By Alisa Neeza
Labour day is just around the corner and since it falls on a Sunday, a well-deserved break from the whirlwind of your work or studies awaits you! If you’re thinking of picking up a book to soothe your mind and body with a must-have hot beverage by your side, we have a list of books on how to relax, hobbies you could pick up, and more!
Non-fiction
1. Goodbye, Things – Fumio Sasaki
For some, cleaning is a type of meditation and there’s this sense of satisfaction that you get after tidying up your space. If you’re one of these people and love the art of minimalism, Sasaki’s Goodbye, Things is a good read for you! The Times calls Sasaki “the new king of decluttering” and they’re not wrong. His book is not only great to keep your mind at ease but it’s a life-changing guide to decluttering your life and creating space for what’s really important in your life.
Goodreads rating: 3.80/5
Goodreads reviews:
“Such a good book. This is not just about minimising. It’s about changing your whole mind frame about your stuff and stuff in general. You can also replace the word “stuff” for the word “life” in that last sentence. Since this is a book about minimalism, I don’t want to be too wordy. I just want to say that I agree with Sasaki-san that we should throw out all the superfluous stuff, and it’s all superfluous stuff. 5 stars.”
Lisa
“This book is what I have been searching for when it comes to minimalism. This book is just not about the tips and tricks 9j how to be minimalistic but on what it is and how it should be. Yes. There are actually many tips in summarised form as well as in details. The language is simple. The pictures and the references are really solid. I love how the book featured some of the best minimalist bloggers.”
Reading_Tamishly
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2. Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
Looking for a new book to encourage you to unleash your creativity in the best way possible? Gilbert’s Big Magic is your answer. As we follow her own journey to redemption, she motivates us to do the same, by embracing our curiosity and releasing unnecessary stress. We’d also learn about the attitudes and habits we need in order to unleash our creative minds to their full potential. Whether you want to embark on becoming an author or just merely want to find creative ways to handle challenges in your life, this book will help you to relax and figure things out with its composed messages.
Goodreads rating: 3.94/5
Goodreads reviews:
“The most important book a writer (or any artist) can read. It’s better than Stephen King’s “On Writing,” better than E.B. White’s “The Elements of Style” and, honestly, it’s probably better than an MFA.”
Justin Tate
“Talk about receiving the right message at the right time. Wow. Big Magic is one of the most honest discussions about the creative process that I’ve ever read. Gilbert strikes a playful and conversational tone, but make no mistake, this is all straight talk. Her no BS attitude helps do away with the unrealistic expectations and unnecessary melodrama attached to the concept of “creative living” (like how she so expertly pish poshes the tormented artist ideal). And in its place, she asks all people who feel called to create (writers, painters, musicians, whatever) to quietly and joyfully accept their creative inclinations and ideas as gifts from the universe. She reminds them to approach their creativity with curiosity and openness, with playfulness and joy—even when it’s tough, even when there is no Pulitzer, no bestseller list, no call from the Met. Own that creativity, she encourages. And also stay light with it.”
Lorilin, thegoodbug
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3. The Seat of the Soul – Gary Zukav
Zukav’s book explores a new chapter in human evolution and emphasises the importance of understanding your own motivations and actions. Thought-provoking and inspirational, this book will change the ways you view your surroundings and through his words, you might find serenity and peace in harnessing your own individual power. As the author says, nothing beats your own authentic power.
Goodreads rating: 4/5
Goodreads reviews:
“I found this book to be very thought-provoking. Several times throughout the book I found myself saying “YES” to the ideas being presented. This is one book that has masterfully combined psychology and “spiritual” psychology (“how our behaviours and activities affect the soul”). Your thoughts lead to actions and your actions lead to consequences and through this process, your soul either suffers or is strengthened. Either way, you are learning a lesson, a lesson that will help you grow mentally and spiritually. But you can choose to learn the lesson either through wisdom or through fear and doubt. At first, God throws a pebble to get your attention, then a rock, then a brick, then a brick wall. It’s better to learn the lesson through wisdom –earlier rather than later along this path. It all comes down to getting to the point of trusting yourself to make the right decision in different situations. “Trust yourself and you will know how to live” — Goethe”
Anya
“Loved this book, it hit me at the right time in my life. The words of guidance I needed.”
Chloe Kian
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4. Just Sit – Sukey and Elizabeth Novogratz
Everyone knows taking some time to meditate assuages stress or anxiety and easing these emotional tensions make us better people, be it as friends, daughters, sons, parents, or workers. Like, who doesn’t want to be the best version of themselves, right? So, if you’re searching for a beginner’s book on meditation, here’s one for you! Sukey and Elizabeth Novogratz are here to aid you, step-by-step with beautiful illustrations in this guidebook so you could find ways to combat your stress and calm your inner critic.
Goodreads rating: 3.94/4
Goodreads reviews:
“‘Just Sit’ is exactly what the subtitle says; it’s a book for those that have thought about meditating even briefly but haven’t taken the plunge. I try to meditate but for some reason, even finding five minutes in which to be quiet and do it seems hard many days. I was looking for this book for a little inspiration and this book had it in spades! The book also has a lot of tips that helped me, even as someone who is not exactly new to meditation (I just need to be better)! This book is great for those looking to start their practice or those who are looking to reinvigorate their practice. It is a great reference book and I know that I will go back to it when I need a little inspiration. It’s also a very pretty book and I love the illustrations in it!”
Meg – A Bookish Affair
“This is one of those rare books that I originally checked out from the library, but now I will go purchase!”
Kelly
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5. A Book That Takes Its Time – Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst
Do you love to doodle, draw or journal for fun? For those who love to take a breather by being creative with arts and crafts, this unique book that mixes reading and doing should be on your list! You might get overwhelmed that this is a big, hefty book but worry not as it is filled with illustrations, inspiring quotes, collaging projects, stickers, journal pages, and more! Crafty people would love to have this one-of-a-kind book by their side on their day-offs. Or, if you’re searching for a new creative hobby, this book would bring a bundle of joy to you.
Goodreads rating: 4.37/5
Goodreads reviews:
“This is really a book of joy. It is constructed in such a unique, creative and fun way. It is filled with journals, stickers, posters, cards, and all kinds of punch-outs. It is a treasure with more treasures hidden inside. You can’t get bored with it. And while you work on your mindfulness, you also work on your creativity. Because mindfulness and creativity go together. There are articles in the book that talk and teach about mindfulness. There are poems, quotes, and even recipes. And every page is accompanied by beautiful illustrations, photography, or graphics.”
Patrycja
“I had to HAVE THIS once I flipped through it at the bookstore. I couldn’t pass it up! There are so many little pop-outs and added features that make this book a unique way to explore “me time”, creativity, and mindfulness. And, of course, I took my time, and loved exploring its pages :)”
Brindi Michele
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Fiction
1. The Five People You Meet In Heaven – Mitch Albom
Poetic, moving, and encouraging – these are among the words to describe any Mitch Albom books! For those who have read and loved Tuesdays With Morrie, you’ll love The Five People You Meet in Heaven duology. In the first book, it follows Eddie, the main character who dies and he revisits five people who have meaningful connections with him on Earth. Albom beautifully wrote this book and it illuminates the questions we have about life itself: why are we here?
Goodreads rating: 3.96/5
Goodreads reviews:
“Well, I must be a sentimentalist, for I just absolutely loved it. I thought it resonated with profound emotion and insight into the human condition. Humans aren’t that complicated, but we sure do have a way of making things so. A life lived is filled to the brim of hurt feelings, misunderstandings, misplaced grudges … we carry the burden of guilt over things we had no control over to begin with. Always, we seem confused by life and our place in it, plagued by pernicious doubts about what we didn’t do, what we failed to try, to say, to give. Mitch Albom’s version of heaven is a wondrous, engaging concept – without being preachy or overtly recognizable as any particular faith. I appreciated that.”
Trudi
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2. The Next Person You Meet In Heaven – Mitch Albom
In this engaging sequel, it follows Annie, a girl who was saved by Eddie before his death. After her untimely death, they meet in heaven and recounter her life after the accident that saved her but took his life. Just like the first book, the sequel elucidates the meanings of life with a splash of romance.
Goodreads rating: 4.30/5
Goodreads reviews:
“Another thought-provoking story from a truly amazing writer!!! I have read just about all of Albom’s books and every one of them has opened my heart and left me with that feel-good vibe. This follows up on his early book The five people you meet in heaven was superbly written. Albom knows how to tap into characters that are so beautifully broken and yet have strength and depth that the reader can identify with. He continues to give me hope that there is more to life than what we know and every person that enters our life whether good or bad teaches us something and is part of our soul’s journey. If you haven’t read one of his books, I highly recommend checking out his body of work!! I’ve been a big fan since reading Tuesday’s with Morrie. Until next time Luv’s💖💋”
Kat Valentine
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3. The Midnight Library – Matt Haig
You’ve seen her everywhere on BookTok and there’s a great reason why! Haig’s The Midnight Library is one of the best sci-fi/fantasy and philosophical books out there. It explores the question, “What if you could redo your life?” We’re sure that most of us would not mind going back to fix past mistakes but through the heroine, Haig truly makes us question if we’d be happier if we made different choices in the past. Touching, mind-blowing, and enchanting, this book is perfect to get you motivated and energised to move forward in your life.
Goodreads rating: 4.06/5
Goodreads reviews:
“Okay! No more words! This is one of the best sci-fi dances with fantasy which carries additional philosophic vibes novel of the year! I LOVED IT! ( this is not kind of toasting for the book and raising your glass kind of loving it. This is more like climbing to the top of the roof and declaring your love by shouting and howling to the moon, kind of love.“
Nilufer Ozmekik
“Haig offers a touching narrative that speaks of the joys to be found in living, attained through Nora’s eyes as she tries to untangle what really matters in life, putting life in context and perspective with all its ongoing changes, complexities, and an understanding no life is perfect in itself. In some ways, this is a version of It’s A Wonderful Life, a favourite film for so many people. What I was so struck by is just how many readers might find this helpful for our lock down times, so many have suffered unbearable losses and illness, have had to face not seeing all those we love and mean so much to us, whilst being weighed down with worries and concerns about how to cope with fears regarding jobs, childcare, money and more. A beautifully nuanced novel that I am sure many will love as much as me. Highly recommended.”
Paromjit
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4. Galatea – Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller is a famous name all over the world of book lovers and if you’ve read either the heart-wrenching The Song of Achilles or the empowering Circe, you’d understand why her books deserve the hype! And her short story, “Galatea” is as beautiful as her longer narratives. It’s a beautiful retelling of an oppressed sea nymph and wife but in order to rescue her beloved daughter, she’ll do anything to break the chains of patriarchy. This bite-sized book is an amazing short read to unwind on your day off.
Goodreads rating: 3.93/5
Goodreads reviews:
“Love this writer, got to know her in the last years with her books, most well known Circe but also The Song of Achilles, love her take on ‘classical/mythical’ stories. This story is wonderful and intriguing as well. For my taste, this story could have been a full-fledged book, the storyline is very suitable. So, much too short but then again, I love short stories too. Same dark and brooding character as her other books. Loved it. Too short. Hoping for a new book by this writer soon. Recommended.”
Annet
“For a short story, “Galatea” packs a wallop! I love Greek myths but they leave out much of the mortal emotions, and this book made Galatea’s story come alive. Her character is complex, independent, smart, and even funny. I thoroughly enjoyed Madeline Miller’s fleshing-out of the relationship between Pygmalion and Galatea. Sure, she may seem better off being human… but she didn’t ask for it, and she isn’t as happy as he thought she would be. Miller explored the cracks in Pygmalion’s personality and incorporated it into this retelling, making it more believable than the “happily ever after” promised in the original. This is a sad story, but incredibly captivating and compelling.”
Michelle
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Poetry
1. Call Us What We Carry – Amanda Gormon
The 2020s did not start off well let’s be honest and many of us are still trying to find hope and a chance to heal. In light of that, Amanda Gorman threads words into sentences that will touch your hearts and provide solace. Her captivating writing draws us into a world of passion with poems that discuss grief, current issues, identity, and memory. Definitely a must-read poetry book!
Goodreads rating: 4.42/5
Goodreads reviews:
“What an astounding collection of poems! Amanda Gorman is brilliant and insightful and writes with so much clarity and passion. Her way with words is playful and yet oh so impactful. Young people like her give me hope for this world.”
Jenna
“Amanda Gorman’s poems in this collection are very timely to our current moment of pandemic and racial inequality. At one point I thought it was too much but when you get halfway in the book, Gorman starts to be more creative and experimental. She uses historical documents from a century ago to make poems and connects that time to our present moment. She does a great job with her use of images and different poem styles. It keeps you engaged and also convicted. She challenges you to think her poems are about one thing but they are about something totally different. Amazing for her first collection. I’m looking forward to what she writes next.”
Raymond
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2. A Strange and Wicked Magic – Zack Shah
Zack Shah returns to the poetry scene with his new and gorgeous book, A Strange and Wicked Magic! His beautiful and heartfelt poetry revolves around the dichotomous nature of love: how it is neither good nor bad but both: venom and nectar, poison and cure, heaven and hell. To top it all off, you’ll also get to indulge in his well-written and delightful fairytale retellings! If you love that and top-notch poetry, get your own copy to enjoy your free time.
Goodreads rating: 4.43/5
Goodreads reviews:
“Are you the kind of person who treasures weaved words, especially poetry, prose, and short stories? Do you get easily mesmerised by beautiful stanzas, rhyming, or lines with heightened imagery and emotionally impacted? If you are who I mentioned above, I urge you to give a chance to read this newly released book of Penwings, ‘A Strange & Wicked Magic’ by Zack Shah. I can guarantee, you’ll be doing yourself a favour.”
Adibah Atiqa
“The short stories at the end were a treat. I loooove fairytale retellings and I think the author did such a beautiful job retelling the stories and putting mini spins in it.”
N.F. Afrina
