Ah, the lazy days of summer. We know, we know… vacation these days does not always afford us the opportunity to be lazy and shut down from the endless emails, projects and phone calls. But can you please squeeze in some time for your summer reading? Here are some suggestions to get you going with a mixed bag for self-improvement, encouragement, business and plain old entertainment.
INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama tells her story and gives credit to the people that took her from Chicago’s South Side to the White House. In the audio version of the book, she is the reader and has a professional delivery. It was interesting to hear the back story of some of the incidents reported in the press and it was uplifting to hear her journey of perseverance, courage, optimism and confidence.
Shoe Dog – A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
The story of how the Nike creator turned a $50 loan from his father into an international business. It’s all there – the pitfalls, the rejections, the mistakes. We’ve heard this script before with other multi-millionaires and yet they continue to amaze.
SELF-IMPROVEMENT
We Fed an Island: The True Story of Rebuilding Puerto Rico, One Meal at a Time by Jose Andres
As a world-famous chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, Jose Andres is not one to sit on the sidelines when people are hungry. This book tells the inside story of how he was able to mobilize an army of volunteers to feed Puerto Rico where others had failed. It makes us all want to do more and be better. Try the audio version of this book, read by Hamilton creator’s Lin- Manuel Miranda, a Puerto Rican native.
Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis
The title gives it away and if that’s not enough, here’s a quote from the author.
“We Need You to Stop Apologizing for who you are and become who you were made to be.”
BUSINESS
The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda Gates
This book, authored by philanthropist Melinda Gates, uses data and to prove her point about how empowering women makes good business sense and is ultimately life-changing for women and the world. She uses stories of women she has met in her travels to bring the statistics to life and make it personal.
“It is a wise, honest, and beautifully written book about how empowering women lifts up everyone.” Bill Gates
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown
Brene Brown seems to be everywhere these days. She’s a prolific author, she has a show on Netflix and she makes a cameo appearance in the Netflix movie, Wine Trip with Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and Maya Rudolph. Her latest book turns her years of research and interviews into a primer on what it takes to be a great leader and provides practical advice on how we can all step up.
SITTING-ON-THE-BEACH READS
My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Despite the alarming title, the author’s writing style makes this book a somewhat light read about the unbreakable bond of sisters and how families are complicated. It’s certainly different and a true page turner.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
A grumpy old man gets interrupted with his suicide plan by unsuspecting neighbors. Soon to be a movie starring Tom Hanks, this is a fun and heartwarming read, perfectly paired with a beach chair.
I included The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey on a book list of years past and it’s still a best-seller! It will be 30 years this summer since this book was first published, so if you haven’t read it yet, it’s time to soak up some classic business advice and join the anniversary celebration.
Pick up these for your bag of books or share your other picks.
Leisa Chester Weir
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