I have several different places that would be considered my reading places. My primary space is the middle cushion of an old, cozy couch with space on the right for the cat, and pillows and blankets available on the left. My secondary location is, of course, my bed with similar accoutrements (minus the cat). The third is the bath. Lots of bubbles and a comfy head pillow for long soaks. Additionally, when the weather cooperates, a Muskoka chair on the front porch makes itself into the rotation for reading all my books.
That leads into my advice for this month:
- Create the perfect space for reading
Nothing is more distracting than an uncomfortable reading location. Sure, we all want to look Instagram cool with a book open at a cafe, but those places can be noisy and hard to find a cozy seat. I don’t know about you, but lying on a blanket at the beach is both too sandy, and holding that book up is exhausting. But once you are settled into the perfect location, it is so easy to sink into your book.
Things to consider when setting up the perfect reading spot:
- Make sure it is distraction-free.
- Make sure you have a table or hard surface nearby for your drinks and snacks.
- Avoid sun spots that can produce glare, though try to have natural light
- Find the perfect temperature.
- Make sure you have pillows and blankets available.
- Adjust your posture and take stretch breaks frequently.
Three Books With Vibrant Settings
Lost in France by Claire Ross Dunn
What happens when you buy a house online for 1 Euro? Marlow, who is an overworked but dedicated single mom, hopes for a new start. But there are strings attached. And when she tries to get a refund, her impromptu trip ends up being a renovation project. Her teenage daughter sees this as a chance to reconnect with her estranged French father; however, she gets distracted by a cute local boy. Marlow has her own share of love troubles, suddenly finding herself having to choose between a fascinating handyman and a wealthy owner of a nearby champagne house.
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower
Emma is a young woman who has returned from the country to her inherited home in the quirky neighbourhood of St. Crispin, only to discover her ridiculous uncle has squandered away her money. Through journal entries, we listen as Emma tries to find work to improve her financial standing and how the eccentric community around her slowly draws her in. Through friendship with three very different men who see more in her than societal norms, she slowly begins to build a life of her own.
The Brink of Something Beautiful by Bobbi French
A widow tries to find a new life by helping a young, struggling pregnant girl.
Free from the marriage she never wanted, Ruby Nolan is battling both grief and guilt. After a chance encounter with a pregnant teen, Maxine sets her on a mission to help her and come to terms with her own past and regrets.
New Releases For July
If you are interested in knowing more about the above books, check out my latest post over on Substack and subscribe.
Then don’t forget to check out my previous lessons to help your reading life below.
- It’s okay to give up on a book if you just aren’t into it.
- Try a new genre.
- Audiobooks are still books.
- Do a buddy read.
- Have a book handy everywhere and anywhere.
- Track Your Reading.
- Join a Book Club.
- Join a reading challenge.
- Listen to Book Podcasts
- Try shorter books, novellas, or books of short stories.
- Read multiple books at once
- Browse Bookstores and Libraries
- Browse Reading Lists
- Do a Slow Read
- Go to an author event or listen to an interview with an author.
- Take a reading break