Books are endlessly appealing.
When you find the ones that resonate with you, the gifts they offer can be transformative. Wisdom, creativity, humor, data, relaxation, ways of looking at the world, ways of understanding yourself ... And all through other people's voices and lenses. For me, books are a beautiful reminder that we're all connected and just how much we need each other's stories and perspectives.
These six books are on my personal Must Read List, and they're all written by amazing women.
Colorful: Inspiration, Influences, and Ideas for a Vibrant Life
Iris Apfel
At 102 years old, this incredible icon (entrepreneur, designer, model, educator, and influencer) passed away recently. Sharing her personal stories, work, and beliefs in her signature style, this autobiography will release in August 2024.
“This is not a book of secrets—I have no secrets. Sorry to disappoint if that’s what you’re looking for. I have some good stories, though. And a few ideas. This book is about living, creating, and color. Because creativity and color matter. I don’t want you to dress like me or think like me—that’s not the idea of this book. I want you to find the colors, confidence, and creative inspiration that reflect you. My life has been filled with love, wonder, and a very deep, incurable curiosity. This book is my treasure trove of inspiration, influences, and ideas: My source. Be brave. Find your source. What makes you happy? —Much love, Iris x”
How to Be the Love You Seek
Dr. Nicole LePera, The Holistic Psychologist
The third in her ‘how to’ trilogy, including 'How to Do the Work' and 'How to Meet Yourself.' If you're interested in personal growth and evolution, I'd recommend Dr. Nicole's Instagram posts too. Her powerful and concise insights are so incredibly valuable.
"As a clinical psychologist in private practice, Dr. Nicole LePera often found herself frustrated by the limitations of traditional psychotherapy. Wanting more for her patients—and for herself—she began a journey to develop a united philosophy of mental, physical, and spiritual health that equips people with the tools necessary to heal themselves."
This American Ex-Wife: How I Ended My Marriage and Started My Life
Lyz Lenz
Lyz shares her life through story-telling, humor, and journalism. I follow her writing on Substack (including her ‘Dingus of the Week’ report 😆🫶🏽) and I can't wait to dig in to this new book.
"Weaving reportage with sociological research and literature with popular culture along with personal stories of coming together and breaking up, Lenz creates a kaleidoscopic and poignant portrait of American marriage today. She argues that the mechanisms of American power, justice, love, and gender equality remain deeply flawed, and that marriage, like any other cultural institution, is due for a reckoning."
Regenerative Business: How to Align Your Business with Nature for More Abundance, Fulfillment, and Impact
Samantha Garcia
Yes, please! The world needs regenerative-everything right now ... regenerative farming and agriculture, materials, diets and lifestyles, design, relationships, AND regenerative businesses. Aligning my own business (and life) with nature is something I've been working towards for several years now. I'm curious to learn more!
"For the weirdo entrepreneurs and spiritual creatives who know they have the power to change the world through their business legacy."
Women Without Kids: The Revolutionary Rise of an Unsung Sisterhood
Ruby Warrington
As a woman without kids myself - and one who's now living in middle-America where kids and families are the predominant, expected norm - this topic is one I want to explore more. Both to understand the history and context of where we are right now and to better articulate my own experiences and perspectives.
"Set against the backdrop of an unprecedented global reproduction slowdown, and taking in themes from intergenerational healing to feminism to environmentalism, this personal look and anthropological dig into a stubbornly taboo topic is a timely and radical reframing of everything it means not to be a mom."
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Robin Wall Kimmerer
This national bestseller has been waiting patiently on my bookshelf for quite some time. It keeps coming up lately, so I'm taking it as a nudge from the universe that it's time to dive in to this beautiful book.
"Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist, a mother, and a woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings—asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass—offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices."
*****
Who are the women inspiring you to get get curious... and live your best, most vibrant life?
Through books and beyond, from the smallest of daily interactions to the world’s biggest stages, women are leading the way forward with heart, courage, intelligence, and wisdom. Weaving together stories of the past and the future as a road map for us all. And I'm so grateful for them.
Happy reading!
