In the panting heat of August, doing just about anything can feel like…a lot. Maybe that’s why pretty much everyone I talk with, follow, or listen to is suffering from third-degree burnout: Substack maven
reported on hers late last year, ever the trailblazer. And like, of course. The world is on fire (again), the economy is moodier than a tween shopping in Sephora, and we have to put on our adult-sized pants and report for work as if everything is normal (L O L). Who has time to muster anything resembling enthusiasm to take on some complex, dense novel or biography? I certainly don’t and I’m a glutton for (literary) punishment.
That’s why, for the remainder of summer, which if the weather keeps rolling the way it is, could be forever, I’m dedicating myself to easy reads. Books that don’t require a ton of mental heavy lifting. Come back later: Uphill reading is currently closed for the season. To spread the laziness love, I’ve included below burnout-friendly books worth checking out. See ya on the other (hopefully less sweaty) side.
Burnout-Friendly Books for the Exhausted Reader
Trying something different with my reading list and adding some short comments. Do you like this? Do you care? Tell me in the comments below.
“Commonwealth” - Ann Patchett
This is a one-two punch of top-tier literature and riveting fiction that pulls at the heart strings. Alternatively, grab her newest, “Tom Lake.”
“The Final Girl Support Group” - Grady Hendrix
What happens to the surviving girls of horror movies? Read and find out.
“Babel” - R.F. Kuang
Currently reading this, it’s like “Harry Potter” but carries a far more poignant message that isn’t in your face, and (bonus) it’s written for adults.
“Empire Falls” - Richard Russo
City dwellers who dream of escaping to a small town: This one’s for you.
“The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes” - Elissa Sloan
What The Idol could (should!) have been.
“The Vacationers” - Emma Straub
More dramatic than trying to split the dinner bill four ways.
“Congratulations, the Best is Over!: Essays” - R. Eric Thomas
Admittedly haven’t read this one yet, but by the buzz it’s garnered by some very funny people I follow on BookTok, it’ll have you howling in your hammock.