On My Bookshelves

Lately I haven't been making the time to read as much as I'd like, and I definitely want that to change. I'll be the first to admit that I often get sucked into the unhealthy cycle of binge-watching Netflix, which usually causes reading to fall by the wayside. But I want to be more intentional in how I spend my free time, and reading has so many more benefits than watching TV. Reading is also one of my favorite ways to relax and relieve stress, and I could use a little more of that in my life. So without further ado, here is my current reading list:


Currently Reading

Quiet by Susan Cain - As an introvert, it can sometimes be overwhelming how idealized extroverts are in our current society. Susan Cain sheds light on the benefits of being an introvert and how we can harness our strengths. I'm less than a quarter of the way through this book so far, and I've already learned some powerful incites about my leadership style and interpersonal relations. I can't wait to see what other knowledge this book holds!

Zoobiquity by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz - This book is all about comparative medicine and how closely tied human medicine is to veterinary medicine. The author, an M.D., discusses various veterinary cases that she has consulted on and how much M.D.s can learn from D.V.M.s. As a future D.V.M., this book is fascinating to me, and I love how she emphasizes the importance of doctors working together to treat and cure interspecies diseases.

20 Something, 20 Everything by Christine Hassler - I am now solidly into my mid-twenties, and this book is all about finding balance and direction during the tumultuous, transitional years between 20 and 30. It's also full of journaling exercises that I think will be great for self-reflection.


In the Queue

Tell Me Where It Hurts by Dr. Nick Trout - Written by a renowned veterinary surgeon, I'm sure this book will give me a window into the daily life that I have to look forward to in my future profession. I'll be interested to see how his story compares to my experiences thus far as a veterinary technician.

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot - I can't go to veterinary school without having read this classic! And all of James Herriot's books are so cheap on Kindle, so I may just have to read them all!

Good Dog: True Stories of Love, Loss, and Loyalty by the editors of "Garden & Gun" magazine - This book is a collection of stories by various authors all focused on the topic of dog ownership and the companionship, friendship, and support that dogs have to offer. I'm definitely looking forward to this feel-good read.

For Bea by Kristin von Kreisler - A heartwarming story about the life of a beagle rescued from a research laboratory. My mom got me this one for my birthday since I have a rescue beagle of my own, and I can't wait to read it (although I know it will make me cry like a baby!)

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein - This story is told from the perspective of an elderly family dog on his last day, as he recounts his life and adventures with his owner. I've heard such great things about this book and how it emphasizes the human-canine bond. I'm sure this one will be a tear-jerker too.

The Genius of Dogs by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods - I'm sure you are starting to see a theme here! Clearly, I can't get enough books about dogs. This was another Christmas gift, and I'm sure it will be very enlightening about how dogs' brains function and process the world around them.

House Rules: Survival Guide to Living with Roommates by Malcom Rockwood - This book was free for Kindle, so I grabbed it really quick! I haven't had the best luck with roommates in the past, and I'm hoping this book will have some helpful incites for choosing compatible roommates in vet school.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner - This one has been in my queue for a while now, and I caved and watched the movie before reading the book. But the movie was so good that I want to read the book even more now! And of course, books 2 and 3 of the trilogy, as well.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot - I bought this book ages ago and just haven't gotten around to reading it yet. The subject of stem cell research and the ethical debates surrounding it are fascinating to me, and I can't wait to delve into this real-life story.


On My Wish-list

Unsaid by Neil Abrahamson - In this book, a veterinarian who has passed away at a young age reflects on the life she left behind. Meanwhile her husband, an attorney, works on a case regarding a chimpanzee and a research experiment and draws upon his late wife's life story to guide him. Should be a very interesting and emotional story!

Drive by Daniel Pink - I've been meaning to read this one for ages. Daniel Pink reveals the science and psychology behind what drives us to succeed. As an overachiever myself, I think it will be interesting to see his take on motivation and how it directs our life choices. I may have to move this one to the top of the queue as I am currently trying to make some important life decisions about my future…

Mindset by Carol S. Dweck - Similar to Drive, Mindset focuses on the psychology of success and what sets overachievers apart from everyone else. My mom has this book, and I've read little snippets of it, but I definitely want to read the whole thing to see how my mindset can affect my life.

Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz - Every time I go to Target, I find myself picking up this book and reading the back cover. It discusses the fascinating topic of how dogs think and understand the humans around them. I think this will be a very important read for my future career as a veterinarian, to help me better understand my patients and how I can make vet visits less stressful for them.


I think that's a long enough list for now! It will be a miracle if I can finish all of these before I start vet school in 6 months. But I always like a challenge, and it will be extremely enjoyable trying to conquer this one!