Book lovers agree - there is nothing quite like spending the summer holidays relaxing with a good book. Lazy mornings snuggled in bed, at the beach stretched out under the tent to swaying gently in a hammock under a shady tree; wherever you spend your holiday, it is absolutely better with a book! With something for everyone, MiniJumbuk have gathered a list of our favourite summer reads.
Fiction: The Alice Nework - Kate Quinn
Want to lose a dat or two? Lovers of adventure and historial fiction will devour this story of Eve and Charlie, two very different women who form an unlikely bond in the search for a sommon goal - to find the truth. This fast paced, page turner is based around the real life experiences of Frenchwoman and WWI female spy, Louise de Bettignies who left her position as governess to join the British Intelligence Service and became 'Alice Dubois, Queen of Spies'.
Autobiography: The Happiest Refugee - Anh Do
Well known comdeian, artist and popular children's author Anh Do describes his memior as 'my journey from tragedy to comedy.' An inspirational read, this book tells the story of his life. From the family's narrow escape of war torn Vietnam, through the difficulties of a journey and life in a new country, to the success that he is today. This book is written with humility, reflecting the strength and love of Anh's family and his zest for life.
Self-help: The Resilience Project: Finding Happiness through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness - Hugh van Cuylenburg
Start the new year with a positive attitude. A stint volunteering in the poorest areas of northern India, set school teacher Hugh van Cuylenburg wondering - what was the reason these tremendously underprivileged children were so content and resilient? Years later, he is now running wellbeing programs for schools, sports and corporate organisations. In this book, he shares positive mental health strategies to help people become happier and more resilient, by focusing on gratitude, empathy and mindfulness every day.
Non Fiction: Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams - Matthew Walker
At MiniJumbuk, this is a topic close to our hearts! While it may be a little on the heavy side for holiday reading, author and professor of neuroscience and psychology, Matthew Walker advocates the benefits of sleep and will not be offended by those who pop it down to nod off. A fascinating insifht into the importance of our most basic need and the effects that sleep has on every aspects of our lives.
And if reading isn't your thing, it's a Podcast too!