Summer reading recommendations

Brooke du jour book recommendations

Apolis market bag

Ray-Ban round sunglasses

Madewell gingham off the shoulder top

Farmshop Brentwood Country Mart

This top has been on constant rotation in my summer closet. It’s a little ridiculous how often I wear it. I mean, gingham and off-the-shoulder? Gimme, gimme! It would be so cute for the 4th of July and it’s currently on sale for $35. I feel like you can’t beat that, right? Your jeans are going to be very excited to get to match with this cutie. Accessorize with a firecracker red lip, Ray-Bans and wedges and you’re all set for a sun-soaked summer day.

I’m writing this post on a Friday night. My plans for tonight got canceled, and I have to admit I’m not bummed! I secretly love nights by myself to recharge with a face mask and a hot bath. While I’m tempted to watch “It’s Complicated” for the zillionth time, I think I’m finally going to dive into my summer reading list! I keep telling myself that an hour before bed, I will get off Instagram and read buttttt then it’s an hour later and I fall asleep and my phone falls on my face. Please tell me I’m not the only one? Maybe I need to start a book club, so I can combine my loves of reading, friends and wine?

Anyways, the following books are by my nightstand and ready to be read! Which ones have you read yet? Any books I should Amazon Prime immediately?

“You Lost Him At Hello” by Jess McCann

This one is for all my single ladies. I’m honestly so embarrassed to be reading this. Like I may have to rip the cover off when I want to read it in public, lol! But a friend I trust recommended it and dating makes me want to pull my hair extensions out soooo I figured I would give this book a try. The first chapter is called, “It’s Not Him, It’s You,” so clearly the author doesn’t like to hold back!

“Sweetbitter” by Stephanie Danler

I listened to Stephanie speak at a lecture a few months ago and was totally blown away by her. She’s an incredibly talented new writer and seems like a very genuine, open person. “Sweetbitter” is a coming of age story based in the New York restaurant scene. Think oysters, champagne and sex.

“Upstream” by Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver has a Pulitzer, so clearly she isn’t messing around. “Upstream” is a collection of essays she wrote throughout her life. I keep the following quote from Mary in the notes section on my phone and reference it whenever I’m having an off day and need a kick in the creative butt, “The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising, and gave to it neither power nor time.”

“Cancel The Wedding” by Carolyn T. Dingman

Mix and Match Mama, one of my favorite bloggers, said “Cancel The Wedding” was her favorite book of 2016, so I ordered it immediately. Carolyn Dingman has also been compared to Emily Giffin- I love all of her books especially “Something Blue.” In “Cancel The Wedding,” the main character Olivia has the perfect life with her dream job, fiancé, etc. When her mom passes away, Olivia goes to her mother’s rural hometown, discovers secrets about her mother’s past and is forced to confront reality about her own future. Chills, right? I think I’ll have to read this on my plane ride to Dallas next week!

“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz

I told my therapist how much I loved “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero and she told me I had to read “The Four Agreements.” The Agreements are be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions and always do your best. This book is huge in the self-help community and advocates how to achieve freedom, true happiness and love.

“Losing My Virginity” by Richard Branson

I’m totally fascinated by Richard Branson and think he’s just awesome. “Losing My Virginity” is Branson’s autobiography and it’s packed with business advice + Branson’s life adventures.

“The Singles Game” by Lauren Weisberger

I’ve been meaning to read “The Singles Game” since it came out last summer. The author Lauren Weisberger also wrote “The Devil Wears Prada,” which obviously I loved. “The Singles Game” is about a tennis player making headlines on and off the court. It’ll be a fun summer beach read.

“Finding Your Own North Star” by Martha Beck

A very well-respected guide to understanding your core desires, realizing your full potential and living your happiest life. Sign me up!

“The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharp

How to create good habits and strengthen your creativity. It’s supposed to be so helpful for entrepreneurs, dreamers and doers and full of useful exercises. I have writer’s block all the time, so I’m really looking forward to reading this one. Also apparently Tharp is super bossy, which I love.

Do y’all prefer paperbacks or Kindles? I love highlighting and taking notes in my books, so I need a physical copy. I know you can highlight in a Kindle, but that’s just weird to me!

Xx

Outfit: Madewell top (on sale for $35!), Articles of Society jeans (similar)

Accessories: Ray-Ban sunglasses, Apolis tote (similar), Stuart Weitzman wedges (similar)

Jewelry: Anthropologie hoops (similar)

Makeup: YSL lip gloss in 11 Rouge Gouache

Felicia Lasala Photography

2 Comments

  1. June 10, 2017 / 10:41 pm

    Such a cute look, friend! Definitely need to add some of these to my Kindle!

    • Brooke
      Author
      June 12, 2017 / 10:12 pm

      Thanks Jenn! xx

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