Savor the Season: A Summer Mental Health Reading List for the Last Few Weeks of Sunshine
As the golden weeks of summer begin to wind down, there’s a quiet invitation in the air — to slow down, reflect, and soak up what’s left of the warmth.
This is the perfect time to grab a book, find a shady spot or a sunny corner, and reconnect with yourself. Whether you’re healing, growing, resting, or simply looking for words that feel like a deep breath, this reading list was made for you.
Below you’ll find handpicked books that explore self-awareness, emotional resilience, inner peace, and personal growth — all through a lens of gentle, soul-nourishing reflection. These titles aren’t about fixing yourself. They’re about meeting yourself with compassion, wherever you are in your journey.
Let this list be your companion as summer fades — one page, one pause, one peaceful moment at a time.
🌿 Mental Health Summer Reading List
📘 1. “The Gifts of
Imperfection” by Brené Brown
Theme: Self-worth, authenticity, letting go of
perfectionism
Brown’s wisdom is like a deep breath for the soul. This book is perfect for
summer because it encourages you to live more freely, let go of “shoulds,” and
embrace your perfectly imperfect self.
📗 2. “Maybe You Should
Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb
Theme: Therapy, emotional healing, human connection
Written by a therapist about her own therapy journey and her clients, this
memoir is as entertaining as it is moving. Ideal for poolside reading with real
mental health insights woven into a compelling narrative.
📙 3. “Rest Is Resistance”
by Tricia Hersey
Theme: Burnout, boundaries, reclaiming rest
This powerful book invites readers to redefine productivity and value rest as a
radical act of self-care and healing. Summer is a natural time to slow down —
this book reminds you why it’s necessary.
📕 4. “The Mountain Is
You” by Brianna Wiest
Theme: Self-sabotage, transformation, emotional
intelligence
Wiest combines poetic insight with practical tools for change. It’s great for
those warm, reflective summer evenings when you want to understand your inner
patterns and grow.
📘 5. “Burnout: The Secret
to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily & Amelia Nagoski
Theme: Stress, body-mind connection, burnout recovery
A science-backed, woman-centered guide to understanding how stress affects us —
and how to complete the “stress cycle” to actually feel better. Especially
relevant for post-busy seasons or pre-fall prep.
📗 6. “Wintering” by
Katherine May (yes, even in summer)
Theme: Resilience, rest, navigating hard seasons
Despite the name, Wintering is a beautiful reflection on how to move
through life's low points. It’s a grounding read that pairs beautifully with
summer’s space to heal.
📒 7. “Big Magic” by
Elizabeth Gilbert
Theme: Creativity, fear, joy
For those looking to rediscover play, passion, or creative expression this
summer. Gilbert’s tone is uplifting and empowering — great for mental wellness
through creative living.
📔 8. “How to Do Nothing”
by Jenny Odell
Theme: Attention, mindfulness, resistance to productivity
culture
A thought-provoking, philosophical read for those rethinking their relationship
with tech, productivity, and time. Perfect for slow mornings in a hammock.
🌞 Mental Health Summer
Reading List for Young Adults
📘 1. “You Will Get
Through This Night” by Daniel Howell
Genre: Self-help & humor
Written by YouTuber Daniel Howell, this is an honest, accessible, and even
funny mental health guide that balances real talk with practical advice. Great
for anyone navigating anxiety, depression, or just trying to feel more human.
📗 2. “It’s Kind of a
Funny Story” by Ned Vizzini
Genre: Fiction, YA
A raw, semi-autobiographical novel about a teen’s experience with depression
and inpatient treatment — filled with heart, wit, and hope. A meaningful read
for teens who’ve ever felt overwhelmed.
📙 3. “Girl in Pieces” by
Kathleen Glasgow
Genre: Fiction, YA
A powerful, emotionally rich novel about healing from trauma and self-harm.
It's intense but beautifully written, making it an important read for those who
need to feel less alone.
📕 4. “The Self-Love
Experiment” by Shannon Kaiser
Genre: Self-help, self-love
Perfect for late teens and 20-somethings learning how to stop self-sabotaging
and start being kinder to themselves. Light, uplifting, and empowering — ideal
for a summer mindset reset.
📘 5. “Turtles All the Way
Down” by John Green
Genre: Fiction, YA
A sensitive portrayal of OCD and anxiety through the eyes of a teenager. If you
want summer fiction with emotional depth, this is a beautiful and validating
story.
📗 6. “The Body Is Not an
Apology” by Sonya Renee Taylor
Genre: Self-help, body positivity, social justice
Bold and affirming, this book empowers young readers to dismantle body shame
and practice radical self-love — perfect during swimsuit season or anytime body
image stress hits.
📒 7. “Darius the Great Is
Not Okay” by Adib Khorram
Genre: Fiction, YA
Follows a teen navigating clinical depression, family expectations, and
cultural identity. Thoughtful and full of heart — a great reminder that healing
can happen in unexpected places.
📙 8. “My Body My Home” by
Victoria Emanuela (Poetry)
Genre: Illustrated poetry, body/mind connection
A gentle, artistic guide to reconnecting with your body and inner world. Ideal
for quiet, introspective summer afternoons or anyone recovering from anxiety or
disconnection.
📔 Bonus: “Zen as F*ck” by
Monica Sweeney
Genre: Guided journal
A fun and cathartic mindfulness journal that blends affirmations, swearing, and
humor. Perfect for beach journaling or stress relief with a rebellious twist.
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