My Summer Reading Picks

August 7, 2025
by Cara

School/Life Balance

At the start of the year, I made a resolution to read more – at least one book a month. A couple of years ago, I bought two trending books, but they ended up just sitting untouched on my desk. Between school, work, and extracurriculars, I rarely found the time to sit down and read.

This year, however, I made it a priority to set aside time to read. As a result, I’ve read 8 books between spring and summer. Each one has left me with something valuable –  whether it was a new skill, a life lesson, stress management tools, or better self-awareness. If you’re looking for something new to read, here are some I recommend. 

1. The Comfort Zone by Kristen Butler

This was one of those books I bought years ago, but I’m glad I didn’t ignore it any longer. It challenges the common belief that we need to step outside of our comfort zones to thrive, and instead argues that your comfort zone is the powerhouse for growth. Inside your comfort zone, you can focus on your strengths and passions, boosting both motivation and confidence. That doesn’t mean never stepping out, just doing it thoughtfully so you adapt without stress. Simply put, setting small achievable goals. The diagrams, mindfulness exercises, and journal prompts included throughout the book not only helped me retain the concepts but also gave me tools to refer to whenever I find myself outside my comfort zone.

2. Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson

 

Part of what drew me to this book was its funny title, but also its focus on communication and personality types. It classifies people into four colors – red, yellow, green, blue – which represent different ways of thinking, feeling, perceiving, reacting, and being productive. The main takeaway is that if you want to connect better with others, you need to adjust how you communicate based on their style, not just your own. It really helped me recognize my habits and the ways in which I interact with others, both personally and professionally.

3. Dharma Is Everywhere by Revs. Bob and Patti Oshita

 

I grew up Buddhist, and this book is a collection of messages from two retired reverends at my church, shared during their time serving the California State Assembly. Being away from my local temple, this book has given me a comforting sense of home. I could picture myself seated in the hondo (main hall), surrounded by the sweet fragrance of burning incense, with my head bowed, eyes shut, and hands pressed together in reverence for the reverend’s speech. Each message is heart-felt and thought-provoking, and I often return to certain ones when I’m facing situations similar to what Rev. Bob and Patti experienced, using their reflections to help me find a solution.

4. The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

 

I’m halfway through this book, and I like that it’s written as a discussion between a philosopher and a young man, which makes me feel like I’m right there listening to their conversation. It breaks down theories from Adlerian psychology and focuses on the notion that we aren’t trapped by our past but shaped by the goals we pursue. So far, it’s helped me realize how much I’ve let others’ opinions affect me, and why it’s important to stay true to myself.

Taking the time to read has cultivated a lot of meaning and self-growth for me. I hope one of these books can do the same for you. Happy reading!

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