I was always a big reader when I was growing up. Once I had kids, it seemed like I never could find the time. For a past fews years, I have been enjoying reading again and because I read a lot, people often ask me what's on my list. I saw this great saying on Reese Witherspoon's Instagram feed and it just spoke to me about intentionally planning your reading to really make the most of what you're feeding your brain with the books you read and the people around you. I have some of these books at my house, I have a couple on hold at the library and I suggested the library buy three of the books on my list that they don't already carry. Do you ever suggest books for your library to carry?

How Women Rise by Sally Helfesen and Marshall Goldsmith

I'm currently reading this for a book club and it's all about women and bad habits we get into that hold us back from our highest potential. It came highly recommended and I'm looking forward to getting into it a bit deeper. I was reading it at the pool yesterday and someone was making fun of me because I was underlining parts with a red pen. I'm such a note taker. Make fun of me all your want.

Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs

A memoir written by the daughter of Steve Jobs, I think this is going to be an interesting and entertaining summer read and a glimpse into what it was life to have this amazing but odd person for a father.

Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport

This book is getting a lot of press in minimalist circles. Personally, I love technology but I am a simple solution person, always look for efficient and easy and systems that aren't tied tight to software or companies so I have the most control over my own data/pictures/stuff. Looking forward to this one.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

Looks like a fun summer beach read. I saw it listed in a magazine as a good book if you read and liked this book, which I read last year and loved! Hoping to zone out while reading this one.

Buy the Change You Want to See: Use Your Purchasing Power to Make the World a Better Place by Jane Mosbacher Morris

As we are trying to be very conscious about how we are spending our money, this is another step towards learning more about how our purchasing power can be used for ways that agree with our values. I read this book a few summers ago and it was a good look into where our cheap clothing comes from and how our over-consuming can really take a toll on the earth and humankind. I feel like this will be a good add-on to the other book.

The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda Gates

I love Melinda Gates. She is so big picture. She is so thoughtful to her approach in the way they use their money to benefit the world as a whole. She stands for so much I believe in and I cannot wait to read this book! I am on the wait list for this one at the library and as soon as I get it, I'm going to devour it from start to finish. From her views on how birth control changed the world for women to her views on churches not allowing women to be in the position of highest authority....I know she is going to make me think.

More Than Enough: How One Family Cultivated A More Abundant Life Through A Year Of Practical Minimalism by Miranda Anderson

I'm on the book launch team for this amazing book and I love her message so much. I think this is going to be something I read again throughout the summer and over the years when I need a good reminder of a way to look at living through consumption. If you want to get a weekly dose of her thoughts on minimalism and life, check out her podcast. It's one of my favorites to turn on while I'm getting dressed or driving.

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel Siegel

This book was recently recommended by a school psychologist at a PTA talk I went to at our local elementary school. As I now have a teenager on my hands, I should probably beef up on some of this as well as reading again this other book I read a few years back.

The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life by David Brooks

I saw this book a few times and mostly I was drawn to it because it has a beautiful cover. I saw it sitting in a bookstore next to Where the Crawdads Sing (also a great book) and they looked like they should be read together, even though I don't think they are anything alike. This book talks about your life journey and where you are in relation to living a meaningful life. It's on my nightstand and just waiting for me to start but I fear it's going to be later on the list since I already own the book and often have to read library books a bit faster.

I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations by Sarah Stewart Holland

As we head into another election season, I want to do an even better job of being able to see both sides of the discussion. I'm hoping maybe this gives me a little bit of coaching about how to deal with those situations where I don't agree and don't want to bite my tongue. I'm not very good at that, but I'm a work in progress.

Overcoming Overwhelm: Dismantle Your Stress from the Inside Out by Samantha Brody

I keep seeing this book and it looks like something I would enjoy. Reviews talk about how she discusses that stress is life is normal but feeling overwhelmed has more to do with the choices you have made about how to live your life. As someone with two kids, two dogs, a busy husband, an active life myself and fitting work into the mix, now....I have my own share of overwhelm at times, which makes me pause and take a moment to think about how I'm getting in my own way.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

I was helping someone clean out their bookshelves and they had this book so I picked it up and thought it may be a good read. I know it's been out for a while, but I never read it. Maybe if I need a light read to pass some time, I will pick this up and give it a go.

What's on your reading list for the summer?