Is there anything better than a good read while sitting in the sunshine? Of course, it’s definitely made a little bit better if that sunny spot is located on a beach and you’re on vacation, but hey, we’ll take what we can get!

As we start building out our Summer must-read list, we turned to our Journey LIVE teachers to see what books they’re current reading and recommend.

Jackie

Currently Reading:  In Love with the World: A Monk’s Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying by Mingyur Rinpoche with Helen Tworkov

Why She Loves About It: “This book is about the experience of leaving. It’s really raw to hear him share about how he shed his monks robes, which served as a protective identity, and wandered with literally nothing. To me, the book is about the question of what’s left when everything else is gone. Who am I REALLY? Wow.”

Andrew

Recommends: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Why He Loves It: “I read this book every year. The essential lesson for this book is that there are no gurus and you have to feel it on your own. It’s such an important reminder for me, as I’m naturally drawn to seeking and exploring.”

Ceasar

Recommends: The Dharma of Star Wars by Matthew Bortolin

Why He Loves It: “The Dharma of Star Wars is my bible! As a fanatic and an admirer of Buddhist principles, it’s a perfect way to learn about Buddhism and how it connects to the Star Wars world. We are all Jedis.”

Hector

Recommends: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Why He Loves It: “I love The Alchemist because it highlights the capital T, Truth, that the big answers we seek are hidden in plain sight. They are a part of the question, in fact bigger, and within us. They’re so big that we can’t often see them and we have to go on these quests just to change our view enough to see we had them with us all along. It gives hope and points to our ultimate potential.”

Tiffani

Recommends: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Dr. Maya Angelou

Why She Loves It: “Her writing is like listening to music. When reading this book, I found pieces of me and my story on the pages. I cried and felt seen even though our lives are decades and worlds apart.”

Cheryl

Currently Reading: Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart by James R. Doty

Why She Loves It: “Wow! James Doty is the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University, of which the Dalai Lama is a founding benefactor.  He grew up with little hope for an education, let alone an amazing and impactful career. The lessons he learned about tearfulness, intentions and mindfulness in a little magic shop in his hometown, changed the direction of his life. Inspiring!”