Books to make summer last

Summer in Uzbekistan smells unlike anywhere else: a mix of fresh produce from the bazaar, cherries, and greenery that turns golden by mid-July. And reading in summer feels different too. Morning light falls lazily across windowsills, children run barefoot, adults sip tea and eat fruit in the courtyard, and on days like this, you want to devour books. But not the kind you read on the subway or during a lunch break – the kind you live through slowly, pausing to gaze at the landscape outside or your companion’s face.

The Book of Joy 

When the world suddenly stops and a sense of anxiety hangs in the air, it's crucial to find comfort in simple things. “The Book of Joy” became exactly that kind of comfort for me. Beneath its cover is a conversation between two remarkable men: the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Their dialogue unfolds in an informal, almost familial setting. Yet each line is filled with wisdom and life experience: from exile and the struggle for freedom to illness and pain. Desmond Tutu is aware this might be his final meeting with his dear friend – he has been diagnosed with cancer. This knowledge imbues their words with even more depth and sincerity. “It is not happiness that makes us grateful. It is gratefulness that makes us grateful,” Tutu says. These words teach us to value each moment and to find joy not only in times of ease but also during challenges. Page by page, “The Book of Joy” reminds us that happiness is accessible to all – it resides in gratitude, the ability to see beauty in the present moment, and the power of inner peace. 

A Daughter of the Samurai

Sometimes life takes us down utterly unpredictable paths. This was the case for Etsu Inagaki Sugimoto, the heroine of “A Daughter of the Samurai”. Born and raised in a strict samurai household, Etsu was taught calligraphy, poetry, and ancient texts from an early age, prepared for a life of discipline and self-denial. But everything changes when she travels to America – an unfamiliar world vastly different from her native Japan. There, she must build a new life with a husband, a Japanese merchant, while holding onto her cultural identity. This autobiographical novel is finely written and richly detailed. Every sentence reflects a deep respect for tradition and delicate observations of life at the intersection of two cultures. The language itself brings joy – beautifully chosen words delicately convey all the nuances of Japanese philosophy and daily life, making this book a true treasure for lovers of subtle, thoughtful storytelling. 

Room of Consolation 

With her debut “Room of Consolation”, Ruth Grinko has created a small miracle. This novella tells the story of two sisters seeking inner balance in an anxious world. They live in a quiet, familiar rhythm, their days filled with childhood memories – sweet morning drinks, the scent of raspberries at the summer cottage, and the warm, tobacco-scented hands of their grandfather. Amid these memories, something magical emerges: fairy tales the sisters invent together, helping them navigate life’s hardships and sorrows. These stories of kindness, friendship, and inner strength become their source of healing and resilience. This book feels like a gentle embrace, soothing the soul and rekindling faith in love and goodness. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking warmth and comfort through literature. 

Christmas Holiday 

Even in the hottest summer heat, you can suddenly find yourself longing for cold weather and snowy winters. That’s exactly what happened when I opened “Christmas Holiday” by Somerset Maugham. The story begins in wintry Paris, where a young Englishman has a chance encounter with a Russian émigré living a difficult life. Maugham masterfully captures the contrasts of Paris: its elegant restaurants and impoverished neighborhoods, the music of Stravinsky and the aromas of Montmartre. His writing delicately unveils the complexities of human relationships and fate, making you feel like a silent witness to the story. I found myself returning to the pages each evening, eager to see how the characters would face the twists and turns of destiny. 

The Magic of Silence

Sometimes, to fully immerse yourself in summer and nature, all you need is a very special book. For me, that was “The Magic of Silence” by Florian Illies. This is a journey through the paintings of Caspar David Friedrich – deep, mesmerizing, and almost meditative. Illies speaks not only about the life of this great artist but also about how, centuries later, his work continues to move people, offering harmony and peace. The author's words feel like an artist’s brush – each sentence painted with care and tenderness. This book teaches you to notice silence, to appreciate its magic and beauty, something often missing in the bustle of daily life.