10 LIFE-CHANGING SUMMER READS TO TAKE ON HOLIDAY

Stuck for a good read for your impending summer holidays? Then fret not, here are my personal top 10 life changing reads for you to consider. Trashy summer novels are all well and good and most definitely have their place, but if you're looking for a book with less fluff and more substance to get your teeth into, then this my dear friends, is the list for you. As an author and avid bookworm, my love for books and reading never diminishes (!) so I really hope it inspires you. (P.S I've linked all books to Amazon for ease, but please don't forget the fabulous small book sellers around!)

1) Linchpin by Seth Godin // This book changed my life! I read it in a couple of days about fourteen years ago and handed in my notice as marketing manager the following day to go and work for myself. If I hadn't had read this book, I'm not sure a) I'd ever have worked for myself and b) I would ever have started a blog. Perfect if you're stuck in a rut with your work or questioning your career. Everyone can be a linchpin. Go be one.

2) Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl // This iconic little book to emerge from the holocaust will - I warn you - make you cry but it will also, quite possibly, change your life. The topic matter is as harrowing as you'd expect but its overall message is one of profound hope, a testament to the courage and resilience of the human spirit.

3) What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey // Quite possibly, one of my most favourite books ever! Read everything Oprah 'knows for sure' after her decades of interviewing everyone from presidents to ordinary folk.

A lovely, easy to dip into book that's powerful, brilliant and full of real thought provoking stuff.

4) The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo // As a mum to two relatively young children, I don't often get to finish a book on holiday but this is one I just had to finish, a few years ago!

This modern classic fable (the only fiction on my list) will both move and prompt you to really think about your life, making it unforgettable and hard to put down.

5) The Diary Of A Ceo by Steven Bartlett // I'm a huge fan of Steven's popular podcast so couldn't resist treating myself and my husband to this brilliant book which isn't just for business people or the self employed.

If you want to elevate your life or business in any way, this book will provide you with tons of inspiration and sound advice.

6) Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert // If you're a writer or creative, then I highly recommend this book to you, particularly if you struggle to finish projects or with your ability and confidence.

A great book which will give you a firm nudge in the direction of your dreams.

7) The Female Eunch by Germaine Greer // Interested in feminism? Then let me get you started with this infamous book by the legendary Germaine Greer.

Admittedly it's intense at times and if you're anything like me, it will probably make you extremely angry in parts, but it's a fantastic read that will motivate you to change the world for women everywhere.

8) Manifest by Roxie Nafousi // Manifestation is a hot topic these days. I myself have probably bought at least five or so books myself on the subject over the years, but this one is my current preferred favourite.

Roxie makes the principles of manifestation simple and easy to understand, providing a more modern approach to this much hyped area.

9) Dress Your Best Life by Dawnn Karen // Out of all the style books I've read and owned, this for me is the most powerful, because it goes deep. This book is not about pretty outfit combinations but it is about how your personality, upbringing, trauma and confidence impacts what you wear. (Whether you are aware of it or not.) In this inspiring book, Dawnn provides wonderful, wise and compassionate advice on how to elevate your style and become your most stylish self.

10) The Laws Of Human Nature by Robert Greene// I'll be eternally grateful to Instagram and it's algorithm for introducing me to this magnificent author. To be honest it's almost impossible to choose a favourite book by this author as they're all brilliant! ... but I'm going for this one because it's a great general introduction to his sublime work. If you're interested in psychology and human behaviour, you will absolutely love this book and any of his others.

Reader Recommendations

Want some more?! Here are the books that some of my readers recommended through Facebook as life changing reads. (And yes, I've already got some of them in my shopping cart!)

* Victoria recommended 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest. (I own this one but haven't got around to reading it yet, so I'll packing this for my upcoming holiday!)

*Megan kindly suggested a few including How To Fail by Elizabeth Day and the fictional book Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

*Martina loves Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield whilst Vickie described Atomic Habits by James Clear as a game changer.

*Fiction lovers have been encouraged by Emma to read The Power by Naomi Alderman and Suzy says that Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood is her all time favourite book. *My lovely Aunty Margaret recommends The Shack by Wm Paul Young and Nina suggests Don't Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson.

*And finally, my blogger friend from years past Natalie Lee (now known as Alexis Lee) recommends her own book Feeling Myself and why not! (It has to be done as an author.) And whilst we're at it, I'm going to throw my own book A Little Pick Me Up into the ring too! ;-)

For all reader recommendations, pop over to the Facebook post below. Thank you to everyone who contributed! You've all cost me a small fortune in books but I couldn't be happier!

What about YOU? Do you have a favourite inspiring read we all need to know about? Let me know in the comment section below.