Inspiring Reads

The RR Team

By: Various Contributors

A collection of inspiring reads from a group of hard-working (and inspiring themselves) women.

Bobbi Brown - Beauty Entrepreneur & CEO

Bobbi Brown

Breaking Night. From Homelessness to Harvard
Author: Liz Murray 

“This true inspirational story written by Liz Murray makes you realize that anything is possible. She was the oldest child of drug addicted parents and after they died she lived on the streets and only by her will and luck did she meet a professor at a private high school who would change her life and give her a chance to restart her education with the promise that if she got all A's he would be there for her. While still homeless she continue to study and as promised she applied to Harvard University and got in. She won a full scholarship through the New York Times and the rest is history.”

Marianne Williamson - Spiritual Author & Lecturer

A course in miracles

A Course In Miracles
Author: Foundation for Inner Peace

“I guess it's no surprise to anyone that "a course in miracles" is my favorite book. I don't love it because I think it's the only statement of truth in the world. I love it because it taught me how to forgive, and why it's important to do so. I love it because it taught me what love is and why love matters. I love it because it introduced me to myself. I love it because it has given me a path out of darkness and into light.”

Dylan Lauren - Entrepreneur Owner & Creator of Dylan’s Candy Bar

Pour Your Heart into It

Pour Your Heart Into It
Author: Howard Shultz

“It gave me the confidence to start my own business and the inspiration that one day it could expand into a bigger brand. I learned the recipe for staying focused, following your gut, striving for success, conquering fears and having visionary thinking from this book.”

 

Regina Dugan - Technology Developer and Inventor

The Prophet

The Prophet
Author: Kahlil Gibran

"It’s one of my favorite books (I'm not sure I have just *one*). The Prophet is a series of prose poetry essays, one of which is entitled, On Joy and Sorrow. The first time I read it, I felt my life made more sense:  

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be? The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain."

 

 

Tracy Cunningham - Celebrity Hair Colorist Genius

The Year of Magical Thinking

The Year of Magical Thinking
Author: Joan Didion

"Over my years of devouring books, from all genres, my "go to" novelist, realist, inspirational writer is Joan Didion. I'm a time traveler, a daydreamer, but the juxtaposition is, deep down I'm a realist. When I first read "The Year Of Magical Thinking" I had lost a love one. Wow, every word, verb, noun, sentiment,  just hit home! I'd read a chapter, a paragraph, even a sentence and lay the novel on my lap and just think "Hey lady - how do you know what I'm feeling, how can you articulate these feelings - so deep and profound - you write on this page in front of me?? Here's the thing - I've read this book many times and when a loved one loses a close member of their "tribe" or family,  I always find my copy- rather tattered - and give it to my friend. Funny, it's like "the traveling pant story." I let a bereaved friend borrow - they read and covet and then when the day comes when their family member or friend loses a loved one, they then pass it on. It's been a tradition. Apart from dealing, comprehending loss, it teaches one - hey YOU'RE HERE, you're living, you're spending holidays, having days and nights, sharing events, YOU ARE HERE!!! Get up, show up and keep on keeping on!!!! I do that every day. Gosh, I get tired and think "do I have to start this day." You bet I do!  And I just thank god for my health, zest and loved ones. "

Veronica Grazer - Social Entrepreneur & Brand Consultant

Clay Water Brick

Clay Water Brick
Author: Jessica Jackley

"Why did I love this book?  I am always thinking about how I can help make the world a better place and create fulfillment through my work. So I was completely taken with the fascinating story of Jessica Jackley, the co-founder of Kiva, which makes life-changing microloans to entrepreneurs in the poorest corners of the world.  She shares her own journey as well as gripping stories of the unlikely entrepreneurs she's met around the globe, from the African Sahara to the favelas of Brazil, as powerful evidence that perseverance and belief are far more important than abundant resources when it comes to giving life to an idea.   This uplifting book is full of compelling lessons on entrepreneurship, character and resilience that inspired me to no end.  Whether you have an idea you want to pursue, an entrepreneur you can help support, or not quite sure yet, this book inspires us to take action.  She offers a powerful blueprint for just about anyone who wants to live a more meaningful life."