July Genre Challenge: Mind and Body Fitness
I'll admit that when I looked at the entire 12 genres in 12 months, I found the theme for July (mind and body fitness) the least interesting of all. Part of my reluctance is that I'd rather do mind and body fitness than read about it. Books in those categories can typically be very dull and textbook-like. In addition, there's an overwhelming number of books in these categories with many of them based on the author's popularity (think movie stars) rather than real science. I felt I really had to dig and stretch the boundaries of this category to find books I wanted to spend any time reading.
Recommended Read
Slim by Design by Brian Wansick
I found this well-researched book fascinating. It describes how you can make simple changes such as adding a basket of fruit on your counter to make it easier to eat more healthfully. If you want tips on how to eat less at a buffet just by sitting in a different place in the restaurant or to understand how the arrangement of a school cafeteria can get kids to make better food choices, you'll probably also enjoy this book. I wrote a longer book review back in 2015 if you want to know more.
What I Might Read
Possibility #1: Women in Sports by Rachel Ignotofsky
Why this interests me: I really enjoyed the author's first book, Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed The World, which I ended up reading for June's science theme. It's packed full of interesting facts presented in an engaging way. It's also heavily illustrated. (If you're looking for it at your library, you might look in teen section, which is where I found mine.)
Recommended by: I spotted the announcement for this new book (coming out in July) on Twitter.
Possibility #2: Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
Why it interests me: This New York Times bestseller covers the year the author spent trying to improve his memory. I'm always interested in books where people try to test out skills in real life rather than just trust that whatever they read is true. I remember hearing an interview with the author when this book came out in 2011.
Recommended by: Seven Books That Will Train Your Brain to Overachieve
I'll be reading one (or possibly both) of these books this month.
For other book ideas, check out my Book Recommendations board on Pinterest. I'll be adding book lists throughout the year as I come across intriguing ones.
Next Month (August): Armchair Travel