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If there’s anyone who looks forward to below-freezing temperatures and snowed-in nights alone, it would be a bookworm. Come fall, curling up with a captivating read, indulging your inner introvert, and suppressing any natural desire to switch on Netflix just feels right. Whether you’re snuggled under the covers with an all-consuming thriller or taking a bath with your nose deep in a touching memoir, fall is for catching up on all the books you said you’d get to all summer.
No novel to keep you warm this season? Never fear. We asked a handful of badass female entrepreneurs, creatives, designers, authors, and all-around “it” girls that we’d want in our book club to share the reads that are sitting on their bedside table this fall. Read on for the noteworthy texts they’re excited to get lost in this season.
Shelley Kleyn Armistead, Partner and Director of Operations for Gjelina, Gjusta, and Gjusta Goods
Gertrude Blom: Bearing Witness edited by Alex Harris and Margaret Sartor “I recently had the honor of spending time in Trudy’s former home in San Cristobal de las Casas; and found myself completely entranced by her art, library, jewelry, textiles, and of course, her outstanding and very moving photography. Spending time in that energy field for multiple days without knowing anything about her initially, has created this desire to know as much as I can about her life.”
Save Twilight by Julio Cortazar “I always have a book of poetry on my bedside table. Fall is my favorite season of the year, and is annually a major transition time for me personally, in Fall, every year, I go hard and heavy into deeply romantic poetry. Cortazar makes me weep.” The Way of Zen by Alan Watts I have had this book, as a battered secondhand hardcopy, since childhood. While my own philosophy has morphed and moved over the years, always in fall I reread his texts as centering. Kind of like coming home. If you have never had the honor of hearing him speak; dig up what spotty recordings you can find of him and listen. The vibrations of his voice resonate with me in a way that brings instant calm and quiet.
Sybil Domond, Creator and Curator of People of 2Morrow
Women Who Run with the Wolvesby Clarissa Pinkola Estés
“I’m most excited to learn about the motifs that set a woman’s inner life into motion, and also become enlightened on what brings our lost womanly instincts to the surface again. I’ve just read a few pages, and completely hooked.”
Justina Blakeney, Designer, Artist, and Author behind The Jungalow
Imperfect Courage by Jessica Honegger
“Jessica has always inspired me as an entrepreneur and as a person and I’m excited to hear more about her story and to learn from her.”
Moodtopia by Sara Chana Silverstein
“I’m excited to learn more about the power of herbal remedies and aromatherapy.”
Workparty by Jacyln Johnson
“Jacyln is a total badass and I’m down to glean anything I can from her about business, money, and having fun along the way!”
Heart Talk by Cleo Wade
“This will be my bedside reading for when I need a pick-me-up. I love her work and her way.”
Nadine Abramcyk, Co-Founder of Tenoverten
A Little Lifeby Hanya Yanagihara
“I’m currently reading A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara: A gripping story of friendship that takes place mostly in Downtown NYC. It is most definitely heart wrenching and long at 700+ pages but one of those books that seem to live on in your mind beyond the pages. I cannot put it down.”
Lindsay Ellingson, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Wander Beauty
The Power of Your Subconscious Mindby Joseph Murphy
“I’m re-reading The Power of your Subconscious Mind. This has been my go-to book when I need a thought detox. Entrepreneur life comes with all of the emotions, and reading this book leaves me more uplifted and peaceful, knowing that I have the power within to manifest my dreams.”
Abigail Cook Stone, Founder of Otherland
Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan “A thriller set in World War II-era NYC— much of which takes place at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, just a few blocks from the Otherland office in Dumbo—with a suspenseful plot, a heroine, and a bit of history, which always piques my interest. I’m looking forward to curling up in cooler fall days with this and Otherland’s smoky Kindling candle for some screen-free self-care.”
Emily Schuman, Founder, Author, and Blogger behind Cupcakes and Cashmere
Calypsoby David Sedaris “I just tore through David Sedaris’ new book, Calypso, and loved it. It was so funny that my husband politely requested I stop reading it at night since I kept guffawing and waking him. I’m also excited to read Ghosted, which sounds like it’s part romance novel, part mystery (after a couple meets and spend seven incredible days together, he disappears). I almost exclusively read thrillers (faves include: You, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, Into the Darkest Corner, and I’m Thinking of Ending Things) so I’m always on the hunt for the next one that comes out.”
Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, CEO of Casa Dragones Tequila
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
“Right now I’m reading Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. It’s an incredibly easy read for such a complex topic, exploring the evolution of our species into what we understand to be human today. It’s both humbling and inspiring!”
Porochista Khakpour, Novelist, Essayist, and Writer
Heavy: An American Memoirby Kiese Laymon
“Kiese Laymon’s forthcoming book Heavy has been on my list for what feels like ages. I’ve been reading him for years and his work has always radically altered my being in a way few writers have.”
Melia Marden, Executive Chef and Partner at The Smile and Smile To Go
The Real Lolitaby Sarah Weinman
“The story of the real-life kidnapping that possibly inspired the classic novel. It’s so telling about our culture that Lolita has come to mean ‘a young seductress,’ which is not at all what’s on the page in Nabakov’s story.”
Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Eagan
“I love Eagan’s writing and I love meticulously researched New York historical novels, so this is a perfect fit for me.”
Now & Again by Julia Turshen
“I love Turshen’s approach to food—it’s easy and relatable, but delicious. Her writing feels like you’re talking to a friend, not a phony cookbook.”
Ariel Arce, Owner of Tokyo Record Bar and Air’s Champagne Parlor
Siddhartha: A Novel by Hermann Hesse, The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, and Crazy Rich Asiansby Kevin Kwan
“I read Siddhartha maybe once a year when I’m feeling a little lost; I always take away something new to help me focus on in my journey of personal growth or business development techniques. Also, Remains of the Day, because it has been on my list for a while and Crazy Rich Asians because it’s as addictive as a TV show but I get to use my brain rather than zone out.”
Joey Wölffer, Co-owner of Wölffer Estate Vineyard and Founder of Joey Wölffer
Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber
“I have two girls and, from experience, I know that sisters can be very competitive. While that is natural, I am eager to read about others experiences and garner advice on ways to generate goodwill between them for the future! After a long summer of working and socializing for work, I was looking forward to some fun reading. I recently finished Behind Closed Doors…It was such a fast and exciting read…a great escape from everyday life!”
Camilla Marcus, CEO and Founder of west~bourne
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next Oneby Jenny Blake andTen Restaurants that Changed Americaby Paul Freedman
“I almost exclusively read non-fiction, as I think there’s nothing more intriguing and inspiring than real life. I love learning from others’ stories and similarly devour business books, both of which get me thinking outside the box. I gravitate towards books that help change my perspective and spark ideas for new adventures or innovative solutions for my personal and professional life.”
Aishwarya Iyer, CEO/Founder of Brightland
Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Yvon Chouinard
“I am currently re-reading Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard, the incredible founder of Patagonia. I read the book prior to launching my company, Brightland, and applied many of the lessons I learned to launch the business. I promised myself I would re-read the book every year as a north star of inspiration and guidance.”
Kim Malek, Co-founder and CEO of Salt & Straw
New Powerby Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms
“I’m just getting started on a book called New Power by Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms. I’m looking forward to spending some time learning and thinking about the incredible power we all have at our fingertips nowadays and how we can use those superpowers for good.”
See more book recommendations:
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