Here are the last 15 books I’ve read:

I don’t usually do reviews, especially not negative ones (to each, their own, after all) but I do want to call out a few highlights from this list:

• Happiness Falls – A close-knit family, a special needs child, and a missing father. This book’s perspective on language and communication was fascinating.
• Glimmer – I’m not a huge memoir reader, but I am leaning into them more and more these days. This one was not painful to read content-wise, but so well crafted. I loved the way the story flowed – not chronologically from beginning to end, but sort of unfolding the way real memories do – bringing them to the surface as they are relevant.
• James – Part 3, Chapter 9 was one of the most powerful pieces of writing I have ever read – or technically listened to. I listened to this one on audiobook in the car, and I think I had an audible reaction to that chapter. And the last line. 🔥
• Sandwich – If you are a middle aged woman with kids bordering on adulthood and parents entering their “more advanced” senior years, go get this book now. I happened to read it while on vacation with my two kids (and one girlfriend) and in the first few pages I actually did a double take and thought “is she writing about me?” (If you read it, you will see why.) A funny and heartwarming take on this complicated stage of our lives.
• The Serendipity of Catastrophe – This book was written by someone I met in the publishing workshop I attended. Just a regular person like you and me. It’s her first novel, she self published, and it sounded like a book I might pick up if I saw it at a bookstore, so I got a copy to support her. It was really good! If I hadn’t met the unassuming author myself, I wouldn’t have considered it any different than any other fiction that I have read this summer. It gave me hope for my own book someday!

What have you read lately that I should add to my list? Share below!