Annie, I so love your newsletter and so appreciate the work you are doing. Having Long Covid for over 3 years now, I have read 2 AMAZING books about health. I highly recommend the first book Cured for anyone dealing with a chronic condition, and the second Good Energy for EVERYONE, wishing medical students and all medical professionals, including doctors had to read this book now. Here they are: Dr. Jeffrey Rediger’s book Cured: Strengthen Your Immune System and Heal Your Life (2020) also on Audible; Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Casey Means MD, Calley Means, et al. (May 2024) also on Audible (although it is a difficult listen as it it is data-dense. Here is an interview of Dr. Casey Means with Andrew Huberman that is worth a listen to the very end. https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/dr-casey-means-transform-your-health-by-improving-metabolism-hormone-blood-sugar-regulation )
Hi Lisa. Thank you so much for these recommendations! And you kind comments about the newsletter and book. I hope it has been helpful, and I am sorry to hear about your 3-year odyssey with long COVID. I am super impressed by your deep dives into immunology/metabolic medicine science.
I have to say that North Woods was my favorite read of last year - so beautiful. I also really enjoyed James and am currently reading Master, Slave, Husband, Wife - unbelievable true story. Fury was a quick murder mystery by Michaelides. How to Solve Your Own Murder was fun. Mrs. Quinns Rise to Fame was very sweet. The Mindful Body by Ellen Langer was thought provoking. Enjoy!
An Elegant Defense ( the science of our immune system…and how it worked as shared in 4 lives of people). This was a fascinating read of the history of the science.
Hardcover books are my fav too. 😊 Nice inspiration in here. Really cool. One of my favorite 2023 books is ‘Invisible Friends’ by Jake Robinson. For those interested in the beauty of the invisible ecosystems surrounding us, I totally recommend it. He covers so much ground, from human and soil microbiomes to building microbiome-respectful architectures. Pretty exciting! I started a few days ago 'What your food ate" by David Montgomery and Anne Biklé. It is a deep dive into the world of soil health and regenerative agriculture. More on my impressions soon! 😌 Happy Summer.🌞
I just finished Table for Two this weekend. I don’t normally reach short stories, but this was a gift and turned out to be such a great book! When I got to the Novella at the end of the book about Eve’s travels to LA, I had to pause and re-read The Rules of Civility to remember where Eve’s story left off. That’s also a really terrific book and I would recommend it if you haven’t read it.
This is great! My TBR pile is always growing! I recently read The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lisa Love Hardin. An amazing memoir about addiction, recovery and healing.
And The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. A tale of walking 630 miles along the South West Coast Path of England. Homeless, almost penniless and struggling with a fatal neurological disease. I go back and forth between paper books and my kindle for travel.
Just finished “The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America” by Christopher Gotham. What an incredible story of fortitude!
And if that book suits your fancy, “A Woman of No Importance” is another true story that highlights a woman who overcame unbelievable obstacles to become an essential asset during WWII. I couldn’t put it down!
I love to read but don't ever get the time to sit and read visually so I listen to my books on audible when I am walking. Here are a few of the books I have enjoyed recently
The backyard bird chronicles by Amy Tan
Table for Two - amor towle (love this author)
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
The Porcelain Moon by Janie Chang
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
An immense world by Ed Yong
How Not to Age by Michael Greger
Just a few of many - am reading the Women by Kristin Hannah right now
What an incredible list Karen! I started The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store but couldn't get into. Perhaps it deserves another try. I wish I could read the Covenant of Water again for the first time.
I am reading in hard cover: Still Life/Sarah Winman ( Good Morning America book Pick). Definitely portrays Italy! It is about the human spirit, Love of art, love of strangers, love of a good glass Of Italian wine and pasta.... love ... love ..love and then I will Jump into The Women/ Krsitin Hannah.. fellow readers are raving! .. about the nurses during The Vietnam War
I agree that reading a hardcover book is a nicer experience tha an ebook. However, when traveling, I love my Kindle. As middle school teacher, it's interesting that kids seem to prefer physical books too.
Here my "top 5 books of 2024" so far.
Cold Victory, Karl Marlantes
I devour books about WWII and the Holocaust, but I knew little about the role of Finland at this time. It's fascinating, and the characters are deep and strong.
The Women, Kristin Hannah
An excellent story about the role of women in the Vietnam War, and so much more!
Real Americans, Rachel Khong
A novel of American identity that spans three generations in one family, and asks: What makes us who we are? And how inevitable are our futures? It's a story of class and striving, race and visibility, and family and inheritance.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zebin
It's the story of Sadie and Samson, two friends united by a love of video games who turn it into a successful business, with the help of their friend Marx. Even if you don't give a whip about video games (as I don't) the character are so well developed and interesting.
Tom Lake, Ann Patchett
A book about family, relationships and growing up. Anything Ann Patchett writes is great!
Best,
Meg
PS - Thanks for The North Wood recommendation. I have the book in my to-be-read pile.
Hi Annie! I am reading a number of books right now - I just finished a paperback copy of Louise Penny's The Brutal Telling" (#5 in the Inspector Gamache series) and immediately started #6, "Bury Your Dead" on my kindle. I go back and forth between digital and paper - still preferring paper, but my eyes are liking the Kindle better (might need some new glasses :)). I love the Gamache series and there are 18 or 19 of them, so plenty to keep things going. Louise Penny's got me hooked with how well-written they are (especially from 5 on). I'm also reading "Fluke" by Brian Klaas (paper), a nonfictional exploration of the world being a result of happenstance or of consequence or a bit of both. It's a thought provoking and quick read. Next up will be "Women Rowing North" by Mary Pipher, focusing on flourishing as we age (Kindle). And then "Strongmen - Mussolini to the Present" by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, it delves in to authoritarian rulers and how they come to power and what it means for us as nations and the world (paperback). I'll have to find something a little lighter after that! Perhaps a suggestion from you or others here!
I love murder mysteries! Reading “The Second Stranger” by Martin Griffin…it’s a thriller! Next on my list “The Zoo Keeper’s Wife” by Diane Ackerman, then, “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson and I’m wading in and out of “Fermenting Made Simple” by Emillie Parrish.
Annie, I so love your newsletter and so appreciate the work you are doing. Having Long Covid for over 3 years now, I have read 2 AMAZING books about health. I highly recommend the first book Cured for anyone dealing with a chronic condition, and the second Good Energy for EVERYONE, wishing medical students and all medical professionals, including doctors had to read this book now. Here they are: Dr. Jeffrey Rediger’s book Cured: Strengthen Your Immune System and Heal Your Life (2020) also on Audible; Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Casey Means MD, Calley Means, et al. (May 2024) also on Audible (although it is a difficult listen as it it is data-dense. Here is an interview of Dr. Casey Means with Andrew Huberman that is worth a listen to the very end. https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/dr-casey-means-transform-your-health-by-improving-metabolism-hormone-blood-sugar-regulation )
Hi Lisa. Thank you so much for these recommendations! And you kind comments about the newsletter and book. I hope it has been helpful, and I am sorry to hear about your 3-year odyssey with long COVID. I am super impressed by your deep dives into immunology/metabolic medicine science.
Hi Annie!
I have to say that North Woods was my favorite read of last year - so beautiful. I also really enjoyed James and am currently reading Master, Slave, Husband, Wife - unbelievable true story. Fury was a quick murder mystery by Michaelides. How to Solve Your Own Murder was fun. Mrs. Quinns Rise to Fame was very sweet. The Mindful Body by Ellen Langer was thought provoking. Enjoy!
These are wonderful recommendations, Carolyn. Thank you!
Best book I’ve read this summer is Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Awesome, deep. Beautifully written!
A few favorites…
Beautiful Ruins ( on the coast of Italy!)
One in a Million Boy
An Elegant Defense ( the science of our immune system…and how it worked as shared in 4 lives of people). This was a fascinating read of the history of the science.
Hardcover books are my fav too. 😊 Nice inspiration in here. Really cool. One of my favorite 2023 books is ‘Invisible Friends’ by Jake Robinson. For those interested in the beauty of the invisible ecosystems surrounding us, I totally recommend it. He covers so much ground, from human and soil microbiomes to building microbiome-respectful architectures. Pretty exciting! I started a few days ago 'What your food ate" by David Montgomery and Anne Biklé. It is a deep dive into the world of soil health and regenerative agriculture. More on my impressions soon! 😌 Happy Summer.🌞
Thanks for the recommendations Fernanda! Some good ones in here!
I just finished Table for Two this weekend. I don’t normally reach short stories, but this was a gift and turned out to be such a great book! When I got to the Novella at the end of the book about Eve’s travels to LA, I had to pause and re-read The Rules of Civility to remember where Eve’s story left off. That’s also a really terrific book and I would recommend it if you haven’t read it.
Hi Tara! I loved Rules of Civility too and it was fun to find out what happens to Eve.
This is great! My TBR pile is always growing! I recently read The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lisa Love Hardin. An amazing memoir about addiction, recovery and healing.
And The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. A tale of walking 630 miles along the South West Coast Path of England. Homeless, almost penniless and struggling with a fatal neurological disease. I go back and forth between paper books and my kindle for travel.
Hi Wendy! Thanks for the recommendations. The Many Lives of Mama Love is definitely on my list.
Just finished “The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America” by Christopher Gotham. What an incredible story of fortitude!
And if that book suits your fancy, “A Woman of No Importance” is another true story that highlights a woman who overcame unbelievable obstacles to become an essential asset during WWII. I couldn’t put it down!
Both sound wonderful. On my list. Thanks Jill!
I love to read but don't ever get the time to sit and read visually so I listen to my books on audible when I am walking. Here are a few of the books I have enjoyed recently
The backyard bird chronicles by Amy Tan
Table for Two - amor towle (love this author)
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
The Porcelain Moon by Janie Chang
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
An immense world by Ed Yong
How Not to Age by Michael Greger
Just a few of many - am reading the Women by Kristin Hannah right now
Happy Reading my friends Karen
What an incredible list Karen! I started The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store but couldn't get into. Perhaps it deserves another try. I wish I could read the Covenant of Water again for the first time.
I am reading in hard cover: Still Life/Sarah Winman ( Good Morning America book Pick). Definitely portrays Italy! It is about the human spirit, Love of art, love of strangers, love of a good glass Of Italian wine and pasta.... love ... love ..love and then I will Jump into The Women/ Krsitin Hannah.. fellow readers are raving! .. about the nurses during The Vietnam War
These sound so good Laurie! I am putting them on my list too.
I loved this post and shared it with Marcia Smart(@Smartinthekitchen) who also follows you. I attend Marcia’s online cooking school.
I like the feel of a paperback book and would rather read one. I do understand how digital books are easier for people who travel a lot.
I am currently reading Atomic Habits and The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr.
Thanks Suzanne! Atomic Habits is probably worth a reread for me.
Hi Annie!
I agree that reading a hardcover book is a nicer experience tha an ebook. However, when traveling, I love my Kindle. As middle school teacher, it's interesting that kids seem to prefer physical books too.
Here my "top 5 books of 2024" so far.
Cold Victory, Karl Marlantes
I devour books about WWII and the Holocaust, but I knew little about the role of Finland at this time. It's fascinating, and the characters are deep and strong.
The Women, Kristin Hannah
An excellent story about the role of women in the Vietnam War, and so much more!
Real Americans, Rachel Khong
A novel of American identity that spans three generations in one family, and asks: What makes us who we are? And how inevitable are our futures? It's a story of class and striving, race and visibility, and family and inheritance.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zebin
It's the story of Sadie and Samson, two friends united by a love of video games who turn it into a successful business, with the help of their friend Marx. Even if you don't give a whip about video games (as I don't) the character are so well developed and interesting.
Tom Lake, Ann Patchett
A book about family, relationships and growing up. Anything Ann Patchett writes is great!
Best,
Meg
PS - Thanks for The North Wood recommendation. I have the book in my to-be-read pile.
My list has to grow because I can't leave off Colm Toibin!
Brooklyn and Long Island - JUST LOVELY!!!!
Great list Meg! I started listening to Long Island but I think it a book that is better in print.
Oh, and an audiobook - Emma Straub's "This Time Tomorrow". I really like the narrator and enjoy listening while I take my dogs for morning walks.
Hi Annie! I am reading a number of books right now - I just finished a paperback copy of Louise Penny's The Brutal Telling" (#5 in the Inspector Gamache series) and immediately started #6, "Bury Your Dead" on my kindle. I go back and forth between digital and paper - still preferring paper, but my eyes are liking the Kindle better (might need some new glasses :)). I love the Gamache series and there are 18 or 19 of them, so plenty to keep things going. Louise Penny's got me hooked with how well-written they are (especially from 5 on). I'm also reading "Fluke" by Brian Klaas (paper), a nonfictional exploration of the world being a result of happenstance or of consequence or a bit of both. It's a thought provoking and quick read. Next up will be "Women Rowing North" by Mary Pipher, focusing on flourishing as we age (Kindle). And then "Strongmen - Mussolini to the Present" by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, it delves in to authoritarian rulers and how they come to power and what it means for us as nations and the world (paperback). I'll have to find something a little lighter after that! Perhaps a suggestion from you or others here!
Hi Anna--I love how diverse your book choices are. I don't know about the Inspector Gamache series. I will have to check that out.
I love murder mysteries! Reading “The Second Stranger” by Martin Griffin…it’s a thriller! Next on my list “The Zoo Keeper’s Wife” by Diane Ackerman, then, “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson and I’m wading in and out of “Fermenting Made Simple” by Emillie Parrish.
Hi KC. The Zoo Keeper's Wife is a longtime fave of mine.
BTW. I only read books usually Hard Back but occasionally a paperback
Smart!