​I've read some *amazing* books lately. I mean, really top-notch. So, as we head into cooler weather and the days of curling up by the fire to read (sounds lovely, doesn't it?), I figured I'd share some of those books with you. 

This season's reading list is a bit different: I've listed a few that I've already read (since they were so good that I want to shout them from the rooftops!) and a few that I plan to read in the next couple of months...

Here's your list!

• The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh: Okay, I have to admit that this book was on one of my reading lists a few years ago, but I never read it. Then, I saw that the author had a new book come out recently (one that has gotten great reviews--see below), and it triggered my memory! So I finally read this one and wow, I'm glad I did; I could hardly put it down! It's heartbreaking and beautiful and hopeful all at the same time. A must-read if you love good fiction. 
  
  
• We Never Asked for Wings by Vanessa Diffenbaugh: As already mentioned, this is Vanessa Diffenbaugh's newest book (just came out), and like The Secret Language of Flowers, it's incredible. Both of Diffenbaugh's books explore mother-child relationships--and specifically the lives of mothers who have had rough lives and are trying to figure things out--but they do so in very different ways. Can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this one!
  
  
• Trail of Broken Wings by Sejal Badani: It's a total coincidence that two of my recently read books both have the word "wings" in the title, but weirdly enough, they do. This one is also about family dynamics and relationships, but focuses on three grown daughters from an Indian American family who are dealing with some intense issues from their past + upbringing. It's a sad, hard read, but its beautifully-written and does end on a hopeful note. 
  
  
• Rising Strong by Brene Brown: I don't think I need to say much about this one except that it's Brene Brown's new book and I love everything that she does. I haven't read this one, but plan to ASAP!
  
  
• A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age by Matt Richtel: This book was recommended to me by frequent Starr Struck Radio guest Brian, and he said it's incredible. From what I've read, it explores the impact of technology on our lives through a page-turning story (or mystery). Can't wait to read it!
  
  
• Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling: The fabulous Mind Kaling's new book, obviously. I love her, so definitely want to read this. Also, this book coming out reminded me that I never read her first book, so that's on my list again, too. 

Oh, and I should note that I recently finished one of the books that was on my Summer [Fiction] Reading List, The Life and Death of Sophie Stark, and I loved it! It's really interesting and very well-written. Highly recommend.

What have you been reading lately? What's on your fall list?

Have fun diving into these books! I know I plan to ;) 

I am over the moon to announce that my very first eBook, How to Earn a Living Teaching Yoga: A Business Guide for Yoga Teachers is now officially available! 

To all who pre-ordered: check your inbox for your download link (and thanks again for your early support!). For all who didn't get a chance to pre-order, you can buy + download instantly starting today :) 

I am 100% serious when I say that this is the book that I wanted to read when I first decided to become a yoga teacher, but couldn't find anywhere; It's an honest and straightforward glimpse into what it looks + feels like to teach yoga as a primary source of income.  

It covers the following topics in depth: 

• NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: My career journey + yoga teaching story 
• BEFORE YOU CAN TEACH: Teacher training + the experience of being a new teacher
• HOW TO GET TEACHING JOBS {GROUP CLASSES}: What you need to know to teach in yoga studios, gyms, apartment buildings, schools + colleges, corporate settings, and when creating your own classes
• THE LOGISTICS OF TEACHING YOGA: Payment structures, asking for a raise, setting your own rates, student populations, policies + forms, + more!
• OTHER WAYS TO MAKE MONEY TEACHING YOGA {BEYOND GROUP CLASSES}: What you need to know about teaching private clients, workshops, retreats, and leading teacher training sessions
• FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME? Calculate how many classes you need to teach to support your lifestyle
• BECOMING THE BEST TEACHER YOU CAN BE: Continuing education, connecting with your students, playlists, providing an enhances sensory experience, assists and adjustments
• TIME MANAGEMENT + LIFE BALANCE: Self-explanatory, we all need help with this!
• BUILDING YOUR BRAND AS A TEACHER: Visual identity, online home, social media presence, growing your mailing list, and marketing yourself
• THE ADMIN SIDE OF THINGS: Liability issues, accounting, benefits (or lack thereof), and Yoga Alliance basics
• ADVICE FROM FULL-TIME TEACHERS: Wisdom from a bunch of full-time teachers including Elena Brower, Kathryn Budig, Stephanie Snyder, + more! 
• TOOLS + RESOURCES: Books, online resources, and sample docs just for you
• FINAL WORDS

If you're interested in getting a sneak peak before you order, you can download a sample here.

Also, as a part of my eBook celebration, I'm hosting a giveaway today! All who purchase the book this week--anytime between today and 11:59pm Friday--will be entered to win the following (and all who pre-ordered will be automatically entered, of course!): 

• Sakroots Yoga Mat Bag: Sakroots is a gallery of colorful & original art featured on bags, shoes, tech, wristlets & wallets, travel, stationery, home, active, and jewelry appealing to the artist, musician and nature lover in all of us.
  

• 8-Pack of Yoga Pose Greeting Cards from my Etsy Shop: You choose the cards you want me to include (can be a combo of any/all cards available in my shop).

*The giveaway winner will be announced on the blog on Monday, August 10th. Must order by 11:59pm on Friday, August 7th to be entered to win. 

If you want to learn more about this new offering, head on over to my eBook page. If you're ready to buy, you can do so below:

Thanks again for your constant support in all of my endeavors! 

Today is the final installment of my 3-part summer reading series. If you missed the first two installments, you can go back and check out Part 1: Fiction Books + Part 2: Non-Fiction Books. 

This week, we're tackling yoga + mindfulness books, or, 6 books that I think every yogi should read at some point. This list is slightly different than past lists because it is composed of books that I have read and highly recommend, instead of books that I want to read in the future. 

Also, this is the perfect place to tell you that my *very first* eBook, How to Earn a Living Teaching Yoga, is now available for pre-order + is included in this roundup (!).  The book will be available starting Monday, August 3rd, and all who pre-order will receive a link to download their copy that day. 

Why pre-order before August 3rd? Because if you do, you will also receive a bonus chapter entitled "10 Action Steps You Can Take Right Now to Start Building a Profitable Yoga Business."  Visit my How to Earn a Living Teaching Yoga eBook page to learn lots more.

Now lets get to the reading list! Here we go--yoga + meditation books that I recommend to YOU:

• Living Your Yoga: Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life by Judith Lasater: Written by the First Lady of Yoga in the US, this book is a very basic, very accessible guide for how to take your yoga off of the mat and into your life. With just one read, you'll learn all of the basics of yoga philosophy and how to apply it to your everyday. 
  
  

• Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn: If you want to learn more about mindfulness meditation, this is your guy and this is your book. Not only is it my favorite book title ever (the best!), it's also my favorite concept and one I talk about/think about all the time. 
  
  
• Happy Yoga: 7 Reasons Why There's Nothing to Worry About by Steve Ross: Although it presents as a book that's as fun and lighthearted as your favorite beach read, Happy Yoga is not fluff. Written for the modern-day yogi struggling with modern-day pressures, it's full of wisdom that is very relatable to your [my] life. Also, it's all about infusing your life + practice with joy, which is right up my alley. 
  
  
• Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion by Pema Chodron: PEMA!!!! I cannot say enough about Pema Chodron. All of her books are amazing and all of her words are so beautiful + spot on that it's almost scary. Every sentence that she writes is worth mulling over for days and her writing will change your life. Srrrrsly. 
  
  
• How to Earn a Living Teaching Yoga by Yours Truly: I know it's weird to put my own book in this mix, but I'm proud of it and if you're a yoga teacher or are thinking about wanting to teach yoga, I think it's a must-read. Honestly, it's the book that I wanted to read when I first decided to teach yoga, but since it didn't exist, I decided to write it 5 years later. I'm so excited to share it with you!
  
  
• The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T. K. V. Desikachar: I have to mention this book because it's basically required reading for yogis. It outlines a step-by-step sequence for developing a complete practice according to the age-old principles of yoga. It is not a beach read (this book is dense and takes a while to get through!), but it provides important background and history for understanding the practice of yoga at a much deeper level. 

Oh, and my very favorite reference book for yoga teachers? Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundations and Techniques by Mark Stephens. It's basically the first ever full yoga textbook and it's a MUST OWN for every teacher.

Happy summer reading, everyone! I hope the 18 books mentioned in these 3 roundups will provide you with more than enough reading material for the next 6 weeks or so... ;) 

Here we are! Part 2 of my summer reading list. Last week we talked fiction, this week, non-fiction. 

Although I don't normally read *as much* non-fiction as fiction (Reading is my refuge each night before bed, so I'm usually in the mood to dive into a good novel at that time), I'm still a huge non-fiction fan and this list has been a brewing for a while. I'm excited to finally get into it this summer!

Here are 6 non-fiction books that I plan on reading over the next few months, which I've grouped into 2 sub-categories, Memoir + Biz/Life:

MEMOIR:

• My Year with Eleanor by Noelle Hancock: The author's experience doing "one thing a day that scares you" before her 30th birthday. Supposed to be very funny and inspiring. 
  
  
• Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola: A memoir written by a former alcoholic all about her new sober life ("the life she never wanted") and discovering who she really is without the booze. 
  
  
• May I Be Happy: A Memoir of Love, Yoga, and Changing My Mind by Cyndi Lee: Written by Cyndi Lee of OM Yoga in NYC, I think the subtitle says enough about why I might want to read it ;)  

BIZ/LIFE:

• I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time by Laura Vanderkam: My time management guru has a new book out! It's already on my Kindle because I pre-ordered it, but I haven't gotten to it yet. Can't wait to devour it!
  
  
• The Four Hour Work Week: Escape 9-5, Work Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss: I feel like I've read this book because I've heard SO much about it and have read articles about/listened to podcasts with Tim Ferriss, but I've never actually read it. This summer, I will finally do so!
  
  
• Crush It!: Why NOW Is The Time To Cash In On Your Passion by Gary Vaynerchuck: Same as the above--a must for anyone doing any sort of business online and/or trying to earn a living doing what he or she loves. 

Have you read any of these books? What did you think? What non-fiction books are on your list this summer? 

Up next Tuesday: My Yoga Book Summer Reading List (which will be more of a collection of my fave yoga books for YOU to check out). Stay tuned!

Summer reading!  Hiphiphooray!  Is there anything better than reading on the beach, by the pool, in a hammock, or on a plane on your way to vacay? No, no there is not. 

So, in celebration of my love for books, my love for summer, + my love of lists, I'm doing a 3-part miniseries over the next 3 Tuesdays, focused on summer reading. We'll start with fiction this week, move onto non-fiction next week, and end with yoga books in our final installment. 

Ready? Here are the fiction books that I've got on my list this summer: 

• Etta and Otto and Russel and James: A Novel by Emma Hooper: This book came out in May, and I've already heard about/read about it in multiple places (But definitely couldn't tell you where or when). It sounds really sweet and has a focus on self-exploration + self-discovery, which is one of the things I look for in a good fiction read ;) 
  
  
• The Life and Death of Sophie Stark by Anna North: The [fictional] story of a documentary filmmaker told by those who knew her and loved her when she was alive. Again, it's gotten great reviews.
  
  
• I Take You by Eliza Kennedy: This one just sounds like a super fun beach read all about the ushe--relationships, love, marriage, and infidelity. One reviewer said it had the humor of Bridesmaids. Um, yes please! Sign me up.
  
  
• Louisa Meets Bear by Lisa Gornick: I heard about this book on an NPR Book Review, and although it sounds *pretty* twisted, it also sounds really interesting so I'm going to give it a go.  
  
  
• The Vacationers by Emma Straub: Although this book came out over a year ago, I heard a lot about it back then and somehow never read it. It was around the same time that I heard about Where'd You Go, Bernadette, which I'm finally getting around to reading now (and loving!), so I thought I should add this one to my list. Plus, it just sounds really summery, ya know? 
  
  
• Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll: Called "This summer's Girl on the Train." Enough said? 
  

What's on your summer reading list? You know I love a good book rec, so please do share!

Up next Tuesday: My Non-Fiction Summer Reading List. Can you tell how excited I am to get reading? I've got a plane ride to Peru coming up in July, so I'm starting to gear up...

Since I've already read most of the books on my Winter 2015 Reading List, I figured it was time for another roundup. 

Although I typically don't get into bed to read *quite* as early in the spring (since the days are longer), I still find that I get through quite a few books this time of year. Plus, with my flights to + from DC and Costa Rica in April and May, I think I'll have lots more time to read than usual over the next few months!

So, here's what's on my Spring List: 

• What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty: I'm actually in the middle of this book right now and it is really hard to put down. You probably know Liane Moriarty from her recent bestsellers, The Husband's Secret and Big Little Lies, and I'm finding What Alice Forgot to be equally enthralling. Definitely recommend it!
  
  
• A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler: I keep hearing about this book--it was reviewed in the NYT Sunday Book Review,  it was Amazon's "Best Book of the Month" last month, and I think I saw it in People Mag (Shhhh, don't tell anyone I read this garbage!)--so I think I need to read it. Stories about family dynamics and how they play out in different generations are always a favorite of mine, so I'm sure I'll enjoy it.
  
  
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: Another book set during WWII, when the Nazis invade France (like All The Light We Cannot See, a recent fave), The Nightingale sheds some light on the woman's side of the war and the female experience of this time period. Sounds like a must-read to me!
  
  
• The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes: After reading Moyes' Me Before You (you guys were right, it was SO sad!), I finally read One Plus One (which was on my Fall 2014 Reading List, whoops!), and I can now call myself an official Jojo Moyes fan. So, I'm making my way through her books and this one is next. It got great reviews and was a bestseller, so I have high expectations!  
  
  
• Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott: This is one of those books that I've always meant to read--and have heard mentioned like 2000 times by people I love and respect--but somehow, have never read. Thus, I want to finally read it this spring. Pretty simple. 
  
  

• Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline: Although this book has been out since early 2013, somehow I missed it and it's just recently appeared on my radar. It's a historical fiction novel about "upheaval and resilience, second chances, and unexpected friendship." It has also gotten great reviews and sounds like my kind of book. I'm excited to read it. 
  

What's on your Spring Reading List? I always love getting recommendations, so please do pass them along ;)

Happy reading--and happy spring! Hooray!!

It's been *too long* since I've posted a seasonal reading list. But guess what? I've still been reading--a lot! When it's this cold outside and it gets dark at 4:30 (FOR REAL. I'm not kidding--welcome to winter on the Cape!), I want to crawl into bed and read as early as possible. So usually, when I can, that's what I do. 

Since it has been so long since my last list, I'm going to do things a bit differently this time around: I'm sharing 5 recent reads and 5 upcoming reads (or, books on my personal reading list). Here we go!

RECENT READS:

• All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: Oh my goodness. What a book. I think this is one of the best novels I've read in a really, really long time. It's about a French Girl and a German boy whose lives come together in a very unexpected way in France during WWII. I cannot recommend it enough. Make it the next book you read and I promise, you WON'T be disappointed. 
  
  
• Still Alice by Lisa Genova: Not to be a name dropper, but I know Lisa Genova! She is a student at one of the studios where I teach and she is WONDERFUL! Also, this book is wonderful. It totally changed my perspective on Alzheimer's (particularly early-onset) and brought me to tears multiple times. Totally recommend (and can't wait to see the movie!). 
  
  
• The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters: Another great book, although I have to say, I hadn't read the description before reading it and I was shocked by the storyline! You know when that happens? When you read a book just because you've heard it mentioned in a bunch of places, but you have no idea what it's about, and then you're completely caught off guard by the story? That was me. Affairs, murder, scandal, it's all there, but in ways that you wouldn't expect. Total page-turner and I definitely recommend it! 
  
  
• Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng: A very sad and somewhat unsettling book about loss, identity, and family dynamics. I was heartbroken for the characters in this book, who are each on their own very depressing, very lonely journey while living under one same roof. Honestly, I couldn't help feeling slightly hopeless when reading it. That being said, it's beautifully written, just be prepared for it's heaviness. 
  
  
• The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd: Another WOW book, this one about the horrors of slavery from the point of view of both a slave and a daughter of the family who owns that slave. Just finished it last night and I thought it was amazing. Another that you MUST add to your list! Sue Monk Kidd, y'all, she is the real deal. 

UPCOMING READS: 

• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: I've heard that this book is this year's Gone Girl, so I'm in! Can't wait to read it. 
  
  
• The Book Thief  by Markus Zusak: This book was recommended to me ages ago, and I've heard about it in quite a few places (plus, I think they're making a movie about it?), but I never read it. On the list!  
  
  
• Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon: The subtitle of this book is, "10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative," and as someone who lives for creativity, I think that's enough for me. Can't wait to pick it up!
  
  
• Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: Honestly, I bought this because my Kindle recommended it for me and it was on sale for $3.99. Wrong reason to buy a book? Maybe, but it had good reviews and sounded like a fun read! So there you go. 
  
  
• Left Neglected by Lisa Genova: Obviously, since I loved Still Alice and I love Lisa Genova, I now want to read all of her books. This one is up next. 

What have you read lately? Any recs for me? Would love to hear them ;) 

You can peruse all of my past reading lists here.  

Happy book-hunting, fellow bibliophiles!

Okay, so here's the thing: I kind of missed out on all of this year's "beach reads." Why? Because my summer was crazy full and every time I went to the beach I either chatted with my fellow beach-goers or fell asleep. I know. 

Also, I've been reading Sophie's Choice before bed each night (when I usually do my reading), and it's quite long, quite dense, and as usual (I'm becoming a broken record), I'm quite tired at night so I usually fall asleep a few pages in. 

Thus, both of these things being said, this season's reading list is full of the "summer beach reads" that I wanted to get to this summer, but didn't.

I am happy to report, however, that I just looked back at my Spring Reading List and saw that I read all but one of the books on this list over the past 4 months! Hooray!

What's on your must-read list for fall? Have any good recommendations for me? You know I'm always looking for them...

Fall Reading List:

• One Plus One by Jojo Moyes: A "contemporary opposites attract love story" about a single mom whose life is a total mess, and who meets an unlikely romantic partner while she's cleaning his house. I hear it's really witty, really fun, and quite sweet.  
  
• #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso: I've heart SO much about this book (it's been all over the ladyblogs for months), and I think it's time I read it. Written by the CEO of Nasty Gal, it shares her story/unlikely rise to success and lots of insight for female entrepreneurs. 
  
  
• Wild by Cheryl Strayed: Okay, so I know that this book has been out forever, that it's been on the bestseller's list forever, that it was a part of Oprah's Book Club, that a movie adaptation starring Reece Witherspoon in coming out in December, and blahblahblah, but I'm finally hoping to get to it this fall. You've probably already read it, but if you haven't, perhaps join me before the movie comes out? 
  
  
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty: Another page-turner by the author of The Husband's Secret. Need I say more? I believe it's another one of those books that you'll devour in an afternoon, after sitting down to "just read a few pages..." 
  
  
• All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner: Weiner's most recent book tackles addiction, and I hear it's one of her best yet. I haven't read all of Weiner's books (just the big "hits," I guess...), but I always find them to be well-written and entertaining. 
  
  
• Friendship by Emily Gould: I'm a sucker for anything that follows female friendships as they change and develop over the years (which explains my love for SATC and GIRLS). Although I've read mixed reviews of this book, I have a feeling I'll really enjoy it, so I want to give it a try.  

Happy reading, everyone! 

Oh, and my mom is coming in town to visit today! I'm off to pick her up at the airport this afternoon, so although I will still be blogging all week, know that I might be a bit slower to respond to emails, comments, and requests ;) 

I'm almost done with The Goldfinch (a must read if you haven't read it yet!), so I'm back to thinking about books, and more specifically, pondering all of the books that I want to read this spring/summer. 

Although I still read every single night before bed, my reading pace has slowed down over the past couple of months, simply because I'm so tired when I get into bed these days that I only get through a few pages before I shut off the light. Sigh. {Is this old age?}

Anyhoopers, here's a quick list of the books that have been piling up on my nightstand/to-read list as I've slowly made my way through The Goldfinch...so many good books, so little free time to read them! Ugh! 

Spring Reading List: 

• Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler: My friend's cousin's husband wrote this book! And it's gotten raving reviews and is everywhere (there was even a review in People Mag--haha!)! The book follows a group of childhood friends from a small town in Wisconsin as they grow up, their relationships change, and they navigate the world. The NYT Book Review called it an "unmistakably American novel — and a good one." Hooray!

• Sophie's Choice by William Styron: I'm not sure this book needs an intro, since it's a classic, but somehow I've never read it. One of my friends, who is getting her PhD in English (we were English majors together in undergrad), recently gave it to me with a strong recommendation. Enough said. 

• The Opposite of Loneliness by Mariana Keegan: A book of short stories written by a 22-year old Yale Grad who died in a tragic car accident in 2012. It's been getting amazing reviews and I'm a big fan of short stories, so I'm really interested in reading it (although it's heartbreaking that the young author is no longer with us). 

•  The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd: The NPR Book Review describes this book as "the fictionalized history of the Grimké sisters, Sarah and Angelina, who were at the forefront of the abolitionist and women's rights movements, wound around the intriguing narrative of a young slave, Hetty, who was given to Sarah as an 11th birthday present." Again, I've heard only good things. 

• The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer: Another book that follows a group of young people as they grow up--this one follows them from art camp into middle age. I read a great review of this book and have heard that her character development alone is worth the read. Plus, it's about creative people making their way in the world, which you know I love ;) 

• The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty: Some of you may remember that this book was on my Fall Reading List, but sadly, I still haven't read it. There are actually a few on that list that I haven't gotten to yet, so I must revisit it this summer! 
  
  

What's on your spring reading list? Read any good books lately that I should add to my list? For more recommendations, check out my Fall Reading List and my 2013 Summer Reading List. 

Happy reading, fellow bibliophiles!

PS. HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Since we're already well into fall, I feel like this post is slightly overdue, but better late than never, right? 

I've been finding that lately, I'm just not getting as much reading done as I would like. This is mainly because I always read before bed, and I've been SO mentally and physically exhausted these days (see yesterday's announcement) that I can only read a few pages before tuning off the light and calling it a night. So, it's taken me much longer than usual to get through my most recent book, and meanwhile, my "to read list" has been growing longer and longer...

Therefore, today's reading list is simply my own personal reading list--the books that I want to tackle this fall. I'm assuming I'll have a little more time to read once I'm living on the Cape and it's freezing cold/snowy outside, so my plans are to spend a lot of this winter curled up by our fireplace (We'll have one--yay! More about that later...) with my dear Kindle. 

What's on your must-read list for fall? Have any good recommendations for me? You know I'm always looking for them...

My Fall Reading List

• We Are Water by Wally Lamb: I adore Wally Lamb and he has a new book out! I cannot wait to read it. If you haven't read She's Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True, you must. 
• How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran: Moran has been called “The UK’s answer to Tina Fey, Chelsea Handler, and Lena Dunham all rolled into one.” Done. 
• The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri: I already mentioned this book in my October Newsletter, so I won't go on and on about it, but let me just say that Lahiri is another one of my favorite authors. All of her books are worth a read and this is her latest...
• David and Goliath by Malcom Gladwell: I don't think Gladwell needs much of an explaination. If you want your mind blown and the way that you look at the world altered, read his books. This is his newest, in which he looks at how the seemingly weak often win out over those who appear stronger, and why.  It sounds fabulous. 
• The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty: Every once in a while, I need a little well-written chick lit in my life. Although this book may fall under that category, it's gotten great reviews and was Amazon's "Best Book of the Month" back in August. Therefore,  I think it's worth a shot--I'm sure I'll gobble it up in no time ;)
• The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert: The newest book by the author of Eat, Pray, Love. Although I'm somewhat skeptical about this book, I want to give it a chance. It's a historical novel about a female botanist in the 19th-century...
• The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan: Although this came out in January of 2011, I've never read it. It's the story of a relationship, told within the format of a Dictionary--very interesting and it got wonderful reviews!

I think that should be enough to get us all through the next couple of months, don't you think? Especially if I keep falling asleep early every night...

Let me know if you've ready any of these books and if so, please share your opinion! 

Happy reading :)

It's the second week in June, so you know what that means...SUMMER READING LIST TIME! Plus, since I'm fresh off of my recent vacay, one in which I read almost the entire trip, good books are on my mind ;)

As I hope you know by now, there are few things in life that I enjoy as much as a delving into a well-written book, so I'm excited to share what's on my list for this summer and a few of my recent reads/recommendations (for your summer reading list, perhaps...). 

What's on your must-read list? Have any good recommendations for me? I'm always looking for them...

My Summer Reading List

• And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini: I'm currently reading this book, and it's amazing. From the author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, Hosseini's books are a total must-read.  

• The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons: Recommended by a friend, so I'm reading it. Know nothing about it, but that won't stop me!

• The Silver Star by Jeanette Walls: The author of one of my top 5 books, The Glass Castle. Cannot wait to read her newest book (I also recommend Half Broke Horses, her other fabulous novel). 
• The Secret-Keeper by Kate Morton: Recommended by a friend who has impeccable literary taste, this one sounds juicy. I also loved another one of Morton's books, The House at Riverton. 
• Mrs. Bridge by Evan S. Connell: Not sure how I've never read this one, but I haven't! Thus, it will happen this summer. 
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: I've read this book twice in my life, but it's been a long time and I think I should read it again. Maybe before seeing the movie (that's how I usually like to do things).
• Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business by  Joy Cho and Meg Mateo Ilasco: I LOVED Blog, Inc. (see below), so this one is coming up next. I've heard great things!

Your Summer Reading List

• Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris: Please don't tell me that you aren't a David Sedaris fan. If you're not, I don't think we can be friends. This is his newest and it's just as fabulous as his others. Snarky, self-deprecating, and totally human. I heart DS. 
• Blog, Inc. by Joy Cho: A great read for bloggers--whether you're seasoned or just starting out, I definitely recommend it! I wish I'd read it when I started Starr Struck a few years ago...would have saved me TONS of time!
• The Burgess Boys: A Novel by Elizabeth Strout: I'm a recent Strout convert, and although I think her work can be difficult to get into at times, I definitely recommend The Burgess Boys. I also recently read Olive Kitteridge by Strout, but I enjoyed this work a bit more. She's a VERY talented writer, that's for sure!

• Breaking Night by Liz Murray: Um, wow. This memoir chronicles Murray's crazy difficult childhood in a home of two drug-addicted parents, and then out onto the streets as a homeless teenager, and eventually, to Harvard. It's amazing, and although heart-breaking at times, I couldn't recommend it more. 
• All 3 novels by Gillian Flynn--Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, and Dark Places: If you're looking to be freaked out a little bit, but also want to read a book that you can't put down (simply because it's so twisted and creepy!), I recommend Flynn's books. Again, don't judge me for recommending them, as they really are pretty messed up, but I thought they were entertaining reads. [Don't say I didn't warn you!]
• Middlesex: A Novel by Jeffrey Eugenides: I'd been meaning to read this for years, and finally did a few months ago. I'm a big fan of Eugenides and thought this was a very eye-opening read. At times it was somewhat upsetting and/or graphic, but again, I think it's worth it. 
• The Smart One by Jennifer Close: Oh, Jennifer Close, the author of Girls in White Dresses, a novel that I feel I  would have written if I could write as well as she can and decided to write a book about a group of girls my age. I love Jennifer Close, simply because I feel like I'm friends with all of her characters, and I think this is a really good beach or pool-side read. It's not too intense (emotionally), but I couldn't put it down. 

I hope this is enough to get you started! 

*Please note that I intentionally didn't put any yoga teaching or yoga-related books on this list, as I like summer reading books that don't feel like studying or deeper, spiritual reading (which most of my yoga-related recommendations can be). I hope this doesn't make you think I'm a bad yogi ;)

Happy reading, everyone!

Upon returning home this week, I was super excited to receive my copy of The Tranquility du Jour Daybook, an adorable, inspiration-filled planner created by the fabulous Kimberly Wilson, which, as you probably already know, is filled with my whimsical, girly watercolor illustrations :)  This book has been in-the-making for a long time, and it's truly amazing to see it come to life--I've never seen my illustrations covering any sort of bound publication before, and it's really a wonderful and exciting feeling! 

So yesterday, after my supposed root-canal-turned-just-a-few-fillings at the dentist (wooohooooo!), I returned home with a super numb mouth and a yearning to get my year organized in this precious little daybook. You can see a few pics from this fun creative process below...

Isn't it fun?!? You can pick up a copy of the Daybook on Kimberly's website, here, and can view more of the illustrations on my painting website, here.

So honored to be a part of this fun project! You'll also be able to enjoy more of my illustrations + more tranquility  in the hard-copy edition of her Tranquilologie E-Course, which will be coming out later this year ;)

Namaste!
Mary Catherine

Um, can you stand this picture!? I mean, really--isn't it simply amazing? When I came across this image on Facebook yesterday, this was my sequence of thoughts: Look at those colors!...OMG, those are books!...How did they get so many books in each color family?...I want this room!...Why don't I even have a book nook? 

As a total bibliophile and avid reader (mostly of fiction, but of all things, really...), I'm ashamed to admit that I don't have a book nook. Or even a cute little reading corner. I have lots of random book shelves throughout the apartment, lots of random books sitting on tables and counters, but not one, snuggly, just-curl-up-and-read-a-good-book nook. Granted, this is probably because we don't have a big enough apartment to have an anything nook (except somehow, we do have a Concept 2 Rower nook, which Ben squeezed into our bedroom on a whim...), but still. Every novel-loving girl should have a reading corner. So, although I'm going to file away the "book nook" wish for my "someday dream house," I am going to start pondering where I could possibly create a little reading corner or book nook for cloudy days like today. Once I put something together (probably post-wedding), I'll share it with you...

To get some ideas and a little inspiration before delving into my real to-do's for the day (sadly, not building a book nook!), I took to the interwebs to peruse some reading corner creations, and wouldn't you know, I found a bunch of gorgeous book nook ideas. Take a look at some of my favorites below:

Sigh. Only in my interior decorating dreams...

Whether you have a book nook, are also dreaming of having one, or could care less about having one, these images sure do make you want to curl up with a good read, don't they?

How can you nurture your spirit today? How can you create more space in your life for relaxation, comfort, and self care?

Definitely worth thinking about...

Namaste!
Mary Catherine

After spending a bit of time placing holds in the eBook Library online this morning (my new favorite thing!), I thought it might be about time to share my summer reading list with you. It seems that every year at this time I have an urge to put together a list of good reads for the summer--perhaps because I start dreaming about all the reading I'll be doing on the beach, on planes, and while traveling to exotic locales over the summer. Although I'm not exactly planning on heading anywhere crazy over the next few months, I am planning on getting lots of reading done, because in my mind, reading = relaxation. Wouldn't you agree? 

So anywho, here are the books that I've recently placed on hold for my Kindle. Have you read any of them? Are they good? After reading this list and getting a feel for the types of books I like, do you have any suggestions? If so, please send them along!

Summer Reading List: 

1. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James: after hearing about this book from multiple people, I feel like I have to read it. It's like any other bestselling/highly-discussed trilogy--The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Hunger Games, even Twilight (although I have to say that I only read the first one, just so I could "get" it)--I just want to be in the know and understand what people are talking about. Is that so bad? So yes, Fifty Shades of Grey has been added to my list...and I'm preparing to be slightly freaked out by it. 

2. The Way of the Happy Woman: Living the Best Year of Your Life by Sara Avant Stower: the author visited Tranquil Space earlier this year and I've heard amazing things about both the book and about her. I have the book, now I just need to read it!

3. The Financial Lives of the Poets by Jess Walter

4. Swamplandia! by Karen Russell: recommended to me by a friend who has amazing taste, so therefore, a no-brainer. Excited to read it!

5. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

6. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

7. The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht: I checked this book out a month or two ago, then got busy, and was only halfway through by the time my 21-day loan ended...sigh. So, I'm back on the list and am excited about finishing it! It was really good so far...

Recent Recommended Reads:

1. The Swan Theives: A Novel by Elizabeth Kostova: I just finished this book, and absolutely LOVED it. It helps that it contained a lot of my favorite things to read about--art (paintings!), intrigue/mystery, romance, drama, multiple time periods and points of view, and mental issues/genius (sad, I know, but I do find this interesting...), but either way, I highly recommend it!

2. The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes: a very poignant and interesting novel. Not for a casual reader, but for someone wanting a bit of an unusual character-study-type read. 

3. Last Night in Twisted River: A Novel by John Irving: as you probably know by now, I'm a big John Irving fan. Therefore, I found this novel to be great, as his novels usually are. Really interesting story that follows a man through his somewhat rocky life from childhood to adulthood. 

4. Zeitoun by Dave Eggers: after reading What is the What, I'm a TOTAL Dave Eggers convert. This book is an amazing true story that captures just one tiny snapshot of life in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina. It's heartbreaking and really helped me to see the event and the aftershock of the event more clearly. A must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about this...

What are your most recent recommended reads? Please do share!

And with that, I'll leave you with a few fun summer reading images I found on Pinterest...

Ahhh....looking forward to it!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

One of my favorite activities outside of yoga, painting, eating apples (hehe) and CrossFit, is reading. Since I haven't done a book review post since the summer, I thought I'd share a few of my recent reads today. Also, I have to say that I've recently hooked my new Kindle up to the library and it's eBook collection, and it's amazing! If you have a Kindle and haven't tried it yet, give it a go! To me, free books are always better than the ones you have to pay for ;)

Peruse my recent reads below, and please do share if you have any good recommendations for me!

_Recent Reads

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
Grade: B-
Thoughts: I enjoyed reading the book and thought that the story line was well constructed, but I actually didn't like the writing that much. I felt that the modern parts (not the flashbacks) weren't very well-written or believable, although the flashbacks felt much more realistic to me. It's recently been made into a movie, though, so I'm interested in seeing that and think it could be a great movie...

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Grade: A+
Thoughts: Amazing book. Heart-wrenching and sad--even made me cry at one point while reading it in bed--but it's really, really good and paints a very realistic portrait of Afghan history and the horrors that have occoured over the years (and how difficult it is to be a woman there). I'm a BIG fan of Khaled Hosseini (author of The Kite Runner), and definitely recommend both of his books.

_Incantation by Alice Hoffman
Grade: A-
Thoughts: Beautifully-written and again, a very sad and realistic story, this one about Jewish Spaniards living undercover in Spain in the 1500s. Sad but eye-opening and quite the page-turner. Also, it's written from a young girls perspective, so has a very interesting point of view.

Lucky by Alice Sebold
Grade: A-
Thoughts: As a true story/memoir about being raped in college, this book is a tough read. I don't recommend it to those who have a hard time reading about difficult subjects or tragedies, but I do think that it's very informative and taught me a lot about what rape victims go through after the rape. Plus, I love Alice Sebold so it was interesting to read her memoir.

And if you haven't read them yet, I have to admit that I recommend The Hunger Games series. I promise that I am NOT usually into sci-fi OR teen books (and never have been!), but they're a really fun read. They're kind of like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series--page turners, you can't put them down, and you end up reading one after another over 3 or 4 days until you're done. Might as well take the dive, as you know that they're going to be made into a movie soon and you're going to have to read them then!

Current Read

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Grade (thus far): A+
Thoughts: Although I'm only 1/4 of the way through this thick book, it's a must-read. Put it on your list! It's the story of a young boy who is born mute, and can only sign, and it is amazingly constructed and well-written. Just read it! Do it. 

Upcoming Reads/Wish List:

Happy Yoga: 7 Reasons Why There's Nothing to Worry About by Steve Ross: Gifted to me by one of my students, I hear it's great and am excited to read it!

The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht: I've been hearing about this book for months so I've put the eBook on hold. I think I'm number 89 on a wait list of about 100, so I'll tell you about it when I read it in 2013 ;)

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides: Another one that I've read many reviews about, but haven't gotten a chance to read yet. I've never read any of his books, but hear that he's great. On my list for 2012!

So what's on your reading list? What have you read recently that is a must-read? Please let me know! I'm always looking for new books and want to add lots of new books to my eBook library queue :)

Happy reading!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine