Books are so amazing, right? But, you know what’s even better? Audiobooks! Libby and Audible are my daily jam for summer reading. (This is not sponsored, by the way!)
I have a hard time feeling productive when I sit down and read a book. Call me crazy but I would rather be editing photos, creating client guides, working on new products, shooting a cute couple or family, or (the best) spending time with family. Can you blame me?
But, I am an avid audiobook listener. I love listening to books. Especially when I’m on the road for weddings. I have a heavy summer reading list!
Right now (and actually since I was in college so it’s been a while) my favorite books are business, entrepreneurs, women in the workplace, and self-help books.
I have read the occasional fantasy novel and religious book, but traditionally I stick with the books the give me direct application for my life.
Here are a few audiobooks I’ve listened to this year that I would 10/10 recommend to others (sadly, not every book I choose to read has been full-on, 10/10 recommendable).
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
You, and only you, are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are.
Rachel Hollis’s first book in this, what I’d call, Girl Power series. It is just about her life story, her weaknesses, strengths, what she’s learned in life, and how she’s grown a multi-million dollar business.
Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
“I believe we can change the world. But first, we’ve got to stop living in fear of being judged for who we are.”
Six words. All girls need to read this. It’s better than the first in my opinion.
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
Sheryl. She is such a boss. Literally. She’s the COO of Facebook. And a mom. And a wife. And an author. I learned a lot about how to lean into my work and prove my worth. I also learned how to do as an empowered, strong woman, despite what others might say.
Getting To 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
Getting To 50/50: How Working Parents Can Have It All
I read this because Sheryl’s book “Lean In” references this. I wanted to learn about how women who are working professionals balanced home life and work-life with their spouses. Funny enough, I learned that it is not ever a 50/50 balance. If you and your spouse are both working and have kids, you each must take the weight. You will never have a perfect balance. It’s like life. It’s a teeter-totter. But if you are both in 100% you can balance each other out. Some days, I might need to take more of the load at home so Josh can focus on his work. And other days Josh will need to take the kids so I can get my jobs done. It’s an enlightening read.
The Latte Factor by David Bach
In fact, what determines your wealth is not how much you make but how much you keep of what you make.
I learned about this from my mom who shared a RISE podcast from Rachel Hollis. She had David on her show and when he talked about a book I knew I had to read it.
I love learning about finances. Josh and I budget everything using Mint. We always have financial goals (if we don’t I will go and spend the money!). We have a goal to get through Law School from 2018-2021 debt-free. So far, so good. I have a 401K and retirement plans so I pay my future self before I pay my current self.
This is a great entry-level read to help you learn how to get your finances on track. It’s 4 hours and such a quick read. Plus, it’s a fun story! I didn’t learn as much for myself because nothing about financial freedom and preparing for retirement/your future by paying yourself first was not a new idea to me.
But, I 10/10 recommend it to every high school or college student and anyone else who feels they will never be rich.
There you have it! My top 5 reads this summer!
