Looking for Summer Reading?

Summer is fast approaching and for some of us, summer is a time to catch up on reading. If you or a reader in your life is looking for interesting books to read this summer, check out the offerings from Skinner House and Beacon Press books - both part of the UUA.

Skinner House Books

Unafraid to tackle the thorniest issues, Skinner House brings you insightful writing for every age and stage. As an imprint of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), Skinner House sits at the intersection of your progressive values and life’s biggest questions. These books look at how do we, as individuals and communities, find the path forward on crossing cultural borders, grappling with grief and loss, navigating growth and change, striving for justice and action, or questioning conscience and belief.

Beacon Press: Igniting Hearts & Minds

Beacon Press® is an independent publisher of serious non-fiction. Their books often change the way readers think about fundamental issues; they promote such values as freedom of speech and thought; diversity, religious pluralism, and anti-racism; and respect for diversity in all areas of life. Founded in 1854, and winner of numerous awards, Beacon Press is known for publishing ground-breaking books on a variety of topics.

Both publishers offer books on a wide range of topics and resources to help individuals and communities engage with what they are reading. Beacon House publishes discussion guides to facilitate book discussion groups and teacher guides to use books in classrooms. Skinner House has companion resources available including discussion guides, audio of some readings, video of interviews and articles. They host the Goodreads Justice and Spirit: Unitarian Universalist Book Club which reads and discusses a book each month. Skinner House recently partnered with Cine-Books to offer some children's books in an audio and visual format suitable for use in congregational settings.

Book topics cover a wide range including religion, history, current affairs, political science, gay/lesbian/gender studies, education, African-American studies, women's studies, child and family issues and nature and the environment. Meditation Manuals and other books about personal experiences are also represented. There is something for everyone!

You can purchase Skinner House and Beacon Press books at inSpirit, the UU Book and Gift Shop. Beacon Press books can also be purchased directly from the Beacon website.

What will you read this summer?