Looking to get one more great read into this summer?! Our ambassadors are sharing their favorite reads from this summer below – maybe one of them will speak to you!
Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
by Austin Kleod
Amy of My Letter-Sized Life says,
I’m actually re-reading Steal Like an Artist this summer. I find that it is one of those books that helps to jumpstart my motivation and rejuvenate my creativity. I find it most helpful to read when my goals start to feel unobtainable or a project I am working on has stalled – sometimes all we need is a little reminder and a fresh perspective.
This book offers clear and actionable advice and its clever use of illustrations and quotes make it refreshingly easy to read. In fact, next on my reading list is the sequel, Show Your Work.
The Vacationers
by Emma Straub
Maryam of Hi + Hello Photography says,
The Vacationers is a novel about a family who is getting together for a vacation in Mallorca before the youngest heads off to college. We learn early on that the father has recently been let go from his job for being indecent with a much younger staff member, and that the older son isn’t exactly as successful as he makes out to be. The book is a quick read (which I love for summer), enjoyable and entertaining but with substance. I can’t wait to dig into Ms. Straub’s other books!
The Happiness Project
by Gretchen Rubin
Marie-Pierre Capistran of Pretty Please says,
I have been listening to Gretchen’s podcast, Happier, for some months now and I felt really inspired and energized by her ideas so I decided to read the book. I am just starting with my reading but it looks like the book is designed to help us make a concrete happiness plan. This book is not just for people who are unhappy with their life, but for anyone looking to get more out of their life. I love it so far.
Originals
by Adam Grant
Monika of Internationelle says,
Too often in life we think that, in order to succeed, we must follow a predetermined path. One that others have successfully gone down before. However, true innovation comes from originality and those who do not conform to everyday thinking.
This book is about such thinkers and their processes of idea development. It disproves long-held myths of success by showing the power of an idea to shake up the world, in art, sports, politics, and more. More importantly, the greatest influencers and idea creators not only unleash their thoughts into the world, but “create cultures that unleash originality in others”. A truly inspirational notion for those who live to create and inspire others.One of the most interesting sections applicable to likely every creative’s and artist’s life is the section on procrastination. In defense of the seemingly negative trait, the author explores the idea that ideas need to mature and that procrastination is “one way to restrain that urge to respond prematurely”. Citing studies by Bluma Zeigarnik (how great is that name!) the author explains that people are better able to remember incomplete tasks rather than completed ones. And, therefore, the creative process is continuously churning. Martin Luther King only started writing his famous I Have a Dream speech the night before, as did Lincoln when writing his Gettysburg Address.
So, in a way, procrastination is one of the most creative things one can do to make sure the art or creation in progress is the best it can be by letting it mature as long as possible. This is a welcome perspective to this eternal procrastinator.
Overall, this book is incredibly relevant to anyone looking to influence and further their creative ideas, whether for parents or those who are struggling with fear or anxiety that their ideas may not be accepted. Anyone has the power to change the status quo, and harnessing the ability to do so is laid out clearly in this zesty and entertaining book!
Jo Malone: My Story
by Jo Malone
Anna of Anna Bowkis Photography says,
At the weekends, and most evenings you will find me curled up on the sofa or having a lazy morning in bed with a coffee and a good book. I am not a kindle girl at all. I love the feel of a book in my hand and turning the page.
This summer my must read is “Jo Malone My Story”
Jo Malone MBE is world renown for her beautiful fragrance candles and perfumes. Starting the business in her London flat as Jo Malone , selling the business and now relaunching as Jo Loves, you are taken on an extraordinary journey of a young women who loves to double with smells and potions.
I read Jo’s story in a few days as I was gripped by her journey and her business skills. A working mum who has faced the same struggles we all do, is comforting for all us business women I think. Jo suffered ill health and still managed to work her business. She is a great inspiration, and gives me great courage to keep going regardless of the battles I face.
Grab your copy today, light a Jo Malone lime and basil candle and settle in for a few days gripping read.
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