Inspired by our bookshop lookbook, which took place at Edmonton's charming Old Strathcona Books--a favourite haunt for our photographer, Carmyn Joy--we've decided to share some reading lists from the Poppy Barley team.We know there's a ton of you out there (us included) who vow to read more each year (and by "read", we mean the act of reading full books--in their entirety--not just snippets from one online article to the next), and so to ensure you're kicking off your reading resolutions right (and to help motivate you in keeping the rest of your resolutions), here are seven inspiring and motivational books to add to your list:
-
Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert
Why You Should Read It: It’s insightful and hilarious. Gilbert takes a complicated matter (the brain!) and simply explains why our imagination plays tricks on us when we think into the future – and how this leads to mistakes. You’ll see yourself in this book and every person you love. - Kendall, Co-founder -
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Why You Should Read It: This book resonated with me because I found it incredibly relatable, and a brilliantly eye opening experience that I reference on a daily basis. - Breanne, Customer Insights Associate -
Born Standing Up by Steve Martin
Why You Should Read It: It's a great behind-the-scenes look into the early career of Steve Martin. Inspiring and hilarious. - Daelan, Developer -
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
Why You Should Read It: Yes, one conclusion of the book is that Steve Jobs was sometimes a jerk, but I found his drive for perfection in products and value driven, down to earth, and really inspiring. Plus, he's one of the most seminal men of the 20th century, so it's interesting to learn about someone who helped shape our current world. - Justine, Co-founder -
The Right to Write by Julia Cameron
Why You Should Read It: It's a look at the creative process and how to tap into it. And if you didn't consider yourself a writer before, you will after you read this book: "Why should we write? ...because it is human nature to write... because writing brings clarity and passion to the act of living. Writing is sensual, experiential, grounding... it is good for the soul... We should write above all because we are writers, whether we call ourselves that or not." - Caroline, Community Manager -
If You Have To Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You by Kelly Cutrone
Why You Should Read It: Cutrone tells a really honest account of the events in her life that have lead her to a successful career as the founder and CEO of People's Revolution, a PR firm in Manhattan. This book is as spiritual of a genre as it is business as she explains the importance of following and listening to one's "inner voice". - Danielle, Customer Care Intern -
Making Ideas Happen: Overcoming the Obstacles Between Vision and Reality by Scott Belsky
Why You Should Read It: It's a great read that will motivate you to prioritize, organize and act on your ideas. - Monica, Brand Design Manager
