We offer a selection of books published in Latvian during the last year, which are worth reading this summer, preferably in a beautiful place near the nature of Latvia, in order to leisurely enjoy and reflect on what you have read.

Bill Plotkin “Journey of Soul Initiation”

This is a book to read slowly and carefully, to live through yourself and to return to again and again. Of course, in the summer you just want to lie on the beach and read an entertaining novel, but summer can also be a time to come back to yourself. "Journey of the Initiation of the Soul" is a book that forces everyone to look at their life path in a wider, more open, multifaceted way and, very likely, to notice that the paths walked so far are very superficial and the true goals and tasks of life are more meaningful and fundamental than those that we have set for ourselves.

In the book, the path to oneself is closely related to going out into nature, so it is natural that with this book it is best to go outside the city, for example to Akmeni Nature Resort , where you can relax in exclusive cabins on the banks of the Daugava.

"Pyramid of Relationships" and "Guide to Emotions" by Zane Ozoliņa

Cherishing and nurturing your relationships and your inner world should always be priorities, but often these two very important areas of a person's life are neglected in the daily rush. On vacation, when responsibilities take a break, there is an opportunity to look at both yourself and your relationships with a clear view and evaluate whether everything is the way we want to see it. The book "Pyramid of Relationships" tells about the sequence of building relationships and the stages, which are important not to miss and experience, so that the relationship is viable not only in the first intoxication of rose-colored glasses, but in the long term.

The book will be useful for everyone - both those who want a relationship or are in the initial stages of their formation, as well as those who are already in a relationship, because when reading the book, you can also look back on the story of the formation of your relationship and perhaps you will notice some white spot, which may play out and make itself felt today. On the other hand, the book "Emotions Guide" will help you understand the various emotions that overwhelm us and learn to work with them in order to improve both your relationship with yourself and those around you.

There is no abstract theory in these books, on the contrary, they are written in understandable language with examples and tasks that make you apply what you read to yourself. Therefore, these books would be perfect to read in an environment where there is peace, it is possible to leisurely read chapter by chapter, write down your thoughts and complete tasks. Such an environment is the dome house Zaļais Zelts , where you can enjoy luxurious rest and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Emilija Ratakowska "My body"

This book quickly gained the attention and appreciation of the whole world and has also been translated into Latvian. In this collection of essays, Emilija Ratakowska talks about the episodes of her life and how she gained fame in the fashion and entertainment industry, where her main working tool is her own body. She shares her experiences and reflections on how a woman's body is still perceived and used today, trying to be aware of and break existing beliefs and prejudices.

Being in harmony with your body is not always so simple and obvious. Every woman can consciously build a relationship with her body, taking care of it, loving it and accepting it, as well as choosing how she wants to look and present her body to the world. Use your vacation time to reveal your unique femininity in a professional women's photo session .

Roxy Nafusi “Manifesto”

The power of positive thinking is priceless. Basically, manifestation is based on that - positive thinking, which cultivates the belief that everything you want and work for, you deserve and will come true. A lazy summer vacation is the perfect time to dream about the future. They can be leisurely considered and formulated into specific goals.

The book "Manifesto" offers a 7-step program, following which it will be easier to understand what you really want and, most importantly, how to act as actively and efficiently as possible to realize it. Follow these steps and you might not even get your next vacation until your dream comes true.

Is there a more suitable place for dreaming and sowing good intentions than the seashore? The recreation complex Get Lost in the Pines is located on the untouched coast of the Baltic Sea, where the powerful water energy, the power of the wind and the fresh air of the pine forest will cleanse the mind, bring clarity to thoughts and strengthen every expressed desire.

Jay Shetty “8 Laws of Love”

This is also a book that has already been read and appreciated by many around the world. Love is so multifaceted, that's why Jay Shetty talks about the different stages of love and what to appreciate in each of them and how to see love even when it doesn't seem to be there. Ultimately, he reveals that love is all around us every day, we just need to see it and learn to expand our definition of love. Love is not something that happens to us only in the shapes and forms we imagine, it must be learned to see and cultivate every day.

Everything starts with love for yourself, and you can love yourself by allowing yourself to relax and be alone with yourself or a loved one. You can stay undisturbed alone or as a couple in the charming hexagonal cabins Fern & Zīle in an untamed forest or in a holiday house Kukūzes , if you want peace and stay close to Riga at the same time.

Zane Eniņa "The Way of Santiago: patch for feet and heart"

Summer is the right time to go hiking and Zane Eniņa will definitely inspire you. In her flowing narration, the daily scenes of the road are interspersed with moments of reflection, which allow every reader to vicariously experience the road to Santiago. From practical advice for those who want to travel someday, to meeting Zane's familiar travel companions on the pages of the book and the revelations provided by the road - this is a truly heartfelt and authentic story.

If you are not ready to go to Santiago right away, you can visit Lejaslīga , which is located in the Gauja National Park and provides beautiful surroundings for leisurely walks, or the uniquely designed rest house West House in Bernāts , located by the sea, where you can go for long, thoughtful walks.

Katherine May “Wintering”

What is winterization and what does it have to do with summer? Hibernation is an internal emotional journey that everyone goes through at some point, because sometimes you just have to slow down and let go of the hard and dark moments of life. Of course, this book can be included in the list of winter reading literature, but someone can also experience their own little inner winter during a rainy summer weekend in Latvia, and then this book will be a great help. The slow, rainy and quiet stages in life must also be experienced and we can actually take a lot from them, accumulate energy in them and prepare for active and active stages.

In the coldest moments of winter, life and also summer, you want to warm up and it is best to do it in a sauna. Ziedlejas offers sauna rituals that will warm both body and soul. Sleeping in one of Ziedlej's cabins with a view of the stars will rejuvenate and prepare you for an energetic and recharging summer.

Collection of plays "Cilvēksvelme"

When was the last time you read a play? Give it a try, it's an exciting literary format. The collection of plays "Cilvēksvelme" collects plays about love, each author has played love through his own prism. In the book, it is possible to see love in various environments and situations. This book can be read little by little, surviving one play at a time, for example, every time on the terrace of another Riga restaurant . Relaxation and fulfillment of the soul with literature can also be found on a daily basis, planning a moment for yourself to enjoy a delicious drink and read a play about love in the summer afternoon sun.

Zane Krėsliņa "Espresso, croissant and happy life for me, please!"

If I had to choose only one book for the summer, it would definitely be this one. It combines all the perfect ingredients - an inspiring story in a fabulous setting in France and a good dose of reflection and inspiration. It easily tells about the main character's relationship with herself, her body and her husband, without becoming oppressive, maintaining faith and confidence in the future and the fact that every woman can return to herself, love herself and rearrange her life in the direction she wants. If it seems that there is no time to get away, relax and spend time just for yourself, then perhaps this book will encourage you to make a spontaneous decision and go on a holiday trip.

Author of the article: Renate Berga

Rest places: Akmeni Nature Resort , Green Gold , Get lost in the Pines , Fern & Zīle , Kukūzes , Lower Leagues , West House , Ziedlejas