Almost a third of the Australian adult population are frequent or passionate readers; reading on average one to two books a month, according to the Australia Reads report.
These are the readers that love their library, buy lots of books and have a big pile of “to read” books by their bed. If you’re one of these passionate readers, or want to be, here’s our list for spring.
1. Wow It’s All A Lot by Samuel Leighton-Dore
Artist Samuel knows a thing or two about the realities of living with complex post-traumatic stress disorder – and channelling the tough times into joyful, humorous art and writing to celebrate the messy bits of life. This book is your reminder that it’s okay to be a ‘work in progress’. Wow It's All a Lot is published by HarperCollins, $24.99.
2. Unf*ck Your Brain by Faith G. Harper
Anxious? Angry? Freaking out? This no-nonsense guide shows you how to cope on days your brain seems out to get you. It explains the science of what’s going on in your skull with loads of humour and heart, and offers practical ways to deal with any situation. Unf*ck Your Brain is published by Scribe, $24.99.
3. Period by Kate Clancy
Menstruation is something half the world does for a week at a time, for years on end, yet it remains largely misunderstood. Kate blends interviews, personal experience and engaging stories from her own pioneering research to challenge a host of myths and assumptions. Period is published by NewSouth Books, $49.99.
4. Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin
The bestselling author of The Happiness Project swaps being ‘stuck in her head’ for immersion in the worlds of smell, taste, touch, sight and sound – with life-changing effects. Her insights are inspirational. Life in Five Senses is published by Hachette, $34.99.
5. Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross
The authors take you on a life-altering journey through the science of neuroaesthetics, showing how activities, from painting and dancing to writing, architecture and more, are essential to healthier lives. Your Brain on Art is published by Allen & Unwin, $45.40.
6. All In The Mind by Lynne Malcolm
Inspired by the popular ABC Radio National program and podcast, this book is a fascinating journey through the human mind: stories about sleep, dreaming, memory, identity, the mind-body connection… And how new knowledge about the mysteries of the human mind is changing lives for the better. All in The Mind is published by HarperCollins, $34.99.
7. Mum Jokes by Jessica Rowe
Need a laugh? Don’t we all! And who better than our cover star and self-confessed @craphousewife Jessica Rowe to tickle your funny bone with a collection of 500 of the most eye-rolling family-friendly jokes, guaranteed to embarrass all kids everywhere. Mum Jokes is published by Allen & Unwin, $19.99.
8. Be Here Now by Meredith Gaston Masnata
If you’re feeling lost in the overwhelm of life, take a moment to simply be in your now, treasuring the world just as it is, in all its simplicity and authenticity. Featuring Meredith’s gorgeous illustrations and photographs by Roberto Massimo, this book will assist you to relax and enjoy right now, and is sure to become a keepsake. Be Here Now is published by Hardie Grant, $34.99.
9. You Only Live Once by Lonely Planet
Only have an hour? A day? A week? Let the expert Lonely Planet team inspire you to seize the moment (no matter its duration) and live a life more wonderful with their guide to must-do experiences perfect for the time you have available. You Only Live Once is Published by Lonely Planet, $39.99.
For more great reads, check out the recommendations in each issue of Prevention magazine. Subscribe here.
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