This summer I read a lot! More than I usually do. I am a bookworm at all times, but I go through phases where I can't finish a book from cover to cover to save my life.. sometimes I blame it on the book but others I just blame it on my butterfly techniques, going from book to book never really fully committing - quite unlike my love life if you were wondering.

This summer though, I ordered a bunch off amazon and devoured every single one of them (there's more on my bedside table, but I'll get to those another time!) I went through a phase of self-help books, which isn't everyone's cup of tea, but some of these are real treasures. Some I will cherish for life, and go back to constantly (The Four Agreement & The 5 love languages)

A little side note, but recently I decided that if I'm buying a book that has been around for a while, I will buy it second hand. It helps reduce waste, and I love getting books that have lived a life before coming to me.. Amazon makes this SO easy, they always have second-hand options, and if they don't I'm also happy to buy it new, especially if it's from a new author or a brand new book (I recognise the need to support authors and their work, but I'm also a zero-waster wannabe!)

These books have been some of my favourites, and I can't stop raving about them to everyone I know! Hence why I couldn't wait to tell you all about them!

Let's dive in shall we?

*For links to the books click their title at the top! (disclaimer: some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I may make a small comission if you click through and make a purchase) 

:: Educated ::

This one right there, is a real gem. A thrilling, totally riveting memoir. I read it in 4 days by the lake in Canada, and it blew my mind.

I cried, I laughed, I cried again and I was left absolutely shocked and in awe of this wonderful, powerful, brave young woman.

Do me a favour, if you're going to pick any of these books to read.. make it this one.

Once you've read it, come back here and message me about it. I want to talk about it! I made everyone in my family read it, and everyone absolutely loved it.

It's a true story, one that will bring you to tears but also open up a world you might not know existed. I thought it was truly fascinating.

I'd love to meet Tara, and talk to her over a cup of tea...

:: The 5 Love Languages ::

This one I picked after watching this video by Ellen Fisher. She mentioned it a few times over the past few years that I've been following her, and knowing how loving and beautiful she is and how amazing her little family is, I knew I had to read it.

It really opened my eyes to the way we communicate with each other. Not only in my relationship, but also with everyone else, friends and family.

We all have different ways to express our love, and ways to receive/perceive love. I always had a feeling that this was the case, but seeing it clearly written down, and explained really made so much sense to me!

Ignore the cheesy cover, the message of this book is amazing and I know for a fact it would help SO many couples..!

I took so much from it, and I'm now making Michael read it. It's quite short, so an easy quick read.

:: Big Magic ::

Ahh Elizabeth Gilbert does it again!

Like the rest of the world I absolutely loved "Eat Pray Love", it really opened up my eyes, and I remember thinking at the time that everyone woman in her 20s ought to read this book. I still think so.

This book right here on the other hand was pure magic.. it really was! It actually made me believe in magic. I absolutely loved the way she described her creative journey. It really resonated with me.

It taught me a lot about letting go, about trusting your gut and believing in yourself. I know this all sounds cheesy, but for anyone in the creative world - actually no, for everyone, not just the outwardly creative ones - everyone should read this and get inspired.

Elizabeth also started a podcast after she published Big Magic, it's called "Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert" and I love a few episodes on there, she interviews really amazing people. I haven't listened to them all, but they always leave you feeling inspired and ready to take over the world! Which is exactly the kind of thing I need on a Monday morning.. I don't know about you?!

:: The Four Agreements ::

The kind of book that you want to read over and over again in hopes that the pages imprint in your memory. I read each chapter twice and I know that I will most definitely go back to this for years to come... I won't say much more than this:

The Four Agreements are:

1. Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

:: Committed ::

Oh hey there Elizabeth! Here she is again! After reading Big Magic, and hearing a little bit about her writing this book which is the sequel to Eat Pray Love I knew I had to get it.

I'm too curious! and after being truly invested in her love story in Eat Pray Love I had to know..!

To my surprise this is a book all about marriage. The beautiful yet terrifying institution of marriage. She goes through her journey of getting married a second time, she spent months on end doing so much research about love and marriage and I've got to say, it wasn't what I expected but I loved it. I loved learning so much about the history of marriage and weddings.

I really love her writing style, but I know I've got some friends who didn't particularly like this book compared to the first one. but I did, it was like sitting with Liz and hearing her speak to you like she would to her closest friend, while learning a whole lot!

Happy reading! I hope you enjoy these as much as I did! If you pick any of them, let me know! I'd love to know what you think. I'd also love to know if you have any favourite books you read this summer, that you think I might enjoy?! Tell me all!