What to Read: Summer Books

We’ve put together a list of inspiring and motivational books for the summer that will help you better understand yourself and see life from a new perspective.

Top 5 Summer Reads:

1. “The Chemistry of Calm” by Loretta Graziano Breuning
Professor at California State University, Loretta Breuning explains how the “happy hormones” (dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins) function and what role they play. She explores how our brain forms habits, why negative thoughts are hard to shake, and why our mood can fluctuate dramatically.
The book combines accessible neuroscience with practical tips and exercises that help you “retrain” your brain to activate the hormones that make you feel happy.
For example, she offers 45-day plans to form new habits and learn to stimulate happiness hormones naturally.

2. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari
Originally published in Hebrew in 2011, this international bestseller has been translated into 45 languages.
Harari examines the evolution of humans from the Stone Age to the 21st century—from early hominids to capitalism and genetic engineering.
The book draws connections between past events and modern issues, forcing the reader to rethink many assumptions about society and the world.

3. “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Ken Mogi
Japanese neuroscientist Ken Mogi introduces the philosophy of ikigai—the concept of finding meaning and joy in everyday life.
According to Mogi, everyone lives because they have ikigai, and it’s essential to discover an activity that brings you pleasure.
Ikigai doesn’t require proving anything to anyone. Success may come as a result of following your ikigai, but it’s not a necessary condition.

4. “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert
The author of Eat, Pray, Love explores the role of creativity in everyday life, where ideas come from, and how to overcome fear on the path to living your dreams.
Gilbert shares engaging personal stories and encourages readers to unlock the inner treasures they’ve been gifted by nature in order to live a rich, fulfilling life.

5. “How to Overcome Fear: 12 Demons on the Path to Freedom, Happiness, and Creativity” by Olga Solomatina
Journalist and coach Olga Solomatina discusses familiar fears—fear of change, fear of loneliness, fear of disappointing others, fear of poverty or failure, and fear of societal conflict.
She outlines each “demon” and provides practical advice for how to confront and defeat them.
“If you try, you have two options: succeed or fail. If you don’t try, there’s only one,” Solomatina writes.
She argues that these demons live only in our heads, with little connection to real life. The book provides tools to let go of fear and begin living freely and happily.