Sometimes sitting down with a book can feel indulgent when chores endlessly need to be done, family needs often take priority over your own or you might spend more time commuting from one children’s event to another. To help inspire you to practice some self-love, Military Families presents its 2019 summer reading list.
Most adults are still reading for themselves, too. The PEW Research Center states that about three-quarters of Americans have read a book in the past 12 months, and that the use of audiobooks is on the rise. If you don’t have time to hold a physical book, play an audiobook on a commute. If you’re waiting for a dance lesson to end, an ebook awaits you on whatever mobile device is with you.
But don’t be stumped on what to read. Try starting with one of these books suggested to us by the July issue’s contributors:
“Unbecoming: A Memoir of Disobedience” by Anuradha Bhagwati
“I’m excited to read ‘Unbecoming: A Memoir of Disobedience’ by Anuradha Bhagwati. I love reading memoirs, especially ones written by strong women who have had experiences so radically different from my own. I have always held a deep respect for women in the service and I’m curious to know more about Bhagwati’s life.” -Jenn Bedard
“Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life” by many military family writers
“I’ve read many books written by military spouses, but one I still want to read is ‘Stories Around the Table.’ It contains short stories from more than 40 military families, discussing everything from the humor of failed PCS moves to the tragedy of deployments and divorce. I’m sure every military spouse can relate to some of the memories shared inside.” -Lizann Lightfoot
“American Spirit: Profiles in Resilience, Courage, and Faith” by Taya Kyle
“My beach bag will include Taya Kyle’s ‘American Spirit: Profiles in Resilience, Courage, and Faith.’ I can’t think of anything more inspiring than reading the stories of people who have turned adversity into triumph.” -Kara Ludlow
“All the Way Home” by Kim Mills
“This summer I’m reading the ‘Way Home Series.’ It’s about two young people who find friendship, love and moments to rescue each other from life, before and after he joins the military. I typically zoom through books like this because I’m anxious to take in their stories. Thanks to the author, Kim Mills, who is a fellow military spouse!” – Tiffany Lawrence
“Veronica’s Hero” by Veronica Ortiz Rivera and Jared Laskey
“My summer reading includes ‘Veronica’s Hero’ by Veronica Ortiz Rivera and Jared Laskey (Lulu Publishing Services), a Marine widow’s memoir of loving and losing Javier Ortiz Rivera to the Afghanistan conflict. The nation’s heart broke when a photo of their son saluting his father’s casket went viral in 2010, and I can’t wait to hear the rest of the story.” -Crystal Kupper
“Twenties in Your Pocket: a Twenty-Something’s Guide to Money Management” by Kate Nixon Anania
“A book about personal finance that’s also a fun, easy read?! ‘Twenties in Your Pocket: a Twenty-Something’s Guide to Money Management’ by fellow milspouse Kate Nixon Anania is just that. Kate is an economist and a blogger, but what makes this guide really appealing is the humorous anecdotes she shares about her experiences as a broke, young college graduate.” -Lila Quintiliani
“G.I. Dogs: Judy” by Laurie Calkhoven and “No Better Friend” by Robert Weintraub
“My summer reading list? Why, it includes some mother-daughter time of course. We love our German Short-haired Pointer, so when I found out that one was an actual war hero, I was sold. Judy was a WWII survivor and a companion to many soldiers. I just love that they have this story for both adults and children to enjoy!” -Amy Pottinger
“The Wives of Los Alamos” by TaraShea Nesbit
“My book of choice is ‘The Wives of Los Alamos’ by TaraShea Nesbit, written about the first spouses stationed at Los Alamos, New Mexico, during World War II nuclear research and the Manhattan Project. This book shares the secret lives of Los Alamos families from a brave and brilliant point of view.” -Kimberli Roth
In addition to these suggestions from our writer’s, be sure to also reference our in-depth book reviews:
- “Grateful American: A Journey From Self to Service” by Gary Sinise
- “A Dog Named Beautiful” by Staff Sgt. Rob Kugler
- “Where the Light Enters” by Dr. Jill Biden
- “Final Flight Final Fight” by Erin Miller
- “Courage After the Battle” by Peter Jackson-Lee
As you read to your children before bedtime, consider practicing what you preach. If it is important for your child to be a better listener, learn new words and become more worldly, don’t cut yourself short. Pick up a book for yourself, too, no matter the format.
