My Quarantine Reading Recommendations

Being stuck at home has given me a lot more time to do things that I never had time to do before. Growing up, I was an avid reader. But once I started college, my reading habits took a backseat, since I was pretty much always swamped with schoolwork. I have always planned to pick my reading habits back up again once school ended, but the quarantine has given me a little bit of a head start. As the shutdown (hopefully) starts to lift across the country, I thought I would share some books that I’ve been into lately, and maybe you’ll be interested in reading them as well! In this post, I’m including books I’ve read, books I’m currently reading, and a few books that I’m planning on reading soon! I tried to include mostly nutrition/sustainability-related topics, but I also threw in a few miscellaneous favorites as well. I separated them into 4 categories, in case you want to skip ahead: food/nutrition, sustainability, self-improvement, and miscellaneous.

Food/Nutrition-Related Books

Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach

by Evelyn Tribole MS, RD, CEDRD-S and Elyse Resch MS, RD, CEDRD-S, FAND

These ladies were promoting intuitive eating before it was cool… Intuitive Eating is one of those books that has stood the test of time. Originally published in 1995 and now out with a 4th edition, this book really captures how to properly nourish our bodies without obsessing over calories and portion sizes.

Nourish: How to Heal Your Relationship with Food, Body, and Self

by Heidi Schauster MS, RD, CEDRD-S

Nourish is a book that invites you to listen to your body. Stop depriving yourself. Stop dieting. Start enjoying food for what it’s supposed to be: nourishment. If you find yourself struggling to find a good balance in your relationship with food, Nourish is a must-read for you!

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Complete Food and Nutrition Guide

by Roberta L Duyff MS, RD, FAND, CFCS

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the national accreditation body for RDs across the country. That’s how you know it’s a trustworthy source! This book provides general nutrition guidelines based on the most recent scientific research.

In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto

by Michael Pollan

Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation

by Michael Pollan

I’m a major Michael Pollan nerd. While he’s not technically a dietitian or any other type of medical professional, I really respect his constant quest to learn. His books and documentaries are so great. I personally learn a lot of things that I didn’t know about food, history, and methods of cooking.

How Not To Die

by Michael Greger MD, FACLM

How Not To Diet

by Michael Greger MD, FACLM

While I have not read both of Dr. Michael Greger’s books in their entirety, from what I have read, they’re very interesting! Though some believe that he sells books simply because of his “fear mongering” titles, I think his books have earned their own merit. They are packed with research about nutrition. While I don’t agree with absolutely everything he says, I think his books are very interesting reads, especially if you’re a nutrition professional.

Sustainability-Related Books

Grow Food For Free: The sustainable, zero-cost, low-effort way to a bountiful harvest

by Huw Richards

Grow Food For Free is a fun book detailing how to grow your own food at home. Huw Richards provides lots of tips and tricks on how to save money while starting a garden. He covers a myriad of topics, from composting to permaculture to watering to selling. This book is a comprehensive guide for beginner gardeners looking to start harvesting their own food on a budget. Such a great read!

Simply Living Well: A Guide to Creating a Natural, Low-Waste Home

by Julia Watkins

In this book, Julia Watkins, shares some tricks and tips for living sustainably. Not to mention the beautiful pictures alongside them that are sure to inspire you. Looking to get into homesteading? If so, Simply Living Well is a great place to start!

The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide: Everything you need to know to make small changes that make a big difference

by Jen Gale

In The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide, Jen Gale offers several small, but realistic ways that we can be more sustainable in our daily living. If sustainability is something you’re interested in, but you’re not sure how much you want to change, read this and give these small changes a try!

Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living

by Kris Bordessa

Attainable Sustainable, published by National Geographic, offers many homesteading suggestions. Kris Bordessa covers indoor and outdoor projects that can help you to produce less waste and become more self-sufficient.

More Plants, Less Waste: Plant-Based Recipes + Zero Waste Life Hacks with Purpose

by Max La Manna

I’ve been a fan of Max La Manna for a few years now. He’s an influencer/environmentalist who promotes a plant-based, zero-waste lifestyle. In his book, he offers tons of recipes, with an emphasis on low-waste hacks!

Self-Improvement Books

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

by Stephen Covey

Here is another book that has stood the test of time. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, originally published in 1989, is still going strong and changing lives, mine included. Stephen Covey’s legendary 7 habits continue to be relevant and truly will change your life. I believe that every adult should read this book.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

by Sean Covey

Yes, I was indeed that nerdy teenager who read this book. And it’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Honestly, I carried it around with me for months; it was my habit bible. To this day, I have my original copy, complete with mark-ups and margin notes, that I love to lend to anyone who will listen to me rave about it. The author, Sean Covey is actually the son of the original 7 Habits author, Stephen Covey. In The 7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens, Sean adapts his father’s book and gears it towards teenages/young adults. Like the original 7 Habits for adults, I think that every teen should read this book! It will change your life like it changed mine!

Miscellaneous Favorites

Harry Potter series

by J.K. Rowling

Is any book recommendations list even credible if it doesn’t include the HP series? Answer: absolutely not. This series is a classic and if you haven’t read it yet, read it. PS I was also that weird kid that had posters of Harry Potter characters in my room growing up… I’m not ashamed. (;

Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens

Occasionally, I like to challenge myself and read a classic novel. I mostly read Jane Austen, but Charles Dickens is another one of my favorites, specifically Great Expectations. The character development and themes in this really resonate with me and I just really enjoy reading it.

Nantucket Nights

by Elin Hilderbrand

I love pretty much any Elin Hilderbrand book, but I thought I would list my favorite one to be concise. Elin’s books are quite literally the perfect “beach reads.” Most of her stories take place on Nantucket, and offer a perfect mix of drama, romance, and mystery. If you need a book to dive into while laying by the pool or the beach this summer, I highly recommend hers!

Well there you have it: my quarantine reading favorites! Let me know if you’ve read any of these and love them as much as I do, or if you’re planning to read any of them in the future. Happy reading!

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