This post is sponsored by Oyster.
Good morning!
Summer is just around the corner, right? Right?! Man, after the winter we had here in New England, I am more than ready for warm weather and all the things that go along with summer, like sunshine, vacation, and just, well, being outside and relaxing. I think all of us in the Northeast had a bit of cabin fever this winter. Anyway, I’m still loving Oyster, and it’s my favorite way (besides wine) to relax at the end of a long day. I read almost every night before bed and, recently, if I’m not reading a book, I’m using Oyster to browse various half marathon training plans. After finishing Boston, I’m motivated more than ever to run another race.
If you missed my first review of Oyster, you can read it here. If you’re still thinking about trying it, YOU SHOULD! And you can try Oyster Unlimited for FREE for your first 30 days. Just use this link to sign up!
If you’re unfamiliar with Oyster, here’s what it’s all about”¦
In a nutshell, Oyster is my favorite way to read. It’s an app for discovering and reading books on your smartphone, tablet, or web browser. When you subscribe to Oyster Unlimited, you get access to over 1 million books for just $9.95 a month. They have everything from classics to new releases to New York Time’s Best Sellers and to award winners. It’s like Netflix for books! Once you decide on a title, you get the book immediately and you can read offline.
What I love most about Oyster is that it gives you spot-on recommendations based on what you read. (You can also share and receive book recommendations from friends through the app.) I have found so many great titles this way. Right now, I am really into running books and have a whole bunch in my reading list that I want to check out.
Another favorite is the ”˜Health‘ section of Oyster, which is organized into specific categories, so you can browse just about any subject you are interested in, including running, healthy pregnancy, food & nutrition, and so much more.
You can even search by specific words (i.e. ulcerative colitis, IBD, Paleo) to find exactly what you are looking for. When it comes to IBD stuff, for example, it’s awesome having access to so many books because I can just flip through and see if they will be helpful or not. I hate it when I think a book is going to be amazing and solve all my health problems, but then I get it and it’s not at all what I expected. Same goes for IBD- and autoimmune-specific cookbooks. I’ve purchased so many over the years that end up being just so-so, but, with Oyster, you can literally browse through cookbooks, pick and choose the recipes that you want to try, and not waste your money. Love that.
Ok, here’s a new Oyster feature: Now they offer a store where you have access to even more books. The store allows readers, including non-subscribers, to purchase and read virtually any ebook on Oyster, including all new releases and pre-orders. If you want to read a book not included in your Oyster Unlimited subscription, it’s no problem at all. You can buy any book and read it on the Oyster app in seconds and the books you purchase are yours forever. How cool is that?
When it comes to discovering new books, there is so much value in having everything in one place. You might discover a new author you love, which leads you to buy their new release. Similarly, you might buy a new book you heard about from a friend, and based on that book find a similar book you’d love that is available in subscription. It’s a really neat feature.
A couple of frequently asked questions about Oyster Unlimited and the store:
What do I get with an Oyster Unlimited subscription?
For just $9.95 a month, you get unlimited access to over 1 million books. Pick up or put down as many books as you want for one low price. Cancel anytime. You can try it for free.
Can I buy a book without subscribing to Oyster Unlimited?
Yes! Buy any book in our store and read it on Oyster in seconds. You can download books to our app and read offline or on the web. Browse the store.
—
Ok, so I got a little carried away with my explanation (I just really love Oyster), but now let’s talk about summer reading. Lately, I’m into running books, but I also love funny books, especially autobiographies, self-improvement books, healthy cookbooks, and anything related to IBD and autoimmune diseases. That said, here’s a HUGE list of books I’m hoping to tackle in the coming months!
Running
- Runner’s World Performance Nutrition for Runners by Matt Fitzgerald
-
The Last Pick by David McGillivray
-
Run Faster From the 5k to the Marathon by Matt Fitzgerald and Brad Hudson
-
My Best Race by Chris Cooper
-
Running Injury-Free by Dr. Joseph Ellis
-
Meb for Mortals by Meb Keflezighi
Funny/Autobiographies
- Waiter Rant by Steve Dublanica
- This is How by Augusten Burroughs
- Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me by Mindy Kaling
- Take Five by Augusten Burroughs
- My Booky Wook by Russell Brand
Self-Improvement
- 10% Happier by Dan Harris
- The 4-Hour WorkWeek by Timothy Ferriss
IBD/Autoimmune
- The Autoimmune Epidemic by Donna Jackson Nakazawa
- The China Study by T Colin Campbell
Healthy Cookbooks
- Inspiralized by Ali Maffucci
-
The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond
-
Moosewood Restaurant Favorites by The Moosewood Collective
- Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook by The Blokehead
- Autoimmune Paleo Breakfast Cookbook by The Blokehead
Questions of the Day
What kind of books are you into lately?
What books are on your summer reading list?