In Praise of the Annual Must-Reread List
I’ll admit, last week’s message was a super long one, hey? I apologize. I try to keep my messages light and breezy when it’s summertime here in the northern hemisphere, but I got carried away. So I’d like to make it up to you by making this week’s message short and sweet.
This morning I’m here to share something you may already know, something I’ve certainly written to you about a couple of times before. But, it’s something that chases me down every single time mid-summer hits my little corner of the world — It’s the deep conviction that some books absolutely must be read at least once every year, preferably in summer.
And although the list of must-re-reads inevitably varies person-by-person and sometimes might vary year-by-year (it’s a very personal, time-bound thing, after all), the truth remains that some books call to us again and again in ways others just don’t.
My list of annual re-reads looks like this (links for more on each one below the photo)⤵
Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach is best read over coffee in the mornings, maybe not every single morning but certainly at least a little in every season — and absolutely never, ever skip the August entries.
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is best read from a long-used, well-worn, dog-eared paperback copy while dreaming about an international adventure, or on audio while out for long walks.
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod is best read at the very end of summer, just as your friends and family start with their very strong back-to-school vibes and you start feeling a little itchy to get out of the lazy, hazy days and back into gear.
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett is best read in bed on rainy days, sick days, and days when you’re so tired you can hardly think. Or in a hammock by a lake, an ocean, or deep in the woods on a camping trip in that rare moment you find yourself alone, happy, content, and completely at peace.
Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh is best read over and over and over again, as many times as it takes for her words to make you feel like you’re walking on the sand picking up shells and reflecting on a life well lived right along with her.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is best read right after The Miracle Morning because it will give you a serious dose of creative momentum and adrenaline. Do. Not. Skip.
On Writing by Stephen King is best read anytime, especially when your creative well has run dry or you find yourself a little bit stuck, discouraged, or doubting.
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What about you?
What’s on your “must read at least once every year” list? Send over your list — I’d love to take a few new ones for a spin.
I started my re-reads this past week with Gift from the Sea. If I’m lucky, I’ll sneak in some alone time to finish it later today and start On Writing next — because that particular one will pair extremely well with the something brand-new I’m reading on audio right now that’s so good it’s knocking my socks off. . . more on that next week :)
Wherever you are this weekend, I hope the tea/coffee is hot and strong and the books are good, maybe even good enough to read again and again, & should you want to chat, I’m around :)
✌🏼️💓 📚
Celeste
In other news, the garden sure is growing!