Dive in to a good book
— Compiled by Magi Thomley Williams
This month, Bella team members shared their summer reading favorites. What are you reading this summer? What is one good read you have already savored and would recommend? Tell us about your poolside page turners! Join the conversation at Facebook/pensacolabella or Instagram/pensacolabella.
“Let Them” by Mel Robbins
This self-help book aims to unlock the key to happiness and success by using two simple words: Let them! We all seem to know we can’t change a person unwilling to seek help or make progress, but this book teaches you how to stop wasting energy on things, circumstances and people you can’t control. Instead, Mel Robbins, the dynamic motivational speaker and best-selling author, gives you permission to just focus on YOU and what your life needs. The book is like a lesson on how to dish out tough love coupled with a big hug, permitting you to live your life without regrets.
I listened to this as an audiobook because I find Mel’s strong voice and no-nonsense attitude to be super inspirational.
— Cynthia Reeves, writer
I’ve been on an Eve Babitz bender lately, drinking in “Slow Days, Fast Company,” “Sex and Rage,” and “I Used to be Charming.” Hoping to dive into her 1974 debut, “Eve’s Hollywood,” as well as her collection of short stories, “Black Swans,” this summer. Reading her books gives me a fascinating glimpse into the glamorous (and sometimes not-so-glamorous) life in Los Angeles during the ’70s; I love her unique perspective, humor and insight. I also hope to read two books by Marie Benedict this summer: “Lady Clementine” and “The Only Woman in the Room.”
— Liz Biggs, writer/columnist
“Gibbs Gardens, Reflections on Gardening Life” by James Gibbs
James Gibbs is an inspirational example of how you can turn dreams into reality. From an idea that sprouted more than 30 years ago, he created Gibbs Gardens north of Atlanta nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. I recently visited during a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains, strolling hilly acres of daffodils and many other flowers, Japanese Gardens and much more. Gibbs is extremely proud of his 50 acres of 20 million-plus daffodils that Southern Living Magazine designated the “largest display of daffodils this side of Holland.” So, my usual mystery book choices will have to wait! I am gardening!
— Alice Crann Good, writer
“Code Name Helene” by Ariel Lawhon
A spellbinding and moving story of enduring love, remarkable sacrifice and unfaltering resolve that chronicles the true exploits of a remarkable woman in history.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A reclusive Hollywood movie icon, Evelyn Hugo tells the tale of her glamorous and scandalous life. Surprising twists and turns.
— Leah M. Seacrest, writer/fitness expert
“The Light We Carry” by Michelle Obama
Uplifting, wise, and just what the world needs right now. This is such a great read!
— Sonshine Moorer, writer
“Brooke Shields is not Allowed to Get Old” by Brooke Shields
“Finding Me” by Viola Davis
— Jennifer Harrison, advertising/distribution
“The Wedding People” by Alison Espach
Snarky and surprising, this book reminds us of all the reasons to love life and the imperfect people in it.
“Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
If you loved the documentary “My Octopus Teacher,” this book is for you. Soon to be a movie starring Sally Field.
And if you want a good beach read, anything by Emily Henry is great! Rom-com at its best.
— Lisa Player, editor
“The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore
“The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein (older, but excellent)
— Allison McCrory, writer/fashion stylist
“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
A darkly hilarious, relentlessly entertaining novel about a quirky, ambitious woman in the 1960s determined to make a name for herself in the male-dominated world of science. Brilliantly written.
— Sharla Gorder, writer/columnist
