My Summer Reading List

I don’t know about you, but during the holidays, there is nothing I love more than sitting on the beach while reading a good book! Well obviously, I also LOVE to eat, but this isn’t the subject of today’s post.

For as long as I can remember, I always loved to read. When I was around 10 years old, I used to pretend that I was sleeping when I was actually hiding under the cover reading a book until the early hours (with my little pocket flashlight). And until today, my passion for reading has never left me. Although I went from reading Judy Blume to slightly more adult books.

My preference usually lies into bio and autobiographies (mostly related to successful ascension), business, psychology and fashion books. I have a harder time to immerse myself into fictional novels, but I do indulge from time to times when I feel the story could inspire me or my work…

So here is a little summer reading list I made up for you which includes some of my favorite books:

[BIOGRAPHIES]

~ Helena Rubinstein: The Woman Who Invented Beauty by Michele Fitoussi:

A book about a hard working and ambitious little woman who created an empire by the sweat of her brow. With her ability to impersonate the woman she projected to be, Helena Rubinstein managed to mingle with the high society and get the recognition she deserved. On and all, a very empowering book! (Also available in french here)

~ Front Row: The biography of Anna Wintour by Jerry Oppenheimer:

A fascinating book on the ascension of Anna Wintour and how she climbed her way up to reach the top of the fashion pyramid.

[ON CREATIVITY]

~ Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey:

As I often have to manage my time between blogging, designing and my freelance photography works, I am always curious to see how others are managing their time. From writers, painters to film directors, this book compile a series of portraits of some of the most creative minds, alive or not, on their daily habits and how they use to plan their working day.*

~ Creative Is a Verb: If You’re Alive, You’re Creative by Patti Digh:

I discovered this book here, and after doing some research on it, I decided that it would be perfect for me. Fun and interesting, this book helps you to explore your creative process and maximize your productivity. A must have for any artist or creative but also for anyone wanting to revive their creativity.*

[NOVELS]

~ Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann:

Before there was Desperate housewives and way before Sex and the City, there was Jacqueline Susann and her iconic novel “Valley of the Dolls” But make no mistake, this book is not about dolls and isn’t for little girls. It is a tale about three women, each pursuing their dreams in 1960’s America. Although it was written in 1966, this novel is highly actual and is by far my favorite in terms of fictional story! I actually became very unsociable while reading it, so much I loved it!

~ Fourrure by Adélaïde Clermont Tonnerre:

Unlike the title, this novel isn’t really about fur… Following the death of her mother who’s only legacy was a fur coat and an unpublished autobiography, Ondine, the protagonist takes us onto a journey into the 1970’s Paris on the trace of her decadent but highly elegant mother…

~ Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade by Patrick Dennis:

A 1955’s classic about a little boy who follows his glamorous and extravagant aunt into her witty and stylish adventures. I must say I found it very funny and entertaining!

[BUSINESS]

~ The Luxury Strategy by Jean Noel Kapferer & Vincent Bastien:

This is the type of book I read when I want to enlarge my knowledge on marketing and/or management. It is full of tips and strategy models on how to grow your brand into a luxury brand. I also love their large array of example using actual brands.

[PERSONAL]

~ L’Art de se gâcher la vie by Marie Andersen:

This one is for the Frenchies. A book about the usual behavior one can use to make his/her life more complicate than it actually is and what can be done to avoid sabotaging ourselves.*

*Books I am currently reading.

What about you, did you read some of  the books above? What books would you put on your summer reading list list?