It’s that time of year again- spring blossoms, warm breezes, new growth. It’s Springtime, and that means it’s time to start fresh and get inspired. Spring is one of my favorite times to goal set and create new reading lists. Here’s a list of five books that you should absolutely read in the Springtime- if you’re a bookworm like me. Believe me, these are worth the read! These books range from self-help to fiction, and everything in between. They have inspired me, and I hope they inspire you too.

Garden City by John Mark Comer

The catchline for this book is “Work, rest, and the art of being human.” This book was monumental for me. The author, John Mark Comer, is a pastor of a church that I frequented when I lived in Portland. His book addresses how powerful and meaningful work can and should be. It’s not just ways to pass the time, or something mind-numbing or a means of escapism. On the contrary, our work and our vocation is a way of cultivating community and creating a garden. Now not a real garden, mind you, but a place where you and your peers flourish- where beauty and value flow. This books is an especially great read in the Spring, as it is about gardening and everything pertaining to new life. Check it out here.

2) Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Yes, I am on the Wild bandwagon. It’s definitely been a popular piece of literature, what with the film that recently came out and its place on the New York Times Bestseller list and all. I was captured with this book. Perhaps it has to do with my affinity for the outdoors and the Pacific Northwest. Wild is about a young women at the end of her rope. Her mother has recently passed, her relationships are bust, heartbreaking memories haunt her day and night- her life is in shambles. It’s at this tragic place in her life where she decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in search for enlightenment, fulfillment, and truth. The neat part about Wild is that it’s based on a true story. The writer actually went on this journey. Realism and meaning fills every page as she describes her perils of hiking alone- not seeing anyone for weeks, mourning her mother, and finding peace. It’s all there. Definitely recommend. Get your copy here.

3) Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Anne has been one of my childhood favorites for as long as I can remember. I grew up reading this book with my mom and sister. It’s definitely a feel-good story that makes you want to cozy up in a farmhouse somewhere and imagine your on Prince Edward Island via 1908. In case you haven’t heard of it, this series is about a young orphan named Anne Shirley who moves to Nova Scotia and is adopted by an elderly couple that reside on a tiny, beautiful island called Prince Edward Island. The series revolves around Anne’s spunky and upbeat personality and hilarious encounters with those in her community. I love a good coming of age story, and this might be my favorite. The reader walks with Anne through blooming apple orchards with her best friend, sits in class as she makes a fool of herself reacting to her first crush, and joins her on her adventures where her imagination takes flight. It’s a beautiful story. Check it out here.

4) Originals by Adam Grant

Now let’s talk about productivity and creativity. Originals is a book that tackles the difficult subject of how to be successful, creative, fearless– original. The author encourages his readers to create new ideas and to push boundaries. Grant’s catchphrase for the book is “how non-conformists move the world.” He offers multiple case studies of real people who have done extraordinary things by being outspoken, by focusing on originality and creativity, by breaking the mold and harnessing their individuality. It’s a perfect read for all you budding entrepreneurs out there. Get your copy here.

That’s it! If you end up reading any of these books, please let us know! We love hearing from you. I hope this Spring is peaceful and renewing for you, and that these books may help.