More Happier: Reading Hacks, Book Recommendations, and Finding Your Perfect Summer Read

Summary

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Episode Summary: "More Happier: Reading Hacks, Book Recommendations, and Finding Your Perfect Summer Read"

Release Date: July 18, 2026
Hosts: Gretchen Rubin, Elizabeth Craft
Main Theme: Reading habits, hacks for reading more, book club alternatives, and book recommendations for summer.

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Episode Overview

In this lively and highly practical episode, hosts Gretchen Rubin and Elizabeth Craft revisit and share their favorite strategies for reading more, recommend a wealth of books across genres, and discuss ways to make reading a joyful habit—especially during the summer months. The sisters lean into actionable advice for finding more time and energy to read, choosing the right books, using technology and habits to track progress, and connecting with others through reading. The episode also features listener-sourced hacks, creative book club formats, and a bounty of recommendations for readers who want to deepen or revive their love of books.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reading as a Habit and Pleasure

• Establishing Reading Habits:

  • Many people want to read more but struggle to form the habit.
  • “One of the things I have to say when I was writing my book Better Than Before about habit change is I was so surprised and encouraged by how many people told me that they really wanted to change the habit of reading so that they would read more.” – Gretchen [03:31]
  • Starting a book is often the biggest barrier; just reading the first two pages can help get over the hurdle.

• Letting Go of Guilt Around Unfinished Books:

  • Elizabeth shares that allowing herself to quit books she doesn’t enjoy has led to much more pleasurable and abundant reading.
  • “But now if I lose interest in a book, I stop reading it. And so now I have so much more time to read the books that I love.” – Elizabeth [05:24]
  • Hosts emphasize reading should not be about accomplishment but about enjoyment.

2. Practical Reading Strategies

• Always Have Something to Read:

  • Carry a book or have one queued on your devices to make use of waiting times.
  • Think of traditionally “wasted” time (commutes, waiting rooms) as prime reading opportunities.
  • Kindle/library e-readers are recommended for travelers or those wanting to borrow books remotely.

• Timing and Approach:

  • Not everyone is wired to read before bed. Consider mornings, lunchtime, or other non-traditional windows.
  • Example: A publisher friend reads for pleasure in the early morning before work (as a “lark”).
  • “If you’re reading a book that you really love, you’re like, oh, my gosh, I have this oasis in the middle of my day.” – Elizabeth [10:16]

• Skimming and Reading Nonfiction:

  • Skimming (especially newspapers/magazines/nonfiction) is valid. Focus on chapters relevant to your life or summary sections.
  • “You don’t have to read in this very, very slow way. You get through a lot more.” – Elizabeth [06:58]

3. Book Clubs and Accountability

• Book Clubs as Motivators:

  • For “obligers,” a book club provides accountability and a deadline to read.
  • “If everybody’s going to be annoyed if you haven’t read the book, you know you’re going to get at least one book read.” – Elizabeth [10:54]

• No-Homework Book Clubs:

  • Listener Sarah suggests a “no homework book club” where everyone simply shares what they’ve been reading, with no pressure to have all read the same book. This format is less stressful, more diverse, and works well for “rebel” types.
  • “This format is low pressure and for me makes for a more interesting discussion because you learn about lots of books from a diverse group of people." – Gretchen, paraphrasing Sarah [15:29]

4. Listener Hacks for Reading More

• Books I've Read This Year Shelf:

  • Create a dedicated shelf for all books read within the year. This “ta-da” shelf is gratifying and motivating.
  • “Not only does it make me happy to see the books that I’ve already read, I’m motivated to keep working through my reading list to fill up the shelf.” – Listener Gina [18:47]

• Mini-Book Clubs with Kids:

  • Read school-assigned novels alongside your child and discuss; promotes bonding and accountability.
  • “It’s like a mini book club with your kid.” – Listener Kelly, relayed by Elizabeth [19:46]

• Improve Reading Light:

  • Adjust lighting to make reading more inviting and less straining, as a simple fix to boost reading time.
  • “Sometimes the most obvious thing is the most helpful, which is: improve your reading light.” – Gretchen [21:49]

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Book Discovery & Recommendations

How the Hosts Find What to Read Next

• Family, friends, book clubs, and hiking buddies as trusted sources. Elizabeth mentions her sister-in-law’s weekly book podcast as a reliable source for book suggestions. [27:47]
• Listeners’ suggestions from both Happier and Happier in Hollywood podcasts. [28:07]
• Bookstore staff picks and recommendations from booksellers during book tours.
• Roundups, best-of lists, and literary podcasts (ex: New York Times Book Review, Backlisted, Slightly Foxed). [28:34]

Summer Book Recommendations from Listeners & Hosts [31:25+]

• “The Evolution of Useful Things” by Henry Petroski – How everyday artifacts came to be. (Recommended by Kathy)
• “Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies” by J.B. West – Behind the scenes with First Ladies. (Corey)
• “The Kingdom of Prep” by Maggie Bullock – Rise and fall of J.Crew. (Margaret)
• Two by Rose George:
  • “Nine Pints: A Journey through the Money, Medicine and Mysteries of Blood”
  • “The Big Necessity: The Unmentionable World of Human Waste and Why It Matters”
• “Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ” by Julia Enders. (Kelsey)
• “The Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory” by John Seabrook. (Carol)
• Dog non-fiction: “Dog Is Love” by Clive Wynne; Bruce Campbell’s memoir “If Chins Could Kill”. (Marcy)
• “99% Invisible” podcast (Roman Mars) – Design and hidden world investigations. (Elizabeth)
• “How Buildings Learn” by Stewart Brand. (Stephanie)
• Anything by Mary Roach ("Bonk", "Stiff", "Spook").
  • “I love Mary Roach. I read everything she writes.” – Gretchen [34:54]
• “The Way Things Work” by David Macaulay.
• “Meet Me by the Fountain: An Inside History of the Mall” by Alexandra Lange.
• “Paved: How Parking Explains the World” by Henry Grabar. (Nikki)
• Bill Bryson: “A Short History of Private Life” and “At Home: A Short History of Private Life”. (Jackie)
• “An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us” by Ed Yong. (Barb)
• “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly” by Anthony Bourdain. (Suzanne)
• “Mailin’ It” podcast by the U.S. Postal Service – how mail works. (Laurie)
• “The Life and Death of a Garment” by Maxine Bédat. (Jenna)
• “The Economics of Everyday Things” podcast. (Janiece)
• “Inside the Food World’s Riskiest Business” by Matt Lee; “The Residence” by Kate Andersen Brower. (Alessandra)
• Additional mentions: children’s/YA classics, including “The Hunger Games”, “The Giver”, “The Outsiders”.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Letting Go of Reading Guilt:
  “Really, we’re not reading to accomplish checking off a list. We’re really reading to read. So, if you just think of it that way, finishing loses its importance.” – Sarah [06:11]

• On Setting Summer Reading Projects:
  “It’s very satisfying to watch yourself make progress through it over the course of the summer…so fun to cross them off.” – Gretchen [02:41]

• On the Joy of Book Recommendations:
  “People are always looking—what’s a great podcast? What’s a great TV show?” – Gretchen [16:47]

• On Book Clubs:
  “Many, many rebels will say that they don't want to do what somebody else tells them to do. And a lot of questioners also say, ‘Why would I read a book just because a bunch of people picked it?’ All the tendencies can have issues with it. And this is a way you can get around that.” – Gretchen [17:19]

• On Light and Reading:
  “Sometimes the most obvious thing is the most helpful, which is: improve your reading light.” – Gretchen [21:49]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:09] – Gretchen and Elizabeth introduce summer reading and personal summer projects
• [03:18] – Try This At Home: Tips to Read More
• [05:24] – Permission to Quit Books
• [06:53] – Skimming and Selective Reading
• [07:49] – Always Have Something Good to Read
• [08:32] – Reframing Commutes and Waiting Time
• [09:13] – Finding Unconventional Reading Times
• [10:34] – Book Clubs and Accountability
• [15:29] – Happiness Hack: The No-Homework Book Club
• [17:52] – Books I’ve Read This Year Shelf Hack
• [19:46] – Mini Parent-Child Book Clubs
• [21:49] – Improve Your Reading Light Hack
• [27:06] – Listener Question: How Do You Find What to Read Next?
• [31:25] – Host and Listener Book Recommendations
• [38:04] – Spotlight on the Happier App’s “Design Your Summer” Tracker Tool

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Spotlighted Tools & Resources

• Happier App “Design Your Summer” Tool:
  Track summer reading lists, create themes, and log reading progress.
  “Go to thehappierapp.com or you can download from the App Store or Google Play.” [38:31]

• Links to Gretchen’s “Reading Better Than Before” PDF and Daniel Pennac’s “10 Inalienable Rights of the Reader” in episode show notes. [11:07]

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Episode Takeaways

• Reading is a habit that can be intentionally shaped; small practical changes yield big results.
• Let go of the guilt around not finishing every book and focus on enjoyment.
• Book discovery flourishes when recommendations come from trusted friends, family, or knowledgeable booksellers.
• Experiment with new reading approaches (mini parent-child book clubs, no-homework book clubs, reading light tweaks, to-be-read shelves) to add freshness to your reading life.
• Lean into accountability structures and tracking tools to make summer reading more joyful and satisfying.

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For Your Summer Reading

If you want to read more, try:

• Picking up a book immediately after finishing the last one (even just for first two pages)
• Giving yourself permission to abandon books not bringing joy
• Finding unconventional reading times during the day
• Creating visual or digital progress trackers
• Sharing recommendations in a low-pressure social group
• Upgrading your reading environment (especially lighting!)

*“The best time to start a happiness project is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Gretchen Rubin [38:50]

Transcript

[Commercial Narrator]

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[Elizabeth]

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[Gretchen Rubin]

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[Elizabeth]

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[Gretchen Rubin]

Yeah, and I also love that it automatically starts when you get into bed, so it feels seamless. Visit www.sleep.me Gretchen to get up to $255 off your Chilipad 2.0 with code Gretchen. This special offer is available for happier listeners and only for a limited time. Order free shipping and try it out for 30 days. You can return it for free if you don't like it with their sleep trial, visit www.sleep? s l e e P Me Gretchen and see why cold sleep is your ultimate ally in performance and recovery. Hello, we're here for More Happier, a podcast where we get happier. Join us for some weekend listening with observations and reflections with a looser vibe. Hey Elizabeth.

[Elizabeth]

Hi Gretch.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Today we're revisiting some of our favorite conversation hacks and recommendations about reading, which

[Elizabeth]

feels very appropriate for summer.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yes it does. Summer reading is the best. I'm so excited to think more about reading because my Summer of Virginia Woolf's diary is officially under I wasn't sure whether I would enjoy reading these diaries, but I do, so I am deep into them.

[Elizabeth]

Yeah, I need to figure out what I'm reading for the rest of the summer, so maybe these clips will help.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Well, one thing that's been helping a lot of listeners is using the Reading section and the Design youn Summer tool on the Happier app. It's a place to keep track of the books you want to read so you know you get a recommendation or you decide on your own summer reading project, you have somewhere to put put it. And then of course it's very satisfying to watch yourself make progress through it over the course of the summer. So fun to cross them off.

[Elizabeth]

Oh, I need to try that.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yeah, I think you'd find it really fun. Hopefully some of the ideas in today's episode will help you get more reading done too.

[Elizabeth]

Okay, let's listen back.

[Sarah]

And now it's time for a Try this at home.

[Elizabeth Craft]

Yeah.

[Gretchen Rubin]

And, Elizabeth, this week, our Try this

[Elizabeth Craft]

at home tip is to read more.

[Gretchen Rubin]

And one of the things I have to say when I was writing my

[Elizabeth Craft]

book better than before about habit change

[Gretchen Rubin]

is I was so surprised and encouraged

[Elizabeth Craft]

by how many people told me that they really wanted to change the habit of reading so that they would read more.

[Gretchen Rubin]

I love to read.

[Elizabeth Craft]

You love to read. But it was interesting to me that so many people were working on the habit of reading more.

[Sarah]

Yeah. And I feel like it's something I'm always working on, Gretch. I feel like when I was younger, I just read all the time. And as I get older, I feel like I have less time to read. Although I know I'm doing things other than reading. I could be reading more, like watching the Housewives, you know? And I don't know if other people have this problem, but one thing I find is that I just have a problem starting a book. So it's like I might have a book sitting there that I want to read, and I won't read the first page. Once I read the first two or three pages, I'm in. And if I like it, I'll find the time and I'll finish the book. But it's just opening the book is such a barrier to entry for me.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Well, so in a weird way, what

[Elizabeth Craft]

you need is just the habit of reading the first two pages of a book.

[Elizabeth]

Just.

[Elizabeth Craft]

That might take you a long way.

[Gretchen Rubin]

So what do you. What do you think you could do

[Elizabeth Craft]

to have that habit?

[Sarah]

I don't know. Maybe need to say something like, as soon as I finish a book, I pick up something and read the first two pages of a note. Cause I could go three weeks between books just because I haven't picked one up.

[Elizabeth Craft]

I think that's a fantastic idea to have. Like Anthony Trollope, when he wrote novels, he wrote a certain amount each day, and he would literally write, write, write, and then he would write the end, and then he would start the next one. And so maybe that's a good idea as sort of a celebration of finishing a book, which always feels good to kind of finish a book. You could say, okay, in this same Reading period, pick up and start the next one. That sounds fun and manageable. What do you think?

[Sarah]

Yeah, I think I should try that. And I always have one right there, you know, at the ready. So it shouldn't be a problem.

[Elizabeth Craft]

Right, Right. Well, another thing that I've done that has really given me a lot more time to read, bizarrely is to quit reading. I used to have this idea that like a real reader finishes every book she starts. But what would happen is that I would be reading a book I didn't like and then I wouldn't be reading very much. Cause it just wasn't any fun to read. And so it would slow me down. But now if I lose interest in a book, I stop reading it. And so now I have so much more time to read the books that I love. And I'm always reading a book that I feel like reading. And so it's more fun and more time.

[Sarah]

Yeah, I think that is a great point. I think a lot of us feel really guilty if we don't finish a book. It feels like a sin. And I think it's cause you feel like, well, I can't count this book if I don't finish it.

[Elizabeth]

I haven't really read it.

[Sarah]

And so it also just feels like a lack of an accomplishment. But really not reading to, to accomplish, like checking having read a book off our list. We're really reading to read. So if you just think of it that way, finishing loses its importance.

[Elizabeth Craft]

Well, and also, I mean, kind of picking up the same idea, and this is what you said is when I'm reading a book I love, I'm amazed by how quickly I can read it, how much time I find to read it. If there's a book you love, you find the time. But if you're not that enthusiastic about it, you're like, I don't have any time to read. So there's this great line by Thoreau who said, read the best books first, otherwise you'll find you do not have time. And I really think it's true.

[Sarah]

So what else can people do? I mean, this is a question that we get over and over and over again.

[Elizabeth Craft]

Well, one thing I think is to skim. This is something that I've learned. Like if you read newspapers and magazines and I still read them in paper form, a lot of times you get what you need by skimming. You don't have to like read in this very, very slow way. And you get through a lot more. And so sometimes I really say to myself, I just want to Skim through this. I just want to get the G. I don't have to read it slowly. I'm going to really push myself to read it faster.

[Sarah]

Yeah, that's definitely true for like a parenting book. For example, you may think like, oh, it's so daunting to read this whole big book about parenting. But a lot of times you can look at the chapters, see what relates to your life, read it and get a lot out of it. And a lot of times books, nonfiction books, will have at the end of the chapter what we've learned. And you can read that and get a lot out of it.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Right.

[Elizabeth Craft]

And then see, like, do I want to go back and read a particular part? I'm reading a parenting book right now. And that is excellent advice.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Well, and you know, Elizabeth, you just

[Elizabeth Craft]

said how you always have something waiting to read and I think that's really helpful is just is always have something good to read so that you're excited to read and never go anywhere empty handed. And this is one way when I travel, because I travel a lot, I always want to read print books. So I'll bring several print books with me, but then I also bring digital reader and I can check out books from my library on my E reader. And so then I never risk being without something to read for like a long flight or something because that terrifies me. And then you get more reading done because you're never at a loss for what to read.

[Sarah]

Yeah, I try to think of things like waiting at the doctor's office or something like that as like a great reading time, you know, so it's like, oh, I can actually look forward to being in line because I'm going to be reading.

[Elizabeth Craft]

It's a great way to reframe it. And I actually know somebody who. Well, when the Panoply studios moved, they moved locations about a year and a half ago and somebody said, oh, my commute's gotten so much shorter and I'm so sad because that's my best reading time. And I loved my long commute and I thought, well, that's a way to reframe a commute. You know, either way you win.

[Sarah]

Yeah, you don't hear that often. Great point.

[Elizabeth Craft]

I know. That's the beauty of the subway. You can read while you're commuting and

[Sarah]

then you can also read at non traditional times. Like I find most people think you should read right before you go to bed. And they're like, well, I get into bed and I start to read, but then I fall asleep and I go, well, then maybe that's not the best time to read.

[Elizabeth Craft]

I can't read before bed. I always fall asleep immediately. I don't understand how anybody does that. Yeah. So you can find unconventional times to do it. I have a friend who works in book publishing and one of the things people say if you work in book publishing is you have no time to read for fun because you have to read for work all the time. So he specifically gets up at 5 o' clock every morning because he loves to read. And so he reads for fun for a couple of hours before going into work. And he's a morning person. He's a lark. So this works for him. This would not work for everybody, but for him, it's this wonderful part of the day where he gets to do that reading for fun. It wouldn't work for everybody, but he found a way to carve that time out of his day.

[Sarah]

Yeah. I also think people could read at lunch. You know, I think lunch sometimes you're just kind of surfing the Internet or maybe chatting with someone, but for no real reason. It's like if you took a book and went to your office and just read for half an hour, that could be really enjoyable and feel like a real break from the day, when often lunch doesn't really feel like a break from the day.

[Elizabeth Craft]

Yes. No, exactly. And that's back to this idea of if you're reading a book that you really love, you're like, oh, my gosh, I have this oasis in the middle of my day when I'm going to be reading this wonderful book. It feels very restorative and yet you don't have to make a lot of plans and arrangements. It's fun to meet a friend for lunch, but you can't always manage that. But you could sneak away and read a book for a half an hour.

[Sarah]

And of course, we have to talk about the strategy of having a book club, which we've discussed many times, the pros and the cons and the struggles and glories of book clubs. But I do think for a lot of people, having a book club is a great way to make sure sure you find time to read. Because you're like, well, I have to have this book read by May 1st.

[Elizabeth Craft]

Yes, I'm in four book clubs. They are the light of my life. And also for obligers, if you're having trouble reading, it's an accountability structure because if everybody's going to be annoyed if you haven't read the book, you know you're going to get at least one book read.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Gretchen Rubin]

So let us know if you found

[Elizabeth Craft]

any other good strategies to find more time to read. And what have you tried? What's worked for you? Have some of these strategies worked for you? Have you found other things? When I was working on my book Better than Before about habit change, I created a PDF called Reading Better than Before because so many people asked me about how to change their habits to read more. So I'll post a link to that in the show notes for this. And this is happiercast.com121 and also there's this wonderful kind of manifesto that Daniel Panack wrote called the 10 inalienable rights of the Reader, which is wonderful. And I will post a link to that in the show notes as well.

[Elizabeth]

Up next, we'll revisit some clever happiness hacks to help you read more this summer. But first, this spring.

[Gretchen Rubin]

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[Elizabeth]

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[Gretchen Rubin]

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[Elizabeth]

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[Gretchen Rubin]

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[Elizabeth]

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[Gretchen Rubin]

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[Elizabeth]

All right, we are back with this week's Happiness Hack.

[Gretchen Rubin]

This is a great suggestion question that comes from Sarah. She says my suggestion is to start a no homework book club. I love getting together with friends to talk about books, but I don't enjoy a long in depth discussion of a single book or literary analysis. I saw a TikTok that suggested an alternate format for a book club and I decided to try it. Each month you get together and everyone just talks about what they've been reading or listening to, books, podcasts, long form articles, etc. You share what you liked and didn't and if you'd recommend it to others. This format is low pressure and for me makes for a more interesting discussion because you learn about lots of books from a diverse group of people. It also solves the problem of a discussion petering out because people haven't completed the book. And it particularly appealed to my rebel sister who is an avid reader and loves sharing her favorites but wants to read what she wants to read. In my group, I volunteer to take notes on the recommendations, which I later type into a Google document. This Isn't necessary. But our group really liked having it to refer to since we got so many reading recommendations. So I think this is a great idea because everybody loves recommendations. Elizabeth, what do you call at the end of Happier in Hollywood? You have a fun type?

[Elizabeth]

Yeah, just a recommendation. Just a weekly recommendation. And it's to have anything.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yeah, I think people are always looking, what's a great podcast? What's a great TV show? What's a great. In all my book groups, at the end we will say, oh, and what else are people doing that they would recommend? And it's also great to tell people, hey, don't bother, I started that. And you know, there are people where, you know that you trust their judgment. And if they got, if they read a book and they're like, mm, I just, I'm not sure I would recommend it. I'm like, okay, that's good to know too.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Elizabeth]

It's really a true no guilt book club. That's one of my favorite things about a book club is talking to people about other books. So I love this idea.

[Gretchen Rubin]

It is true. Many, many rebels will say that they don't wanna do what somebody else tells them to do. And a lot of questioners also say, why would I read a book just because a bunch of people picked it? All the tendencies can have issues with it. And this is a way that you can get around that. So I love that.

[Elizabeth]

And it's really building relationships that is

[Gretchen Rubin]

a huge part of why we are part of these groups. And now for a happiness hack. This hack combines two of my favorite things. Reading and clutter clearing.

[Elizabeth]

Yes, and it comes from Gina. She says, I wanted to share this tip that I discovered after doing some spring cleaning that's been bringing so much joy to my life. A couple of months ago, I recataloged all of my books on my bookshelf after I noticed that there were many out of place and I had several new ones to add that were laying around in piles. In my office I have a wall of built in bookshelves. And when I was finished reorganizing, I had one empty shelf around eye level. Well, I know that Gretchen loves the luxury of an empty shelf. It looked quite awkward being the only one empty when all of the shelves around it were full. That's when it occurred to me to make it my books I've read this year shelf. I pulled out all the books I've read since January 1st and let them stand together on this shelf, which is only about a third of the way full. So Far, not only does it make me happy to see the books that I've already read together in one place, I'm motivated to keep working through my reading list to fill up the shelf.

[Sarah]

My husband even liked the idea so

[Elizabeth]

much, we cleared off a shelf for him to have his own. I can't wait for New Year's next year when I can add these books back to their correct categories and start the process all over again.

[Gretchen Rubin]

I think this is great because it's a way of clearing clutter, and it's also a way of, like, giving yourself that ta da list. Like, it's so fun to have a list of the books that you've read, and I think it really would help you keep up the momentum.

[Elizabeth]

So much fun. Great idea, Gina.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Well, and Elizabeth, you used to do this with the books that we featured on the podcast. You had a special shelf for all the ones we talked about.

[Elizabeth]

I sure did. But, Gretchen, we've had so many now that my shelf is overflowing, so I've had to reorganize that.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yeah, it's a good problem to have.

[Elizabeth]

Yes.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Thank you. That's such a great idea for reading and clutter clearing.

[Elizabeth Craft]

Now, Elizabeth, you and I both love this happiness hack because it's related to reading, which is one of our great passions in life. This is a new way to think about reading. That was such a great idea.

[Elizabeth]

Yes. It comes from our listener, Kelly. She said, whenever my kids are reading a novel for school, I also take out the novel from the library and read it at the same time. It's like a mini book club with your kid. We can have discussions, sharing our thoughts and feelings, our predictions, and I'm able to help on the more elaborate questions that the teacher asks. It also gives me the opportunity to read a book I may not have necessarily chosen to read. It's a win, win situation. I've had the pleasure of reading the Hunger Games, the Giver, the Outsiders, and many more. Well, what a fantastic idea.

[Elizabeth Craft]

That's a great idea. For all the reasons that she lists. It's reading a book that you might not otherwise have read, forming a connection with another person.

[Gretchen Rubin]

And I think kids are excited when

[Elizabeth Craft]

their parents are interested in what they're doing.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Elizabeth Craft]

And so the fact that, like, oh, I'm gonna read what you're reading for school, it shows a real commitment of interest to what your child is doing.

[Elizabeth]

Yeah. And people are always saying, how can I read more? What's nice is there are also deadlines with this because it's no doubt an assignment. You have to read a certain amount, you know, every week. So it just helps you actually get a book read.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Now, it might be that some of

[Elizabeth Craft]

these books are really adult books, but often they're children's books or YA books. And of course, like, I'm a huge fan of children's literature and YA literature

[Gretchen Rubin]

and think that it's a lot of adults could get tremendous pleasure from reading these books. So I love all the books she mentions.

[Elizabeth Craft]

The Hunger Games, the Giver, the Outsiders.

[Gretchen Rubin]

They're all great for adults or kids. And if anybody wants to get my

[Elizabeth Craft]

list of my 81 all time favorite children's and young adult books, just email me and I will send you that list. Because this is another way to turn people on to kid lit. And I'm always in favor of that.

[Elizabeth]

Yes. And as they get older, I mean, it'll be Jane Austen and Shakespeare and

[Sarah]

all sorts of things.

[Gretchen Rubin]

The island of Dr. Moreau.

[Elizabeth Craft]

Thank you, Kelly.

[Sarah]

Thank you.

[Elizabeth]

Okay, Gretch, it's time for this week's happiness hack. And it's a reading hack that you came up with.

[Elizabeth Craft]

Yes.

[Gretchen Rubin]

And this sounds so obvious, but yet again, it's one of these things where sometimes the most obvious thing is the most helpful, which is improve your reading light. I kind of noticed this subconsciously in many places that I've been, which is that reading light is not great in a lot of places where you would logically read. And we had this place in our apartment where all of a sudden it just dawned on me the reason why nobody, or at least why I never sat there to read, was that the light just wasn't good. It was actually by a window. There were lights around, but it didn't have that, like, strong on the page light. And as it happened, I had reading lights elsewhere where they were not being really used. And so I just moved them. And they look fine, they're very inconspicuous, and. And now I have this whole new place to read, which feels very, very inviting. But I'm realizing this, you know, as I think back on different places where I've been or different households that I've been to, I think a lot of people just don't realize how much easier and more pleasant it can make reading. And I know we know from our listeners that one thing a lot of people talk about is wanting to read more. And it might be that one of the reasons you don't feel inclined to

[Elizabeth Craft]

read before you go to bed or

[Gretchen Rubin]

why you keep picking up your phone is that the light isn't Quite as good. And of course the phone is always well lit because it's like glowing with light. And so I just think this is something to think about because reading lights are very cheap.

[Elizabeth]

Yeah, well, you know, Gretchen, when we redid our house on our bedside table, we each have a lamp and it never would have occurred to me that we would want more light than that. But we added two of those little things that shine down like kind of

[Gretchen Rubin]

like you have at a hotel.

[Elizabeth]

Yes. And it's great cause you always have reading light and it doesn't disturb the other person as much. Cause you can very much aim it to your book and it keeps the rest of the room fairly dark. So highly recommend that.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, and Jamie has one of those clip on lights cause he often reads after I go to sleep. So again, you don't have to like have a whole infrastructure for it if you don't want to. But just thinking about, is there a way to improve my reading light? Might that make me more inclined to

[Elizabeth Craft]

read because it just feels more comfortable and a little bit easier.

[Gretchen Rubin]

So that's my $0.02 on reading lights.

[Elizabeth]

Coming up, we'll revisit a listener question about how to find good books to read this summer. Plus some great recommendations for your summer reading list. But first, this break.

[Gretchen Rubin]

I've been trying to say yes, more to little adventures. Nothing huge, just getting out of the routine and going somewhere different for the day. And it really makes you appreciate having a car that feels solid and comfortable where you're not thinking about the drive,

[Elizabeth]

you're just focused on where you're going.

[Gretchen Rubin]

That's what stood out to me about the Defender. It has that rugged design, but it also feels really thoughtful inside. And I like that There's a full lineup from the two door 90 to the 110 and the 130 with seating for up to eight. So it really fits different kinds of plans.

[Elizabeth]

And it's built with those durable purposeful materials so you can actually use it without worrying about every little thing. It also has features that make driving feel easier, like Clearsight technology and the Pivi Pro system, so you can keep track of where you're going and everything you want to listen to along the way. Plus, with up to 89 cubic feet of cargo space and available three rows, it gives you a lot of flexibility depending on what you're bringing with you. Explore the full Defender [e-mail] One thing

[Gretchen Rubin]

I've learned about summer dressing is that the pieces you love most are usually the simplest ones. The things you reach for again and again because they're comfortable, versatile and always seem to work. That's why we keep coming back to quints. I've been especially loving their European linen pieces. They're lightweight, easy to wear and somehow look polished without requiring any effort.

[Elizabeth]

Quince makes elevated essentials using premium materials like European linen, organic cotton and washable silk, but without their traditional markup. Their linen pants, dresses and tops start at just $32 and their soft denim and organic cotton sweaters are perfect for cooler summer evenings. I also love their 14 karat gold jewelry. Simple pieces that instantly pull an outfit together make your summer wardrobe feel easier. Go to Quince.com Gretchen for free shipping on your and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com Gretchen for free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com Gretchen this episode is brought to

[Commercial Narrator]

you by Google Health. Stop chasing someone else's definition of health. What matters is what's healthy for you. Google Health offers a new kind of coach built with Gemini for effortless tracking, sleep insights and holistic coaching tailored to you. Visit googlestore.com to learn more and start a new relationship with your health. Requires Google Account, Google Health App Internet and Google Health Premium Subscription Features subject to change availability and results vary. Not intended for medical purposes. Works independently of Gemini apps. Check responses for accuracy.

[Gretchen Rubin]

And now for a listener question.

[Elizabeth]

This week it comes from Sam who says, ever since I did read 21 and 21, I've been reading much more regularly and and it makes me so happy. I've noticed that when I don't get much reading done, it's because I don't know what book to read next. You two never seem to have trouble figuring out your next book. How do you find suggestions? Do you often read books that you recommend to each other? I have one friend who recommends books often and it took me a while to realize I don't like her taste. So I'm trying to give myself lots of ways to get ideas.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Oh that's such a fun question.

[Elizabeth]

Oh yes, and there's so many ways.

[Elizabeth Craft]

Yes. So Elizabeth, what are some of the ways you do?

[Elizabeth]

Well, one way I get suggestions is Gretch. You know, my sister in law, Olivia Fierro has a podcast called Olivia's Book Club which is every week, so she has lots of book suggestions and she and I like a lot of the same kinds of books so I usually know she loves something I'LL love it.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Elizabeth]

Also, Gretchen, listeners happier and happier in Hollywood. Listeners suggest lots of books to Sarah and me and often those I will read. And then another time I get a lot of wrecks is when I hike with my friends. So, you know, that's just a lot of time to chat. And we will always talk about books and television shows. And then I love I can go off and read a book and then talk about it with them on another hike.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Well, and I would agree, I would say family and friends, for sure. Both of our parents read a lot, so I get a lot of reading recommendations from them. My friends read a lot. I've been three book clubs, so that's a lot of recommendations. I love roundups and best ofs. Like if you're looking online or in articles, magazines and newspapers. I love the podcast backlisted. I highly recommend that which is about backlist books, meaning books that were published, you know, a while back, not new books. And same thing. There's a quarterly called Slightly Fox. Those focus on things that came out many, many years ago. But, you know, it's new to you if you haven't read it.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Elizabeth Craft]

So magazines and newspapers.

[Gretchen Rubin]

But one of the things that's been great about my book tour is I'm hanging out with all these booksellers and I always say, what have you read? What's great? And what are people really excited about? And so they always have so many suggestions and they often know about books before they've come out, too. So they can say, like, ooh, everybody's really excited about this book. So I've been writing down a lot of recommendations and I've been buying books along the way, which has sort of been a problem because I had packed my carry on bag to the gills and then I ended up buying some books. And it's like, okay, I learned my lesson. Do not do that. I had to jam all these books into my backpack and lug it around.

[Elizabeth]

And that's so funny. Gretch, I saw a photo of you with a stack of books at a bookstore online, and I thought to myself, how is she carrying all of these books? So you couldn't resist.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yes. Yes. So it's fun to hear how people get ideas. So if you have other sources that you love, New York Times Book Review podcast is great. This is a great thing to have a list to recommend.

[Elizabeth]

Also, you and I were talking about is staff picks at the bookstore. Often, especially at, like an indie bookstore, there will be staff picks and it might even say what it is sort of love this page turner or love this thoughtful meditation on life or whatever.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yeah.

[Elizabeth]

And those are people who read a lot so well.

[Gretchen Rubin]

And I just find that if somebody has really, really highly recommended a book to me, there's a level of quality below which it doesn't go. Yes. Even if it's not my favorite book, if somebody loves it, it's probably pretty good.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Commercial Narrator]

Yes.

[Gretchen Rubin]

What a fun question. More Reading for all

[Elizabeth Craft]

Elizabeth we were

[Gretchen Rubin]

inundated with suggestions after our discussion in episode 478 where we had the try this at home suggestion to make life more interesting by reading a book that sheds light on how things work. And it's so funny because I thought that you and I kind of had this idiosyncratic thing where we really enjoyed these books. I didn't know that this like a thing. Well, like so often it turns out that you feel like you're sort of the only one interested in something or doing something. It turns out, oh no. This is something that many people share.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Elizabeth]

So we will run through some of the suggestions we got. Kathy says as an engineer, this book spoke to me the Evolution of Useful Things, How Everyday Artifacts, from forks and pins to paperclips and Zippers Came to Be As They Are by Henry Petroski.

[Gretchen Rubin]

I bought that book to give to Eliza cause it sounded like she would love it. Corey said. One of my most recommended books ever and I always feel weird recommending it because it sounds kind of lame. But it is so, so good. It's called Upstairs at the White My Life with the First Ladies by J.B. west. The author was the chief usher at the White House for decades and it's so fascinating to read about the different presidents and first ladies he got to know.

[Elizabeth Craft]

You will love it.

[Elizabeth]

Mm, that sounds good. Margaret said. I recently read Maggie Bullock's book the Kingdom of the Inside Story of the Rise and Near Fall of J. Crew. The book chronicles the company's beginnings up to, I believe, the 2020s. It is an easy read and a very interesting look into this iconic brand. Gretch I was just talking the other day about Jenna Lyons on More Happier I think this is one I 100% need to read.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yeah. Cindy suggests two books that both sound fascinating by Rose George. One is Nine A Journey through the Money, Medicine and Mysteries of Blood and the Big Necessity, the Unmentionable World of Human Waste and why It Matters. They both sound good.

[Elizabeth]

Kelsey says, I have a great book recommendation for you since you love to learn about how things work. Me too, and have not read the books you mentioned, so adding those to my to be ready, I want to share one of my favorites, the Inside Story of Our Body's Most Underrated Organ by Julia Enders.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Fascinating, Carol said. I'd like to recommend the song Machine Inside the Hit Factory by John Seabrook. It tends to take a lot for me to get interested in pop music, and when my daughter was in high school, as I chauffeured her about she would listen to popular music. This book came up and something about it piqued my interest For a long while after that, I would drive my daughter crazy by pointing out the construction of the songs on the radio.

[Elizabeth]

Marcy says Dog Is why and how your Dog Loves you by Clive Wynne is one of my newest favorites. And if Chins Could, Confessions of a B Movie Actor by Bruce Campbell is an old favorite. I love learning about cutting edge canine genetics and the human dog relationship and Dog Is Love and how Bruce Campbell and his hometown friends turned a childhood 8 millimeter hobby into careers in if Chins Could Kill. I love that title.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Elizabeth]

There are also podcasts that uncover the design of everyday life as well as my very favorite, which is 99% invisible by Roman Mars. Each episode provides the story of something we all take for granted or how a design challenge was overcome.

[Gretchen Rubin]

That's a great podcast, stephanie said. One book I recommend to everyone is How Buildings Learn what Happens after They're Built by Stuart Brand. The COVID says it all. A print of two identical homes side by side from 1850s and a recent photo where they look so different. I have read this book.

[Elizabeth]

Fascinating, Stephanie says. Here are a few of my favorites. The Library Book by Susan Orlean. Anything by Mary Roach Bonk Stiff Spook. Oh, I know Sarah likes Stiff.

[Gretchen Rubin]

I love Mary Roach. I read everything she writes and the

[Elizabeth]

Way Things work by David McCauley.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yeah, that's a huge classic. This is another book that I bought for Eliza and I want to borrow it because it sounds so good. Angela suggests Meet me by the An Inside History of the Mall by Alexandra Lang.

[Elizabeth]

Nikki says I'm writing to recommend Paved How Parking Explains the World by Henry Graybar. It sheds light on how parking policy is created. Not very well, it turns out, and what we're willing to do to store our cars.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Interesting. Jackie says the best books that explain how things work are written by Bill Bryson. My favorite of all time is titled A Short History of Private Life. He goes room by room through a house to explain the history and origins of how we live. And then also many people suggested Bill Bryson's book the A Guide for Occupants. I've read both those books. I love Bill Bryson.

[Elizabeth]

These titles are amazing.

[Gretchen Rubin]

I know.

[Elizabeth]

Barb said. You must read An Immense How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed Yong, especially because of your interest in senses.

[Gretchen Rubin]

I have read An Immense World. It is so good. Suzanne said. You may have already read this one, but Anthony Bourdain wrote the book Kitchen Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. This is a behind the scenes read at How a chef runs a restaurant and why you don't want to order fish on Monday. I haven't read that. Have you read that?

[Elizabeth]

Elizabeth? I have. And there was also a show based on it.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yes, that's right.

[Sarah]

Friends of mine worked on that's right.

[Elizabeth]

Laurie has a podcast recommendation, she said. On my morning walk I listened to a podcast from the US Postal Service called Mail in It. The January 23 episode chronicles the journey of Newsstand. I thought it was fascinating and thought you might enjoy knowing how that works even though it isn't a book.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Love a podcast. Jenna says, this book is absolutely fascinating and I believe has very important information for those of us who wear clothes to know the Life and Death of a Garment by Maxine Bedet.

[Elizabeth]

And this comes from Janiece. Here's another podcast recommendation, the Economics of Everyday things. They are 15 to 20 minute episodes on niche industries like like foley artists or specific items like hotel soaps. Great for quick drives and very interesting insights.

[Elizabeth Craft]

I really like that podcast. I listen to that.

[Gretchen Rubin]

And then finally Alessandra recommends two books, Inside the Food World's Riskiest Business by Matt Lee. After reading this, I will never go to an event or party and not appreciate the MacGyver type effort it may have taken for me to enjoy a hot hors d' oeuvre or entrepreneur and then the residents. Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Anderson Brower. A fascinating look at the everyday inside workings of the White House from the people who work there. Oh, people are interested in the White House.

[Elizabeth]

Yes. All of these sound great, Gretchen.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yes, my to be read list is now dangerously longer than it was before.

[Elizabeth]

Okay Gretch, what is our spotlight light on a tool this week?

[Gretchen Rubin]

Yeah, if this episode has got you thinking about what you'd like to read this summer, try the Reading Cue in the Design youn Summer Tool in the Half Year app. It is where I am tracking my Summer of Virginia Woolf's Diaries and it's a great place to keep all your summer reading plans in one spot. You can also use the rest of the Design youn Summer tools to choose a theme for your summer, make a summer bucket list and capture memories as the season unfolds.

[Elizabeth]

And where do people find it?

[Gretchen Rubin]

You can find the Design your Summer tool in the Happier app. Go to thehappierapp.com or you can download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

[Elizabeth]

O I'm excited to check out this feature.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Ah well Elizabeth, are you feeling happier?

[Elizabeth]

Yes, I am feeling happier. Thank you to Chuck. Bye Gretch.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Bye Elizabeth. The best time to start a happiness project is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Elizabeth Craft]

Now.

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[Elizabeth Craft]

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