{"id":6373,"date":"2026-07-28T02:31:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T09:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?p=6373"},"modified":"2026-07-24T16:27:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T23:27:04","slug":"my-july-reading-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2026\/07\/28\/my-july-reading-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"My July Reading Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Confessions, stories, & other books I added in this month<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"person<\/a>
Photo by Blaz Photo<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
[note: this post is NOT sponsored, I'm just sharing what I enjoyed this month]<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Some Favorites:<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfa7<\/strong>Get It Done: How to Complete Your Dream Project<\/em><\/strong> by Gretchen Rubin<\/a> \u2014 I found this freebie on Audible and it has been a fun way to get myself back into planning mode. I love that Gretchen Rubin<\/a> weaves in how our individual personalities affect us deeply and some research from her other books. The Four Tendencies<\/em><\/strong><\/a> book was life-changing for me years ago, and because I\u2019m an Upholder,<\/a> it helped me have compassion and understanding for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople might think they need motivation, when all they really need is clarity\u2026. If you don’t have sufficient reasons, you might not even care if you’re succeeding or not.” \u2014 Gretchen Rubin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd6Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything<\/em><\/strong> by BJ Fogg<\/a>\u2014 Niamh Celeste<\/a> and I have been prepping for the book club posts and I think you all will love what we have planned. If you haven\u2019t heard about this yet, make sure you are subscribed so you get updates and our Thursday posts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Subscribe now<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you struggle to get projects started or new habits in place you should come join us at book club!!<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd6\ud83d\udcbbMyers Briggs Personality Typing <\/em><\/strong>\u2014 With so many young adults in my household I try to find things to discuss that will be enlightening and practical. Recently I got a book on Amazon that we had fun using as a base for our MBTI typing discussion. I hesitate to recommend it here because while the content and research are very well done, the interior design of the book is not. It made me cringe when charts were cut in half, and I found single lines or words left dangling at the top or bottom of a page. But because the writing was so helpful in our discussions here is the title: Myers-Briggs 16 Personality Types Core Concepts by Julian Smith<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
There have been some fun debates around our kitchen counter about MBTI types, personality tendencies, and introverts vs. extroverts. \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Reflections, Confessions & a Rabbit Hole:<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I want to be someone who reads \u201cthe classics\u201d in my evenings and via audiobook on weekend cleaning sprees, but my recent DNF stack says otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recently when I set aside North and South<\/em><\/strong> (an excellent novel published in 1855 by English author Elizabeth Gaskell) I returned to my decision of \u201caudiobooks that are fun, light-hearted escapes\u201d. I\u2019m also finding it easy to enjoy a range of non-fiction after falling into a fun rabbit hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes the best learning plans begin with an unexpected detour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It started with Book Lovers<\/em><\/strong> by Emily Henry<\/a> \ud83d\udcd6 (a book I finished in May<\/a>). The main characters are in agent & book editor jobs. I really enjoyed this peek into the industry of fiction publishing along with the enemy to lovers banter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the back of the book is “Nora and Libby\u2019s Ultimate Reading List<\/a>“, highlighting various rom-coms and contemporary romance novels. I had some interest in a few books there, then it lead to searching in my Libby app for more books in the editing and book publishing world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s when I happened upon the life of Jackie Kennedy Onassis <\/strong>and also her career as an editor. Before this summer, I didn\u2019t know much about the Kennedy family and often felt confused about their appeal. So I decided to see what all the fuss is about and learn about this famous family from a few different angles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve been slowly working my way forward with the kids in our American History Unit and this summer I\u2019ve been catching up on my own learning the 1950\u2019s & 60\u2019s so the time period fit perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, with my very little free time, movie nights, and using my library card this is what I\u2019ve enjoyed so far. (+ a few DNF\u2019s I won\u2019t bother listing)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfa7Jackie as Editor: The Literary Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis <\/em><\/strong>a book by Greg Lawrence \u2014 I didn\u2019t get to finish this one before it was due back to the library in my Libby app, but got over half way and I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at her life. I also became motivated to learn more about the Kennedy family and that time period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJackie regarded books as pathways to enlightenment, each a journey of intellectual enchantment, each affording her the opportunity to interact with people who shared her love of literature and passion for knowledge.\u201d – Greg Lawrence<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83c\udfebHistory Fact:<\/strong> Did you know that JFK\u2019s willingness to wear television makeup (and Richard Nixon\u2019s refusal) during the first televised presidential debate on September 26, 1960, is widely considered a pivotal moment in U.S. political history? Nixon, recovering from a recent hospital stay, was pale, underweight, and refused stage makeup. And on black-and-white television screens, Nixon looked sickly and gaunt against the background. In contrast, Kennedy appeared vibrant, healthy, and composed because of stage makeup and his tan from recent campaign work in California. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026okay, back to my list\u2026\ud83d\ude1c<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfa7The Book Club for Troublesome Women<\/em><\/strong> by Marie Bostwick \u2014 When I told a friend that I\u2019ve been reading books related to the Kennedy family she told me this one is a must-read. It\u2019s a historical fiction that takes place in a 1960\u2019s suburb. I just started it and I\u2019m already hooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf7f\ud83c\udfa5 Jackie<\/em> (2016) <\/strong>drama\/history\u2014 this movie stars Natalie Portman and feels like an interview with flashbacks. I really enjoyed it. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd6<\/strong>Forty Ways to Look at JFK <\/em><\/strong>by Gretchen Rubin<\/a> \u2014 I have often wondered why we are so fascinated by him when his presidency only lasted 1,037 days. This biography tackles the enduring puzzle about JFK: what made him such a dazzling, unforgettable figure? (I know, I\u2019m referencing Gretchen Rubin<\/a> twice in one post, but I really enjoy her work guys\u2026 not sorry! \ud83d\ude1d)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf7f\ud83c\udfa5Thirteen Days<\/em> (2000) <\/strong>thriller\/war\/drama\u2014 based on the 1997 book: The Kennedy Tapes: Inside the White House During the Cuban Missile Crisis<\/em> by Ernest R. May<\/a> and Philip D. Zelikow<\/a>. So many documentaries and movies about Kennedy are focused on his death and those conspiracies. It was refreshing to watch a movie of him actively being president. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcfaNetflix Series: Bobby Kennedy for President<\/em><\/strong> (2018)<\/strong> a documentary series about Robert F. Kennedy. It\u2019s a four-part series that explores his life, political career, time in the White House with JFK, and his 1968 presidential run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfa7Meant to Be<\/em><\/strong> by Emily Giffin <\/a>\u2014 This book is loosely related but since I get to make up the rules for my personal curriculum I am putting it here.\ud83d\ude09This romance is based on Carolyn Jeanne Bessette and John F. Kennedy, Jr. in which Giffin utilizes real-life details. It follows their courtship and whirlwind romance with the characters of Cate Cooper and Joseph Kingsley. Classified as \u201ca chic, history-inspired summer read to take with you to the beach.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I also heard about this series from a different friend, and I\u2019m excited to watch it! -\ud83d\udcfaLove Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette<\/em><\/strong>. It’s so fun that I’m not in this rabbit hole alone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcfa Netflix Series: 11.22.63 <\/strong>\u2014 My husband and I have also been enjoying watching this series based on the Stephen King novel. A teacher (James Franco) travels back in time to stop JFK\u2019s assassination. It\u2019s a limited sci-fi series produced by J.J. Abrams and starts some fun discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Please share this post with a friend!\ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\"woman<\/a>
I love the vibes of this photo! She does not look cozy but the color and huge window? 100% Yes!! \u2014 Photo by Max Harlynking<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
So, how about you??<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019d love to hear what\u2019s working for you!<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Please share your tips and ideas in the comments.<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Leave a comment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Thank you for following along for another month of books, ideas, and real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope you’re reminded that curiosity doesn’t require a perfect plan, just a willingness to keep picking up a book or your earbuds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd2\ud83c\udf42 Happy Reading \u2014<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2b50consider this next step =<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2733\ufe0fMy online course!<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a calm, self-paced guide with tools to make a plan you feel good about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Confessions, stories, & other books I added in this month . Some Favorites: \ud83c\udfa7Get It Done: How to Complete Your Dream Project by Gretchen Rubin \u2014 I found this freebie on Audible and it has been a fun way to get myself back into planning mode. I love that Gretchen Rubin weaves in how our… <\/p>\n
Read <\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stc_notifier_status":"sent","_stc_notifier_sent_time":"2026-07-28 02:39:58","_stc_notifier_request":false,"_stc_notifier_prevent":false,"_stc_subscriber_keywords":"","_stc_subscriber_search_areas":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[692,429],"tags":[49,559,765,766,756,757,305,717,747,210,721,712,485,614,695,719,178,706,30,50,742,731,17,758,147,103],"class_list":["post-6373","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-intellectually-alive","category-my-reading-stack","tag-books","tag-growth","tag-july","tag-july-reading","tag-june","tag-june-reading","tag-learning","tag-monthly-curriculum-recap","tag-my-book-basket","tag-my-book-stack","tag-my-learning","tag-my-personal-curriculum-plan","tag-my-reading","tag-new-hobby","tag-personal-curriculum","tag-personal-curriculum-planning","tag-personal-growth","tag-personal-learning","tag-productivity-for-moms","tag-reading-stack","tag-recap","tag-spring-curriculum","tag-summer","tag-summer-curriculum","tag-summer-planning","tag-summer-reading"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6373","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6373"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6373\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6391,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6373\/revisions\/6391"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}