Our Summer Reading List

This summer has been anything but typical,
but we are still finding time to dive into some really great literature. 

Our Grove Collaborators have found these books to be helpful and inspiring, specifically for the times and challenges we're experiencing today.

Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Joy DeGruy
Recommended by John Casey, LMSW
"This book dives into the residual impact of our country's history of slavery and oppression, and explores the strength and resilience of the Black community."


Welcoming the Unwelcome: Wholehearted Living in a Brokenhearted World by Pema Chödrön
Recommended by Teague Simoncic, LMSW
"An invitation to dive into, and not shy away from thoughts and feelings that are painful or overwhelming. By doing so, we can cultivate a sense of compassion for ourselves and others, thus facilitating the formation of deeper connections with the world around us."


White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo 
Recommended by Tom Atkins, MD
"It really does live up to the hype. I learned a lot about the concept of systemic racism and really appreciated separating the idea of benefiting from racism and being a morally bad person."


"The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
Recommended by Margaret Levasseur, LMSW, CCTP
"Published in 2010, this book is still so relevant today. I found myself feeling very upset when learning about what police and the carceral system are doing to keep Black folks subjugated and controlled. After reading this book, I really look at the world we live in quite differently, and I hope that many others will read this book too."


The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse by Charles Mackesy
Recommended by Carryn Lund, LMSW, RYT
"I read this book in one sitting, moved to tears, and in touch with feelings of hope. Through sweet conversations between the boy and his animal friends, we get a window into the human heart and a reminder of what is important to us all - relationships, loving ourselves, and embracing the journey of life."


Anti-Racist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi
Recommended by Carryn Lund, LMSW, RYT
"I've been enjoying reading this to my 16-month-old daughter. It lays out nine important steps for engaging in anti-racism work in, obviously, easy to understand language."


Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo 
Recommended by Emily Preston Rahim, LMSW, CTTS-M
"It is easy to forget in difficult times how to stay optimistic. This book weaves a story of what it is like to live as the ultra poor. It is a story about hope, endurance, and gratitude in the unexpected simple things in life. Right now it is even more important to keep perspective on the challenges we face. This book has helped me stay grounded and to hold on to what is most important in life."


Reading provides many benefits, and can be used as a strategy to calm the mind and aide in relaxation - all while learning something new.


What’s on your reading list this summer?