Ladies, here is the Girl Power Summer 2015 reading list. It includes titles from models, comedians, fashion icons, CEO’s, business entrepreneurs, world travelers and story tellers. They are spicy, erotic, brutally honest and hilarious. Women who inspire us to work hard…live widely, vastly and unapologetically. They teach us to grow, thrive, be proud of ourselves and enjoy the journey. So revamp your spirit with my summer reading list and be the fabulous, timeless and unforgettable Queen that you are. Enjoy.
“Men don’t realize that if we’re sleeping with them on the first date, we’re probably not interested in seeing them again either.” ― Chelsea Handler
I implore everyone to read Chelsea Handler’s, “My Horizontal Life, A collection of one-night stands.” Handler is laugh out loud funny, embracing her sexual adventures into a gold mine of a collection for any forward thinking, sexually open and honest woman. She audaciously depicts details of her one night romps in which she sleeps with a midget, a stranger and a black man her father chases out of her bedroom. Lets talk about equal opportunity v-a-g-i-n-a-s. She is honest and hilarious and shamelessly speaks of her love of alcohol, drugs, sex, men and partying and is extraordinarily blunt. Lets face it, every girl goes through the post break up single girl- “I’m free! Lets fuck the whole neighborhood time of her life,” and Chelsea put it on paper. Ultimately, she decides to grow up and start acting responsible but you truly get the nitty gritty Jersey girl truths and appreciate Handler for being so candid.
“You can do anything you put your mind to, and you can do it in stilettos.” ― Kimora Lee Simmons
Kimora Lee Simmons, “Fabulosity,” is an oldie but goodie. Empowering and inspiring. Her story illustrates the power of being different (half Asian, half African American and over 5 feet 10 inches tall in 4th grade) and making it uniquely work for you. She has the 16 rules of success for becoming the best woman you can be. She combines her love of fashion and hip hop to create a multi-million dollar brand “Baby Phat,” and takes a seat down at the boys table. She believes you can be strong, smart and business savvy while looking fabulous. You gotta look it, feel it, and go get it sista.
“A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master…” ―Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat Pray Love,” is the bible for every girl who is going through a breakthrough, break-up or breakdown. She explores and gets to the truth of true love, soul mates, life, chance, and giving up everything so you can find yourself. Even if that means giving away your belongings, your marriage, your money and taking a trip across the world. Sometimes you truly have to fall apart to rebuild the life you want, and Gilbert starts off the novel on her knees in a puddle of her own tears on the bathroom floor. She speaks to your heart, and shows you the importance of finding out who you, why you’re here and what you’re going to do about it. I read this book when my heart was broken, and it was instrumental in putting back the pieces.
“You’ve learned a new rule and it’s simple: don’t put yourself in situations you’d like to run away from. But when you run, run back to yourself, like that bunny in Runaway Bunny runs to its mother, but you are the mother, and you’ll see that laer and be very, very proud.” ― Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham’s “Not That Kind of Girl,” is the uncensored female version of Catcher in the Rye. It’s the story of what she learned growing up in New York City. She is observantly comical, ten pounds overweight and a bit odd, but her honesty in dating/relationships/family and starting out in a career hits close to home. Lena tells us to embrace our dysfunctional families and childhood. Love your imperfect bodies (were only young once, enjoy it), embrace the unique gift of being female, and don’t rip other women down. She also advises us to respect ourselves, don’t feel pressured by men in your bed or in your career. Don’t let jerks and douchebags make you feel disposable, call the shots in your own life! It’s self-reflective, rich, playful and a must read.
“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” -Tina Fey
Tina Fey’s “Bossypants,” is honest, subtle and hilarious. She gives an account of her nerdy childhood, awkward pubescent years, and starting out in improve. She gives tidbits of advice that she has learned along her journey advising women to empower each other, work hard, and do the never-been-done. Don’t waste your energy on changing people’s opinions. Surround yourself with talented people, and don’t hesitate, just do. It’s the highest compliment to be called bossy! Be a boss!
“you got to figure out which end of the needle you’re gon be, the one that’s fastened to the thread or the end that pierces the cloth.” -Sue Monk Kidd
Sue Monk Kidd’s “The invention of wings,” is a historical account based on the life of Sarah Grimke abolitionist and women’s rights leader. It tells of a friendship between her and her slave “Handful,” who was given to her on her 10th birthday. Both girls form a friendship and it illustrates the importance of keeping promises, being loyal, compassionate, kind, and keeping your sisterhood. It contains many striking characters throughout the book, including Handful’s mother Charlotte who would sacrifice everything for freedom. It teaches you to belong most to yourself, and not other people. A truly moving masterpiece and a reminder of how hard women have fought for rights, liberty, freedom and equality.
“When you meet someone who is truly great, he makes you believe you can be great, too. This is the kind of relationship you want, and it’s the only kind of relationship worth having.”
I re-read Sherry Argov’s “Why Men Love Bitches,” at least once a year. It’s a girl’s guide to holding her own in a relationship. Men think differently than us,, so it’s good to know the ground rules, well, if your going to play the game. Be fierce, be strong, be independent, and above all, respect yourself. Honey, if you’re not going to, he’s not going to either. It also helps you weed out the dickheads and focus on finding Mr. Right. By following Argov’s instruction you will surely have him eating out of your hand, getting down on one knee, or a happy mixture of both.
“Each time you make a good decision or do something nice or take care of yourself; each time you show up to work and work hard and do your best at everything you can do, you’re planting seeds for a life that you can only hope will grow beyond your wildest dreams. Take care of the little things—even the little things that you hate—and treat them as promises to your own future. Soon you’ll see that fortune favors the bold who get shit done.” ― Sophia Amoruso
Sophia Amoruso’s, “#GIRLBOSS,” is riddled with inspiration. She started out as an uneducated thief, who started her own empire by going through garbage and dead people’s closets. She worked like an animal, and now currently owns +100 million dollar company. (She did this before her 30th birthday) Her funky, eccentric cutting edge style turned on the masses and she is oh so inspiring for the girl willing to work for it. Go get it, girlllll.
“Great people do things before they’re ready. They do things before they know they can do it. Doing what you’re afraid of, getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks like that- that’s what life is. You might be really good. You might find out something about yourself that’s really special and if you’re not good, who cares? You tried something. Now you know something about yourself” ― Amy Poehler
Amy Poehler’s, “Yes, Please,” hits all the rights spots. It’s funny and endearing and written by a comic, actress, writer, divorcee and mother of two extraordinaire. Poehler gives insight into the balance of raising a family, having a slam dunk career, and being a good lover. Her advice to women (on sex),
“Try not to fake it. I know you are tired/nervous/eager to please/unsure of how to get there. Just remember to allow yourself real pleasure and not worry about how long it takes … God punished us with the gift of being able to fake it. Show God who the real boss is by getting off and getting yours.”
Her advice to men (on sex)
“If you don’t eat pussy, keep walking.” Perfectttt.
She asks us to be a friend to ourselves first (knock it off with negative body image) and the incredible luck of having lifelong friendships. She begs us to do what we do, and not apologize for it. If they don’t like it, fuck them. It’s as simple as that.
“This was when I learned that you have to give up your life as you know it to get a new one: that sometimes you need to let go of everything you’re clinging to and start over, whether because you’ve outgrown it or because it’s not working anymore, or because it was wrong for you in the first place.” ― Kelly Cutrone
All hail Kelly Cutrone’s, “If You Have To Cry, Go Outside.” She is quick witted, wise and wonderful. The first chapter of her book “Are you there, babe? It’s me your soul,” cut right into me. Cutrone illustrates the importance of getting in touch with our inner self, so you can figure out your passion and purpose. We’ve been spoon-fed a bunch of bullshit our whole lives and its best to sift through that baggage and figure out our own truth. Her adventures in NYC, include coke fueled fashion parties, filled with artists, musicians and movie stars, to all the ups and downs when trying to make it in the big city. Starting out homeless to one of the most sought after publicists in Manhattan, her story is intriguing to say the least. She advises you to find your own “tribe members,” fill your life with people who intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually inspire you. Fake it till you make it in your career. (You weren’t born a CEO, but if you can fake it for a little while you will eventually become it) Don’t be a worrier, be a warrior. Above all be your perfectly unique self. You are the brand, and a copy just isn’t going to cut it.
Believe Genevieve 