If you’ve been looking for something to read that helps you feel better about who you are, where you’re at, and propels you into self-acceptance in a whole new way, I’ve got three books for you.

Here’s what’s been on my Summer Reading List so far.

While in Brooklyn about a month ago, I visited a bookstore called Cafe Con Libro. While browsing the shelves, I saw Real Self-Care. I heard an interview with the author recently and almost ordered it on the spot.

Laskmin brings to light what's at the root of many attempts at self-care: we're still trying to put a bandaid on a major head-wound. She draws attention to the larger systemic issues that surround why so many women "do all the things" yet still feel burned out. In her own words, "You can't meditate your way out of a frothy hour work week with no childcare."

She critiques the commercialization of many of the self-care techniques out there and defines what she identifies as "Faux self-care." In her bio, she calls this book her "answer to all the essential oils and gratitude lists."

I feel called out!

But after explaining the root issue of living with the “tyranny of wellness,” she outlines the qualities of what she calls "Real Self-Care."

This practice doesn’t clearly point to any particular practice of candles, baths, yoga, or massage but instead is rooted in healthy boundaries, self-compassion, staying true to each individual's own values, and using your own personal power. For her, there's no cookie-cutter method or one-size-fits-all approach to what it means to take care of ourselves.

As a "wellness" provider, I feel remaining true to this myself and exposing my clients to her ideas are two key pillars to providing real self-care to those I serve.

I give Real-Self Care FIVE STARS. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shortly after I finished this book, a book I pre-ordered months ago arrived in the mail. My copy-writing mentor, Laura Belgray, just came out with a memoir-esque book of hilarious short stories that don't hold back.

Talk about getting real, Belgray does it.

Some of these passages were so ridiculous, I couldn't help but read them out loud to my partner.

I was reading this book every chance I had. I couldn't wait until bedtime to know what happened next. I became a day-time reader, an "I-have-a-few-minutes" reader, an "I'd-rather-read-this-book-than-scroll" reader.

I finished the thing in a week. I couldn't remember the last time I finished a book that fast.

Oh yeah, it’s called Tough Titties: How to Live Your Best Life When You're the F-ing Worst. I told you she was funny, right?

She also helps you feel like however you are, it's okay. Just be your f-ing self.

I give Tough Titties FIVE STARS. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Last, if I thought finishing a book in a week was fast, the next one I devoured in 3 days.

I ordered Rest Is Resistance as soon as I knew it was available. I've been following the Nap Ministry on IG for years now and have been waiting for a chance to deep dive into Tricia Hershey's work.

Well, it's more like snuggle inside her framework and finally get some well-needed rest

Her work is a revolutionary approach to understanding how continuing to grind at the pace we're "supposed to" is contributing to systemic oppression.

It's not all about naps. It's about allowing ourselves to rest as a way to step outside of participating in a capitalist system that is killing us.

Her work is rooted in Black Liberation Theology and honors those who've come before her, both blood and intellectual ancestors. She highlights the importance of rest for Black people but assures all of us that this work is for us all.

It reads like a lullaby-sermon that is exactly what I've been needing to hear, both for myself and my community.

I give Rest Is Resistance FIVE STARS. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐