In this post, we'll take a look at:
Summer time… and the livin’s easy…
Educators, you’ve submitted your grades, packed up your learning environment, and wished your learners the very best summer. Now, it’s time for you to rest and digest and soak in that summer sun. Whether you’re on the beach, vacationing in the mountains, embarking on a cross-country road trip, teaching summer school, or hanging out and enjoying the comfort of your own home, the summer is a great time to grab a book and enjoy. Here are some picks for you!
There’s a heck of a lot happening in this stunningly written novel about Evelyn and all of her husbands. Being famous during a time when there were several expectations of Hollywood stars (especially women) has its perks, but there are many drawbacks. While Evelyn reflects on her life and career in the film industry, she tells her story to Monique, the handpicked author of her biography, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Why couldn’t Evelyn keep a husband? Read to find out!
In a world of constant pace, where we are surrounded by distractions, it is so important to be present. We suffer from FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out), but as my darling daughter McKenzie says, we need to think of JOMO (the JOY of Missing Out). Remember this summer to slow down and take time for yourself and the ones you love. Put yourself first, and this will be something that spills into your school year, as well.
Follow the journey of Connie, Maggie, Gilly, and La Bellezza through France and Italy. It’s The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood meets Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. A story of building friendships with females as an adult and coming to terms with understanding that you never really know a person or what they’re going through. Regardless, you can still create a bond that lasts the days of your life and forever changes you.
I had no idea there were so many extinct countries. Some only existed for days, while others died out a little more slowly. Quick and humorous accounts of the rise and fall of countries (and what to avoid should you, perchance, wish to start your own country some day). Who knew that the invention of phones could kill a country?!
This is one where you will either laugh out loud or be entirely offended. Either way, it is definitely one you’ll remember. The quick-pace writing and wild journey of Kilgore Trout will leave you laughing and shaking your head in absurdity. Complete with illustrations.
Whether or not you are an administrator, every educator has leadership roles. After all, you are responsible for leading learners on their journey of knowledge acquisition. Trust is the most important leadership skill there is, and this book walks you through all the reasons why. Simple and actionable ways to be the best educator/leader you can by creating trust between you and everyone with whom you work.
What’s your purpose? What stops us from reaching our purpose? Follow Santiago’s journey towards his purpose and experience all the triumphs and tribulations alongside him. Following our true path is never the easiest one, but it does reap the most rewards. The Alchemist is a quick but incredibly insightful guide to what it means to follow your heart and never look back.
Did you know that an octopus has nine brains, three hearts, and no skeleton? They are masters of disguise and, indeed, remarkably bright creatures. Meet Marcellus, an aquarium octopus nearing the end of his days. Tova, a widow and the aquarium cleaner/caretaker, shares a kinship with the quiet and sometimes isolated members who swim around after hours. While loneliness can be an all-consuming darkness, light can often be found in the most incredible spaces. An exceptional piece of literature that will have you laughing, crying, sighing, gasping, and every emotion in-between. While the movie isn’t as great as the book (it never is), the Netflix version of the book is worth a watch after finishing. I stumbled across a book lover’s reel on Instagram, and the title was: Books I am jealous to know that you get to read for the first time. This was on it, and I couldn’t agree more; it’s an instant favorite.
“Let everything happen to you
Beauty and terror
Just keep going
No feeling is final
Don’t let yourself lose me.”
I recite this poem every morning when I wake up, and the words in bold are permanently etched into my skin. Rilke is one of my favorite poets. The poems are so beautifully written, but remarkably succinct. For anyone who loves poetry and an afternoon pondering.
If walking through the Louvre this summer is not on your list of plans, take a word walk with Elaine Sciolino. With 35,000 works and over 460,000 pieces, it would take anyone at least 100 days to see it all. While the book does not walk through every piece, Sciolino focuses on important themes and details of the museum. After reading, you will, indeed, fall in love with this amazing museum. So, crank up the volume to Édith Piaf, pour yourself a cup of tea, and read about the histories and beauty of everything the Louvre has to offer.
Whether you’re indulging in reading books, listening to podcasts, working on house projects, taking up your hobbies, or however you’re enjoying your time, be sure that you are prioritizing YOU. An educator has the most important job, and we need you. Enjoy your summer, educators, and we will see you in September!
