It’s time to kick off the summer 2021 vacation season. For most people, the furthest they traveled from home last summer was to an essential business or a local park. This year, however, travel restrictions and lockdowns have been lifted in many areas, thanks to compliance with local mandates and vaccine availability.
How do you want to spend your summer? Whether you plan to travel or explore your own backyard, make sure reading is on your to-do list. Here are some books — all printed on Domtar publishing paper — that can inspire your summer 2021 reading list.
If you’re planning to relax and reflect by the water …
Note to Self: Inspiring Words from Inspiring People by Gayle King
CBS This Morning cohost Gayle King shares her favorite inspiring letters from the show’s Note to Self segment, including essays from Oprah, Russell Brand, Tracy Morgan, Tammy Duckworth and Maya Angelou. Get ready to be inspired and encouraged.
Dandelion by Gabbie Hanna
Author, illustrator and musician Gabbie Hanna shares a collection of poetry and essays that takes you through the inner workings of her mind. It’s a journey of self-loathing, self-reflection and, ultimately, self-acceptance.
If you like spending time in the woods …
How to Stay Alive in the Woods by Bradford Angier
This manual, first published in 1956 by wilderness survivalist Bradford Angier, provides helpful information on how to survive in the woods without a gun and with minimal supplies.
How to Eat in the Woods by Bradford Angier
If you’re going to survive in the woods, you need to know how to eat in the woods. This complementary manual to “How to Stay Alive in the Woods” provides helpful instructions for tracking, trapping, killing and preparing game; fishing and preparing your catch; recognizing edible flora; and finding potable water.
If you want to laugh or learn about fascinating people …
Is This Anything? by Jerry Seinfeld
The award-winning comedian, star of his own sitcom and host of “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” has written his own material since 1975 — and he has saved everything. In this book, he shares his favorite material, decade by decade.
The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer
In “The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo,” Emmy Award-winning comedian, actress and writer Amy Schumer shares a candid collection of essays that share the experiences that shaped who she is — a woman with the courage to bare her soul to stand up for what she believes in while also making us laugh.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Alright, alright, alright! This Academy Award winner, professor and now-aspiring politician escaped to the desert to write his memoir, which shares his story and lessons learned during his 50-year life.
The Answer Is…Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek
The late Jeopardy! host published this memoir in 2020 prior to his death, which was caused by pancreatic cancer. In the book, Trebek shares thoughts and wisdom on a variety of topics while reflecting on his life.
If you plan to explore the world through your Spotify® or iTunes® playlists, consider these books …
Paul Simon: The Life by Robert Hilburn
Hilburn conducted in-depth interviews with many of Paul Simon’s friends, family, colleagues and others — including ex-wives Carrie Fisher and Peggy Harper. He even penetrated the inner circle of Simon’s long-reclusive muse, Kathy Chitty. The result is a deeply human account of the challenges and sacrifices of a life in music at the highest level. In the process of telling these personal stories, Hilburn documents Simon’s search for artistry and his constant struggle to protect that artistry against distractions — fame, marriage, divorce, drugs, record company interference, rejection and insecurity — that have derailed so many great pop figures.
Tina Turner: My Love Story by Tina Turner
Tina Turner — the long-reigning queen of rock ’n’ roll and living legend — sets the record straight about her illustrious career and complicated personal life in this eye-opening and compelling memoir. From her early years in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her rise to fame alongside Ike Turner and her phenomenal success in the 1980s and beyond, Turner candidly examines her personal history, from her darkest hours to her happiest moments and everything in between.
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen brings to these pages the same honesty, humor and originality found in his songs. “Born to Run” will be a revelation to anyone who has ever enjoyed Springsteen’s music, but it’s more than a memoir. It’s a book for workers and dreamers, parents and children, lovers and loners, artists and freaks — anyone who’s ever wanted to be baptized in the holy river of rock ‘n’ roll.
Once you pick a few books for your summer 2021 reading list, don’t forget to check out these downloadable reading challenges from our friends at How Life Unfolds®. Happy reading!
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