My Summer Reading Suggestions

Continuing on my summer reading trend, I thought I’d suggest some of my favorite reads. I finished Lisa Bloom’s book, Think, last night and I’ll always remember this relevant point:“If you can’t name three outstanding books you’ve read in the past year, you’re not reading enough.”Being a student, I’ve read my fair share of textbooks this year, but I can’t say that they were all outstanding. So I thought I’d include a more comprehensive list of some of my favorite reads to recommend1. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin: It’s why I started this blog and book. I actually wanted to write a teen edition with Mrs. Rubin but she turned me down. So I decided to do it on my own!2. The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf: A book that I think every young woman, and now even young men, should read. Wolf divulges into the dieting condition of our country and how we are being starved of our happiness.3. Why Men Love Bitches by Sherry Argov: This book taught me how to be an independent woman. Sure, you can be a nice girl, but you don’t want to be a flopping fish that will do anything for your man whenever he feels like it. You have your own life!4. Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder: Before the Haiti earthquake, Dr. Kidder did tremendous medical work in the local villages. I hope he does a follow-up book detailing the after effects of the earthquake and what his role was.5. The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay: Probably one of my favorite fictional pieces I’ve ever read, and I’m not particularly a fictional reader. It details Peekay’s journey as he survives through the British and Afrikaans conflict.6. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: As an aspiring author, boy, can this woman write. Flawlessly. I couldn’t stop turning the pages of this book. I’m avoiding watching the movie because I don’t want to ruin the beauty of the book.7. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling: I had to say it, especially in honor of the recent release of the final episode. I have never gotten so much whiplash from a book series (but in the best way possible). Just when you think you’re some smarty pants reader, Rowling shows you who the teacher is.8. The Success Principles by Jack Canfield: I am a huge fan of this man. His many words of wisdom gave me the concrete tools that I needed to pursue whatever I wanted—like writing a book.9. A Game Plan for Life by John Wooden: Our brilliant Bruin coach. This book is all about finding a mentor and being a mentor. You can’t get through life without one and you shouldn’t go through life without being one.10. 100 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz: Not exactly a “read” but it’s essential for the traveler in each of us. And because it is summer, I couldn’t think of a more meaningful time to emphasize it.What have been your favorite books—not only of this past year but throughout the duration of your life? What book has given your fingers a workout and made your eyes sore? It’s good to get in reading shape!Pick up a book today.Keep shining,The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook P.S. Please follow me on Twitter!