With the Summer winding down and classes just around the corner (sorry for the reminder), your bookshelf is probably looking a little dusty. Whether you are on your way to graduation or still have a few more years before stepping into the real world, these books will give you the motivation you need to push through! Because let's be honest, sometimes even a Venti dark roast isn't enough. CEOs, celebrities, and bestselling authors with your dream jobs are revealing what has made them so successful, and we bet that a few of your favorites are on the list . . .
Do the KIND Thing
You know those delicious and healthy KIND bars that probably fuel your late-night study sessions? Well, the CEO and founder, Daniel Lubetzky [1], shares how being a social entrepreneur led to the successful company. We might need to stock up on a box of peanut butter dark chocolate bars before diving into this one . . .
Tales From the Back Row
The editor of Cosmopolitan.com, Amy Odell [2], shares her personal stories of breaking into an industry that is not only competitive but sometimes downright brutal: fashion. Anna Wintour, Rachel Zoe [3], and Chelsea Handler [4] are just a few of the larger-than-life figures she's met, and guess what? You're getting the inside scoop!
Wake Up Happy
Whether you know him from Live With Kelly and Michael or as a New York Giants Hall of Fame legend, Michael Strahan [5] passes on "Strahan's Rules" to catch those life goals. And fingers crossed that he'll tell us a bit about how amazing it is to work with Kelly Ripa [6] . . . ?
#GIRLBOSS
From hitchhiking and petty theft to founding the $100 million-plus online fashion retailer Nasty Gal, CEO Sophia Amoruso [7] shows what six years and a lot of hard work can really do.
Inspire the World!
Instead of searching for the perfect inspirational quotes to caption your Instagram pictures with, actually read and digest the words. This collection of striking quotes [8] is just the book that your backpack is missing.
Leave Your Mark
You could land a career in the industry you've had your eye on forever, but don't forget to build your own personal brand. Aliza Licht [9], the woman behind the popular Twitter account DKNY PR Girl [10], emphasizes the importance of doing just that as you make your way up in the working world.
Yes Please
Comedy queen (and the woman everyone wants to be best friends with) Amy Poehler [11] has three takeaways in her debut book: "Say Whatever You Want," "Do Whatever You Like," and "Be Whoever You Are." Sounds good to us!
The Defining Decade
No pressure or anything, but your 20s are crucial in developing who you will be for the rest of your life. Again, no pressure. Author Meg Jay [12] addresses the overwhelming issues surrounding the decade and how to persevere both professionally and personally.
The Motivation Manifesto
Sometimes the biggest obstacle in your way is yourself. Cliché? Yes. But true? Absolutely. Channel your energy into achieving greatness, no matter how busy you are, using the six practices revealed by bestselling author Brendon Burchard [13].
The World Is Waiting For You
The title may be a little intimidating, but the 18 prominent figures who share their stories between the covers of this book are bound to motivate you! From a Pulitzer Prize winner to a jazz virtuoso, the book features graduation speeches [14] from those who dared to dream — and succeeded.
Chicken Soup For the Soul: Time to Thrive
If there was one thing you looked forward to in elementary school, it was going to the monthly book fair to snag the latest copy of Chicken Soup For the Soul [15]. Embrace the nostalgia, read inspiring stories, and become all that your 11-year-old self imagined.
The Thin Green Line
Is there a specific number needed in a bank account to be considered rich? What about being considered wealthy? Is money all that matters to earn that title? New York Times columnist Paul Sullivan [16] reveals the true meaning of wealth and how he went from the bottom to the top one percent.
You First: Journal Your Way to Your Best Life
Glee leading lady Lea Michele [17] experienced love and loss [18] at a young age, and now she's filling you in on the one essential person needed to accomplish your goals: yourself. The only thing that would make this book better is if the star sang the chapters out loud.
How Champions Think
From NBA stars to professional golfers, sports psychologist Bob Rotella [19] has coached some of the most pressured people out there. He addresses success, failure, and the essential mindset it takes to triumph on and off the field.
It's Your Move
Confidence — it's a simple word but difficult to grasp. However, Bravo's Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star Josh Altman [20] says that is the key to all of his real estate success. Find out how he nabs opportunities and outsmarts the competition to stay on top of the game.
Fueled by Failure
Yes, even an Olympian/ CEO/ former NFL player can experience failure. Jeremy Bloom [21] divulges how he rebounded during difficult times and highlights that failing is not necessarily the worst thing — even if it's flunking that huge final you stayed up until 3 a.m. studying for.
You Are Not Special and Other Encouragements
The title may seem like one big oxymoron, but it actually presents a profound message. Working as a high school teacher for over 30 years, David McCullough [22] offers a unique perspective in this commencement speech advocating for a passionate life.
Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job and Your Dream Job
Many soon-to-be college graduates would probably be happy to collect their diplomas with just about any position already sealed. But New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff [23] gives witty advice on how to avoid being stuck in a cubicle at an undesirable job forever. Remember, someone is going to snag your dream job one day, so why not you?