Yes, I’ve been missing in action for the past several months. Not intentionally but by distraction.
Amidst the distractions was a list of books I had on hold at the library, all of which came due about the same time. Oh, happy bookworming!
Top four books on my nightstand right now
Outlive: The science and art of longevity by Peter Attia
Who doesn’t want to live a long life? But is your lifespan (how long you live) the same as your healthspan (the period of life spent in good health)? Attia emphasizes four areas to focus on to improve your healthspan: exercise, food and nutrition, sleep, and emotional health. He also presents a strong case for a much-needed paradigm shift that calls for moving away from reactive medicine and toward proactive medicine to maintain one’s physical and cognitive capacity, especially as we age. The complexities of longevity are real, and I’m on board with Attia’s mission, which is to take steps to prolong aliveness, not just life.
“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river.
We need to go upstream and find out why they are falling in.”
~ Bishop Desmond Tutu ~
Strive: 8 steps to find your awesome by Venus Williams
Yes, THAT Venus Williams, the highly decorated tennis player. This book intrigues me because of who Williams is as an athlete. She trains hard, manages an autoimmune condition, and continues to win in life. Williams shares the eight steps she’s discovered that help her achieve any goal she sets her mind to, including finding balance and having fun in the process. Venus’s combination of holistic and scientific approaches to diet, activities, and who and what we surround ourselves with each day sets the foundation for turning smart choices into habits that will motivate you to live your best life.
Say It Well: Find your voice, speak your mind, inspire any audience by Terry Szuplat
Why am I reading this book? Because we can all aspire to be better presenters, whether giving a speech, sharing a point of view, or honoring a loved one during a moment of celebration. The author, one of Barack Obama’s longest-serving speechwriters, shares how and why connection with your audience can be more important than the words themselves. Szuplat shares ideas for how it’s possible and necessary to speak with empathy, civility, and honesty. If you are looking to speak your mind and make your voice heard in a way that will inspire others, this book is a worthy read.
Flavor: The science of our most neglected sense by Bob Holmes
A deep and entertaining dive into the broad range of factors that can affect your ability to taste and enjoy food. Who knew that cake tastes sweetest on a white plate? Or that language limits our ability to experience the nuanced flavors bursting in every bite? With loss of taste and smell a common side-effect of COVID, understanding the intricate connection between sight, sound, smell, and other senses makes up what we describe as taste. Be prepared to have your mind and palate expanded while reading this book.
I would love to hear your thoughts about any of these juicy reads.
Happy reading!
