Summer Reading Yays: Give Your Energy a Glow Up
Have you ever gotten caught up in a story? Whether it’s through on-line drama, neighborhood gossip or scripted reality shows, the power of story has a compelling way to draw us in and make an energetic investment.
But these kind of stories are more of a ‘pop the popcorn’ kind entertainment. An escape from your own life, but only as a distraction.
What I love about books is that most have a hook, a plot that draws you into a world of fiction that feels like a version of reality. And when we can see a part of ourselves in the story.
I’ve shared how reading fiction can boost your emotional intelligence, but it also works as a map for your own life.
Seeing how characters face a challenge, handle the plot twist, make the decision that changes everything.
So with that in mind, I'm sharing 3 Books I have read and loved lately that might just be the direction you’re needing for your own life. *affiliate links support Bookshop.org and your local bookstore.
Looking for some great summer reading books for boys? Discover which books my kids are loving this summer in this journal entry.
A Story For Starting Over
I just added Evvie Drake Starts Over to the list, finishing it (late) the other night.
It’s a perfect story of how things aren’t always as they seem through the version of the stories we tell. When something happens and Evvie’s plan for reclaiming her Sovereign Glow goes sideways, she learns how to come home to herself and reestablish her Connection Glow with with people who only ever knew part of the story.
While the story spans a year, it feels like a cozy summer read to capture the feelings of possibility when things change rapidly.
Behind the Music
I’m not a true Swiftie, but as I read Once More From The Top, I couldn't help but feel like I was glimpsing into the real life of someone with a rise to fame like Taylor Swift.
Dylan’s friend Kelsey had big dreams for her life, and Dylan was happy to add her words to Kelsey's voice. But then something happens and Dylan is following a path that she never thought of as hers.
This story unravels over several years, where her Mental and Emotional Glow are haunted by what happened. It feels like a very personal look at the person behind the music struggles to navigate with the stories we carry.
I was surprised at how the backstory unraveled while Dylan was moving forward with life. A great read for when you need to focus on the present, but have a past that’s weighing heavily on your future.
Taking a Risk
Since summer is full of vibes that scream of possibility and ‘what-if’ action, The Summer of Yes is a book that taps into your sense of adventure.
After a near-death accident, the Kelsey in this book connects with her Spiritual Glow and starts to question her patience with waiting to be recognized for her big break at work.
With a hospital roommate giving off Miranda Priestly vibes, she feels pulled to forge a connection with Georgina that ends up taking them on a road trip in secret pursuit of restoring some of Georgina’s Connection Glow with her still-husband and grown son.
Your Adventure of the Week
This week, find a book that you sense will boost your own Glow in some way. Listen to your heart and see what stories you carry need a new perspective or a Glow boost.
Support your Emotional Glow by noticing how a character feels when they finally share something they’ve been holding in
Boost your Connection Glow by spending time with some characters that make you feel seen or spark favorite memories
Reclaim your Sovereign Glow by staking out time for you to dip out and into a great book
Grow your Creative Glow by grabbing a craft book (or Pinterest) and discover inspiration to make something fun
Go Deep Within Yourself
I have discovered that reading is also a great way to boost your emotional intelligence. Diving into a good story gives you a glimpse into how other people handle real life situations, even in the campiest of romance novels. It can also help you think of new ways to solve problems you’re having in your own life.
Treat yourself to a glow boosting read and figure out why you’re feeling stuck, lost, or just plain ‘meh’ when you pause for a moment and get honest with yourself.
Ask yourself-
Where am I sharing a false story with the world like Evvie did in Evvie Drake Starts Over
What is someone else’s dream that I have taken on as my own?
What is a ‘wake up call’ moment that I’ve had and what have I done to follow it?
What would you include in your Summer of Yes? (Grab inspiration with these Best Summer Ever Summit free gifts from over 130 contributors)
Go Even Deeper With a Good Book
If you’re feeling the magic of how stories can open hearts, shift moods, and spark deeper conversations… imagine what they could do for you.
I created Your Story Shift for book lovers like us — the ones who turn to fiction for escape, comfort, and sometimes even answers.
It’s a thoughtfully guided reflection journey that helps you turn any fiction book into a tool for self-awareness, emotional clarity, and yes — reigniting your glow.
Whether you journal solo or bring it to your book club besties, this guide will help you read with more insight, notice what’s resonating in your life, and gently move toward the changes your soul might be whispering about.
I hope this inspires you to pick up a book and dive into a story that just might reshape your summer. This season is prime for breaking down old stories and start a new chapter in your own life.
I want to know what you’re reading (or is on the TBR list). Leave and comment and share!
*post contains affiliate links
Stephanie Rose is a mom, wife, business owner and a forever student in finding ways to know herself better. She acts as a guide for your own journey of navigating your unique glow with a blend of quantum physics, Human Design, and intuitive exploration to curate a life that truly lights you up.
Through the Glow Map, discover where to take meaningful, aligned action in your everyday life and simplify the process of pursuing your heart-led dreams with ease and confidence. Sign up for her newsletter and check out her other free resources and start your journey today!
Summer is a great time to read and give your glow a boost Discover our top 3 books of the summer and how they are the secret to boosting your glow and inspiring sustainable personal growth.