“A well-read woman is a dangerous creature.” — Lisa Kleypas

It’s that time of year again. While last weekend was the unofficial start to summer, we’ve already broken out the flip-flops, hung up the hammock and made a list of top summer reads. We’re getting ready for June with the three great reads 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.

“The Favorite Sister” by Jessica Knoll
This is for those interested in the classic beach read. You know the ones we’re talking about. In her latest novel, “The Favorite Sister,” Knoll sets the scene — a cast member of a “Housewives”-like reality show starring millennial women in avid pursuit of their business dreams is dead. How it happened is a journey that takes readers through the complicated dynamics of female relationships, cutthroat ambition, and what happens when feminist ideals collide with an obsession with the spotlight.

If Knoll sounds familiar, it’s for a reason. She’s not only made headlines with her honest take on ambition, but for her knockout best-seller, “The Luckiest Girl Alive.” That book is being made into a movie by Pacific Standard Company, Reese Witherspoon’s production company.

“The Myth of the Nice Girl“ by Fran Hauser
This is for the go-getter who may need just a little confidence in using her own voice (not that we struggle with that 🙂 In “The Myth of the Nice Girl,” Hauser breaks down what it means to be “nice” in business today. The book seeks to help women overcome the stereotype that they have to be nice in business to be their authentic self and more successful. Bonus points? This is one of Shelley Zalis’ — one of our faves — top reads for the summer.

“Braving the Wilderness” by Brene Brown
For those looking to dig a little deeper, social scientist and all around badass Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW, has sparked a global conversation about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives — experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame and empathy. In “Braving the Wilderness,” Brown redefines what it means to truly belong in an age of increased polarization. With her trademark mix of research, storytelling and honesty, Brown seeks to again change the cultural conversation while mapping a clear path to true belonging.

Happy page turning!

Caitlin Sullivan
Senior Editor
Women in Retail Leadership Circle