The Ultimate Summer Reading List for Transformational Women

Summer is around the bend and there’s nothing better than a day at the beach or your feet up on the porch settled in with a really great book.

While some like fantasy or fiction, I go for down and dirty real-life inspiration from this inspiring crop of wise women who are changing our very culture by their example and by making their stories public and their voices heard.

If you are like me, you won’t be able to soak up enough wisdom from these women warriors. The topics span from owning your sexuality, to cultivating your feminine wisdom, becoming the master of your money, emerging as a more effective leader and turning your pain into power.

I’ve taken the best of the best this summer. Get ready to step into your power NOW.

Tops on my reading list this summer is Feminine Genius by my friend and colleague, LiYana Silver. LiYana shares how to connect with your inner wisdom, balance your masculine and feminine strengths, rely on your intuition and turn your pain into your power. (She’s also my special guest for an exclusive interview June 15th).

Next, Pussy: A Reclamation by Regena Thomashauer (aka Mama Gena). I remember the first time I met Regena, not knowing of her famous school, we had an immediate connection. At that time I was an emotional wreck from a relationship fated from the start, and she was present, there, in the moment holding, the space for me to “swamp” and be with my rupture. If you read only one book on this list, you MUST read this one. Immerse yourself in desire and pleasure, learn to let your pussy be your intuitive guide to all the wisdom she holds, and lean on your sister goddesses as reflections of your true glory.

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton is next on my list. After learning of her husband’s infidelity, Glennon realized nothing is as it seems. Forced to confront her own demons, she found a path to recovery from alcoholism and bulimia and discovered that her deepest pain held the keys to a rich and resourceful life. Love Warrior is a gorgeous and inspiring memoir recounting one woman’s brutal and beautiful journey to an abundant and authentic life.

A must-read for anyone thinking about changing careers or pursuing a dream, The Crossroads Of Should and Must by Elle Luna is a testament to finding and following your passion. I met Elle at the Emerging Women Live conference in San Francisco last year and nabbed a signed copy of this artful and insightful account of one woman’s journey to discovering her passion. It’s a beautiful easy-to-read narrative artfully illustrated by its author. Definitely a beach-worthy read.

No matter how much you have, there are few women I know who don’t struggle with the concept of money. The Soul Of Money by Lynne Twist is a new addition to my reading list this summer. Lynne shows us that examining our attitudes toward money – earning it, spending it, and giving it away – offers surprising insights into our lives. Through personal stories and practical advice, we discover our relationship with money, understand how we use it and by assessing our core human values, align our relationship with it to our desired goals to transform our lives.

Thank & Grow Rich (a playoff on Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill) is Pam Grout’s latest addition to the series experiments in the field of possibility. I had the pleasure of interviewing Pam in 2014 in the From Burnt Out To Brilliant series. Pam has a playful way of acknowledging the power of gratitude in creating more abundance and joy in life. If you are a client, you already know I’ll assign you a personal experiment to ask for a sign from the Universe that the universe does indeed have your back. Thank Pam for that one!

Million Dollar Women by Julia Pimsleur is a must-read for any women looking to be one of the 3% who actually succeeds in building a sustainable million dollar business. Julia and I connected on 90-Days of Gratitude on Facebook, of all places. I interviewed her when Million Dollar Woman came out and I’ve been a supporter and fan every since. This is THE essential guide for women entrepreneurs who want to go big!

Speaking of going big… Playing Big by Tara Mohr just landed in my mailbox (thanks to my investment coach, Jenny Kassan!). Although I’ve barely cracked open the cover, I can already tell it’s full of wisdom on how to break through limiting beliefs. Danielle LaPorte’s review said it best “We want to make a difference in the world, we want to live full-on, and we know that our passion is powerful. Playing Big is like a torch that shows you where assumptions you’ve been holding could be holding you back – even if you think you are using your power to the fullest.”

Lastly, Lead Like A Woman by Megan Dalla-Camina & Michelle McQuaid is the essential guide for true confidence, career clarity, vibrant wellbeing and leadership success. Not every woman who succeeds is an entrepreneur. If you are a leader with soul. If you are looking to build your personal brand while mindfully maintaining your well being and creating positive organization change with grit and grace, then this is your bible.

So there you have it! Nine summer-worthy reads for the woman on the path of living her life to its absolute fullest! Whether you are an entrepreneur, business leader, lover, mother or spirit junkie, there is something here for you. Take your pick and share your experience in the comments below.

Happy (almost) Summer!