Good morning ladies!

While last week was the official start of summer, we’ve already broken in our flip-flops, hung up the hammock and made a list of top summer reads. We’re gearing up for the long holiday weekend ahead with four of our favorite reads from the fabulous women below. Have a recommendation of a great book we should check out this summer? Let a lady know! Hit us up at #WIRLCBookClub on any of our social accounts (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) or via email and we’ll be happy to share here in the coming weeks. From inspirational to hilarious, we’ll be bringing you our favorite reads all summer long.

NOTE: These reads go well on summer afternoons lounging in a beach chair with a margarita in your other hand. Side effects may include feeling inspired and relaxation.

“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
Beloved author of “Eat Pray Love,” Elizabeth Gilbert is inspiring us all over again. Her latest book is about embracing creativity, empathy, generosity, inspiration and wisdom, and letting go of the struggles that stand in our way. In her own words, Gilbert “shows us how to tackle what we most love and face down what we most fear.” By using her personal experiences, Gilbert’s book is relatable for readers who are looking to embrace change to help them grow personally and professionally. Embrace courage and eliminate fear? You know we’re here for it.

“Option B” by Sheryl Sandberg
Everybody has dealt with their own struggles, and moving forward when feeling stuck can seem like an impossible feat. In 2015, Facebook COO and author of “Lean In” Sheryl Sandberg lost her husband in a freak accident. Sandberg posted to Facebook at the time an honest and moving account of what she was going through at the time. “Option B” is about what happened next, and how Sandberg began to move forward from the difficult situation. Grab a box of tissues and prepare to feel inspired by her story.

“Thrive” by Arianna Huffington
So often we find ourselves confusing the definition of success with exhaustion. Arianna (in our minds we’re on a first-name basis, just go with it) reminds us that we can’t help others if we don’t take time to help ourselves. In her new book, “Thrive,” Arianna discusses “how our relentless pursuit of money and power has led to an epidemic of burnout and stress-related illnesses” and how we need to focus less on the paperwork and more on what matters. And when Arianna tells us to take a vacation and get a pedi, we listen.

“Cork Dork” by Bianca Bosker
I’m adding this book to the list for the simple fact that any woman who quits her desk job to travel the country drinking wine with master sommeliers deserves our recognition and moves to the top of the list of “women we want to be our best friend.” Also, how great is this title?

Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss our video with Alex and Ani’s president, Cindy DiPietrantonio, talking about leadership at this year’s Women in Retail Leadership Summit. In addition, check out our podcast with Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Girls’ Lounge, which was also recorded at WIRLS.

Happy (almost) long weekend!

Caitlin Sullivan
Women in Retail Leadership Circle