Summer Reading Recommendations
As the school year comes to an end and you're thinking to yourself “maybe I should read more this summer,” give these inspirational books a try! These are recommendations from one of my favorite reader friends, Sophia Behling, a rising senior from St. Olaf College in Minnesota.
Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart - Dr. James R. Doty
The life-changing story of a young boy who learns magic - aka mindfulness - as an act of kindness and compassion from a stranger. Today, Dr. Doty is the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University.
Educated - Tara Westover
The memoir of a young woman who grows up in an abusive, survivalist family in an isolated town in Idaho and goes against her family's beliefs to get an education and to learn about the world she never knew.
Becoming - Michelle Obama
The story of Michelle Obama's journey from her childhood to the start of her college career and into her professional career. She explores finding fulfillment within the balancing act of life.
Sophia is a rising senior at St. Olaf College in Minnesota studying Economics, Environmental Studies, Studio Art, and French. She enjoys coffee, reading books, traveling, and Harry Styles. One piece of advice from Sophia for rising seniors is to pick whichever major(s) or career(s) that truly interest you - success and contentment can look different for everyone.
You can reach Sophia at behlin2@stolaf.edu if you have any questions about her university or more book recommendations!