Got a summer trip coming up? If so, you’re probably in the market for a good beach read.

But not just any book. You want something that’ll inspire, motivate, and teach you something new.

I’ve got you.

Here’s my current list of not-so-current titles.

Disclaimer: Most were written years ago but are super applicable and still full of meaningful gems.

5. Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

This mega-paperback was written in the 90s but is chock-full of super relevant info. It’s been praised for years by anyone looking to up-level, either professionally or personally.

Getting through it is a task as it clocks in at 520 pages, but I promise you’ll feel 1,000% inspired after finishing it. Even if that’s only because you managed to complete the whole thing.

4. Daily Rituals: Women at Work by Mason Currey

This is one of those books that I read and then immediately bought for a few of my friends. It was that inspiring.

Currey takes a look at notable women throughout the last century (Anais Nin, Coco Chanel, Virginia Woolf) and writes about how they worked. Each chapter features a different writer, actress or artist and offers a behind-the scenes peek at their rituals and workspace.

It’s become like a how-to-work-from home handbook for me, and I regularly turn to it when I need a jolt of inspiration.

3. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Equal parts hilarious and motivating, this one’ll have you convinced that your biggest dreams are within your reach, and totally achievable. Bonus: It’s funny.

2. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

I always recommend Big Magic to creative-types who are going through the ups and downs of honoring their art while making a living.

Gilbert herself was a struggling author until she penned Eat, Pray, Love, and she’s got a ton of great tips that any artist can apply. She addresses the common conundrum of balancing creativity with making money and offers a ton of insight and self-disclosure in the process.

1. Build the Life You Want by Arthur Brooks and Oprah

I would love to charter a small plane and drop thousands of copies of this one on an unassuming city because everyone should read it.

Arthur Brooks is a Harvard psychologist and regular contributor to The Atlantic. Together with Oprah, he offers very digestible, science-backed tips on how to become happier. It’s full of neuroscience, case studies, and academic citations but compiled with simplicity and elegance.

You can easily read it in a few hours, but if you’re like me, once you finish it you’ll immediately go back to Chapter 1 and start it over again.

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What’ve you been reading lately? Comment below!

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