5 Books To Put On Your Summer Reading List

The Strategic Coach Team

Every day we’re bombarded by hours and hours’ worth of content and information, making it hard to remember what we read even an hour ago.

But reading a great book is different.

Stories open us up to new perspectives and bring us to realizations we might never have come to on our own.

It is through reading that a person can discover new concepts, mindsets, places, and people.

There’s no question summer is one of the best times for digging in to a really great book. It doesn’t matter where you are—relaxing at a cottage, lying out on the beach, or sitting in the park—there’s something special about enjoying a good book on a hot day.

In the spirit of passing along great reads, we asked our coaches to recommend the books they’re enjoying this summer.

Colleen Bowler, Founder of Strategic Wealth Partners
The book I’m reading right now is: The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton
Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Synopsis: In the summer of 1862, a group of young artists led by the passionate and talented Edward Radcliffe descends upon Birchwood Manor on the banks of the Upper Thames. Their plan: to spend a secluded summer month in a haze of inspiration and creativity. But by the time their stay is over, one woman has been shot dead while another has disappeared, a priceless heirloom is missing, and Edward Radcliffe’s life is in ruins.
If you liked The Clockmaker’s Daughter, then you’ll also like: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
To keep myself motivated and inspired, I: enjoy my free time and look forward to new challenges.
Inspirational quote I live by: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” Fred Devito

Adrienne Duffy, Co-Founder of Big Futures
The book I’m reading right now is: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Genre: Personal Development
Synopsis: Bestselling author Steven Pressfield delivers a guide to inspire and support those who struggle to express their creativity. Pressfield believes that “resistance” is the greatest enemy, and he offers many unique and helpful ways to overcome it.
If you liked The War of Art, then you’ll also like: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
To keep myself motivated and inspired, I: keep learning and participating in new activities. This summer, I’ll be enjoying a new puppy and studying the blues harmonica.
Inspirational quote I live by: “Our greatest freedom is the freedom to choose our attitude.” Viktor Frankel

David Braithwaite, Principal Financial Adviser of Citrus Financial
The book I’m reading right now is: The Stranger In The Woods by Michael Finkel
Genre: Biography
Synopsis: Many people dream of escaping modern life, but most will never act on it. This is the remarkable true story of a man who lived alone in the woods of Maine for twenty-seven years, making this dream a reality—not out of anger at the world, but simply because he preferred to live on his own.
If you liked The Stranger In The Woods, then you’ll also like: 438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea by Jonathan Franklin
To keep myself motivated and inspired, I: either stick to an audio book while driving or call up someone I know for a chat.
Inspirational quote I live by: “You become what you think about.” Earl Nightingale.

Chad Johnson, Chief Inspiration Officer of Ceramic Decorating Company
The book I’m reading right now is: Anything You Want by Derek Sivers
Genre: Personal Development
Synopsis: You can follow the beaten path and call yourself an entrepreneur or you can blaze your own trail and really be one. When Derek Sivers started CD Baby, he wasn’t planning on building a major business. He was a successful independent musician who just wanted to sell his CDs online. When no one would help him do it, he set out on his own and built an online store from scratch.
If you liked Anything You Want, then you’ll also like: The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
To keep myself motivated and inspired, I: read my goals and dreams list of 100 often, take risks every week, read great books, and spend time with people who are excelling in what they’re passionate about.
Inspirational quote I live by: “Live life like a movie you want to watch with your children and grandchildren.” Chad Johnson

Kim Butler, Founder of Partners for Prosperity
The book I’m reading right now is: Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: Based on a true story of a New York socialite who championed a group of concentration camp survivors known as the Rabbits, this acclaimed debut novel reveals a story of love, redemption, and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades.
If you liked Lilac Girls, then you’ll also like: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
To keep myself motivated and inspired, I: make sure to get outside every day, no matter the weather.
Inspirational quote I live by: “When you stop growing, you start dying.” William S. Burroughs


If you’re looking for a strategic way to take more time away from your business so you can focus on your bigger future, join your entrepreneurial peers at our next live presentation. Learn more here.


Opportunities for creativity and growth live everywhere. Make time for slowing down this summer, take a break from your day-to-day, and spend some time on things other than work.

This is where you’ll find your biggest inspiration.

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