9 Books I Recommend – June 2025
“A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.”
– Samuel Johnson
Here are 7 nonfiction books and 2 novels that I’m recommending from my recent reads.
[See previously recommended books here]
NONFICTION
1. Big Dumb Eyes
Stories from a Simpler Mind
by Nate Bargatze
This is such a fun audiobook to listen to. Nate Bargatze has such self-depracating charm. This book is a collection of his quirky stories on everyday life events. I particularly enjoyed the audiobook because he reads it himself and I relate to his slow Southern drawl.
[See my full review here, “Need to Lighten Up? Big Dumb Eyes Can Help”]
2. Thirst: Poems
by Mary Oliver
I want to be a poetry reader, but alas, it doesn’t come naturally—until I tried reading this book just two pages at a time, as slowly as I could. This collection has poems about grief, love, pets, etc. I not only enjoyed it—I started to believe I might become a poetry fan after all.
3. Reset
How to Change What’s Not Working
by Dan Heath
I’ll read anything Dan Heath writes—he’s brilliant at explaining complex ideas with clarity and compelling stories. In Reset, he offers a guide for getting unstuck and making progress in whatever area you’re working on in your business life or personal life.
4. Faith
Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience
by Sharon Salzberg
This is the first full book I’ve read by Sharon Salzberg, but I’ve been reading short pieces by her for awhile now. This is an older book but its message is timeless—an exploration of faith as a healing force. I gleaned much wisdom from Sharon’s experiences. I look forward to rereading through the notes I took from it.
5. Spiritual Edge
Exploring the Boundaries and Evolution of Religion
by Joran Slane Oppelt
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Spiritual Edge, but the title intrigued me enough to request a review copy—and I’m glad I did. Although I didn’t agree with everything in it (we can say that with most any book, right?), it did spark new thoughts for me about religion, community, and how spiritual practices can evolve. The book is a mixture of essays, lectures, and prayers that Oppelt has given through the years.
6. Tea and Cake with Demons
A Buddhist Guide to Feeling Worthy
by Adreanna Limbach
This book sparked joy for me. I read it for an online book club, and we had a great discussion, with each person bringing their own “tea and cake” (I brought lemonade and a cookie) to talk about our individual “demons” (two of mine are anxiety and perfectionism). Although I’m not a Buddhist, I find wisdom in the general Buddhist philosophy about how to live a kind and meaningful life.
7. You Don’t Need to Forgive
Trauma Recovery on Your Own Terms
by Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC
The title is provocative, especially for those of us raised to believe forgiveness should come quickly and automatically. But Gregory challenges that assumption. She shows that while forgiveness can be powerful, it isn’t always necessary for healing—and it shouldn’t be rushed. This book will make you think deeper and more compassionately about how and when to forgive.
[See my full review here, “Is Forgiveness Optional? Can You Heal Without It?”]
FICTION
8. Looking for Alaska
by John Green
I’m already a John Green fan, but somehow I’d never read his 2005 debut novel until our in-person book club chose it for our June pick. We met last Sunday afternoon and had a great discussion about this YA coming-of-age novel about friendship, loss, and search for meaning.
9. There Are Rivers in the Sky
by Elif Shafak
I was curious about this novel because of its title—and since my One Word this year is Ripple, I couldn’t resist. It didn’t disappoint (I even found several ripple references). It’s a sweeping story that spans centuries and continents connecting ancient Nineveh, Victorian London, and modern-day Turkey and England through the lives of four outsiders linked by water, memory, and the poem, the Epic of Gilgamesh.
WHAT I’M READING NOW
- Algospeak
How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language
by Adam Aleksic - The Last Voyage
by Brian D. McLaren - Everybody Writes
Your New and Improved Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content
by Ann Handley - We Have Never Been Woke
The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite
by Musa al-Gharbi - How to Fall in Love with Humanity
16 Life-Changing Practices for Radical Compassion
by James ‘Fish’ Gill - 1000 Words
A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round by Jami Attenberg - The Antidote
Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking
by Oliver Burkeman
What good book have you read lately? Please share in the comments.
I’m definitely planning on reading Nate’s book as soon as I can order it, Lisa. I’m trying to spend more time reading the Bible at the moment. As always, thanks so much for the recomendations!
Very proud of you for reading poetry!! I got this book from interlibrary loan, and while it is not my favorite because it does not contain a ton of poetry, in the end, it’s really useful to help you understand poetry from a lay person’s reading perspective. And he stresses there are no reading rules. If you don’t like it, stop reading it, and move on to something that catches your breath, brings sudden insight, or touches your soul! He guarantees that the more poetry you read, this WILL happen!!! So I think that this is worth a read. If it bogs down, keep reading. It’s a useful guide. And while this is intended for the Christian, not all the poems are by Christians, and the non Christian can really benefit from it too.
Word Made Fresh: An Invitation to Poetry for the Church
xo L
https://www.amazon.com/Word-Made-Fresh-Invitation-Poetry/dp/0802883605/ref=pd_ybh_a_d_sccl_90/145-4710219-1063431?pd_rd_w=Y2PUv&content-id=amzn1.sym.67f8cf21-ade4-4299-b433-69e404eeecf1&pf_rd_p=67f8cf21-ade4-4299-b433-69e404eeecf1&pf_rd_r=MC8SXCHDGZS4JY0J5FG7&pd_rd_wg=tLwk4&pd_rd_r=202b620c-a5cf-4435-8584-263bb7ae5b8d&pd_rd_i=0802883605&psc=1
Hi, Lisa – Whenever I see your current reading lists, there are always so many books on there that I want to read too! Thank you for your concise (and excellent) reviews and recommendations!
Gosh I’ve never heard of any of these! I’ve only read a couple of John Green’s books but I really liked them.
It looks like you had a really good month of reading.
I’m always interested to see what you’re reading! I have been looking at There Are Rivers in the Sky. I will add it to my TBR!
There are some interesting looking and sounding books on that list, Lisa. I added “Tea and Cake with Demons” to my To-Be-Read list. Thanks for sharing,
You find the best books. what a wonderful list to explore. I too have been rereading Mary Oliver this year. Always love her words…
‘There are Rivers in the Sky’ speaks to me, Lisa so I will try to find it. Also, ‘Tea and Cake with Demons’. I always enjoy your book reviews.
Have a lovely weekend.
Sue L
#WeekendCoffeeShare
I’m the same way with poetry Lisa, I so want to read it and have my attention held, but so far it hasn’t happened yet.
Visiting today from Farrah’s
I’ve read and enjoyed all of John Green’s books to date. Thank you for your book reviews and weekend coffee share.
Such a great list! There Are Rivers In The Sky is in my bedside stack just waiting for me to pick it up! Soon, I promise 🙂
That is a lot of interesting recommendations! I don’t tend to read much non-fiction, as reading is my escape and fiction works better for me. I like the sound of There are Rivers in the Sky.
I’m also in awe of how many books you are currently reading!
Popping over from Book Worms Monthly.
Wow. Pinned this post, because there are several books on your list that I want to check out. Saw this post at The Crazy Little Lovebirds Link Party. My shares this time are #20 thru 23, and I hope you’ll read them.
Interesting variety of books. I’m a fan of John Green as an internet personality but have never really gotten into his books. I should try again. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I really love Elif Shafak’s books! Glad you enjoyed There Are Rivers in the Sky!
Have a great week.
“You Don’t Need to Forgive” sounds interesting to me. I agree getting there with some relationships was quite the journey.
Lisa, I love that you included a variety of books. I always enjoy visiting your blog and reading your recommendations. I often read a few from your list. Thank you for sharing with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.
You always find the most interesting nonfiction reads! I’m going to be adding Tea and Cake with Demons to my list! :] Will be looking into Everybody Writes + 1000 Words too!
Thanks for linking up with me at My Month Is Booked!
Re spiritual healing: I highly recommend The Healing Light by Agnes Sanford. It’s dated, but a joy to read. Her autobiography, Sealed Orders, is also inspiring. I doubt that either one is still in print — but worth the hunt in used bookstores or online. I used Healing Light extensively in group discussions of spiritual healing.
HI Lisa, thanks for joining us for the What’s On Your Bookshelf? link up. I can’t get into poetry but the book you have recommended might help me. I will check it out. Thank you for all the reviews. Sue L #WOYBS? x
I love Mary Oliver, as my blog subtitle implies. She’s wonderful #WOYBS
Tea and cake with Demons sounds like a book I need to read right now. Thanks for linking up.
Thanks for these reviews Lisa, it’s always good to see what you’ve been reading!