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When did August happen? I am a little late posting the prompt for the Not Quite Superhuman Reading Challenge for August’s theme. Apologies!
Let’s be honest—connection can be hard. We’re busy, we’re tired, and sometimes the idea of sending a “just checking in” text feels oddly intimidating. But when we think back to the moments that really mattered in our lives, chances are they included people—whether that’s a lifelong friend, a supportive neighbor, or someone who sat with us in silence when we needed it most.
This month’s theme is Community and Connection, and it’s all about the people who make us feel like we belong. The ones who show up, who listen, who remind us that we don’t have to do it all alone.
As always, you can read any book that fits the theme in a way that speaks to you. Fiction, nonfiction, graphic novel, memoir—it all counts. The goal isn’t to check a title off a list, it’s to reflect on the role that connection plays in your own life. But if you’re looking for ideas, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Suggested Reads:
Nonfiction:
- I’ll Be There (But I’ll Be Wearing Sweatpants) by Amy Weatherly & Jess Johnston – A heartfelt (and funny) look at what it really takes to build and keep strong female friendships.
- The Power of Strangers by Joe Keohane – A deep dive into how talking to people we don’t know can change our lives—and why it matters more than ever.
- Find Your People by Jennie Allen – A guide to building real-life connections in a world that’s increasingly digital.
- Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow & Ann Friedman – A powerful reflection on what it takes to maintain a meaningful, long-term friendship.
Fiction:
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – A moving story about unexpected friendships, healing, and one surprisingly insightful octopus.
- The Guncle by Steven Rowley – Family, grief, humor, and the joy of finding connection in unconventional ways.
- The People We Keep by Allison Larkin – A quiet but emotional coming-of-age story about chosen family and learning to belong.
- We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride & Jo Piazza – A timely and layered novel about friendship, identity, and tough conversations.
Reflect & Connect:
After finishing your book, take a moment to ask:
What does connection look like in your life right now? Where are you showing up—and where do you need support?
📚 I’d love to know—what are you reading for this month’s theme? Drop your pick in the comments or share how it ties into your idea of community and connection. Let’s inspire each other!
– Dr. Jen
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Thank you, Jen, for another great topic for August; sorry to be a day late. Cheers, Dorothy
Several years after Fred Rogers, a minister-turned-TV personality, died, I had the opportunity to spend a day researching at the Fred Rogers Institute in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The staff were incredibly helpful—and dedicated to promoting Mister Rogers’ legacy.
Fred Rogers was a powerhouse of creativity, inspiration, and kindness. His book, The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember, is my selection for August’s theme—Community and Connection.
The book is full of insightful gems to ponder. It offers a common-sense approach for striving to be our best in building relationships—without expecting perfection. Whether you read it cover to cover (in less than an hour) or simply open it to any page for inspiration, this book beautifully captures the essence of community and meaningful connection.
From the last section of the book titled, “We are All Neighbors,” page 179 reads: “…from Saint-Exupery’s “The Little Prince,”…L’essential est invisible pour les yeux….What is essential is invisible to the eyes. The closer we get to know the truth of that sentence, the closer I feel we get to wisdom. That which has real value in life in any millennium is very simple. Very deep and very simple! It happens inside of us—in the “essential invisible” part of us, and that is what allows everyone to be a potential neighbor.”