We all need a good read every now and then, and here at C&C we’re always looking for new material. A good book is so much more than an interesting plot, climax, and conclusion. A good read must inspire us to live a happier and fuller life, and in our case encourage us to go after our dream jobs and career paths.

Our current reading list for the month of August is full of career-driven reads with no BS advice and stories that we can all benefit from. And let’s face it, we all need a light kick in the ass from time to time.

Jot down this list, and get to some more summer reading.

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

The show creator and producer explains how her career changed once she started saying yes. She gets real about everything from avoiding public appearances to suffering panic attacks before some of her interviews. We wouldn’t expect this from a female powerhouse, but that’s exactly the point. She made a promise to herself and for a year she vowed to say yes to everything that scared her.

Leave Your Mark by Aliza Licht

Aliza is the voice behind the famed Twitter account, @DKNYPRGirl. Although she left her post at the fashion house, and the Twitter account is no more, she mastered the art of social media when you’re at the prime of your career. Her tongue-in-cheek humor and real-talk advice make readers feel like they’re listening to the wiser big sister they never had.

Like She Owns the Place by Cara Alwill Leyba

Is there a weight on your shoulders that’s getting in the way of your confidence? Then this one’s for you. Cara dives into accepting every single part of ourselves whether it be failures, wrinkles, or straight-up f*ck ups. Her book will get you to find that unshakeable confidence you’ve been looking for in order to live your best life.

You’re Not Lost by Maxie McCoy

Maxie has had enough of hearing women say, “I’m so lost”. Let’s face it, we’re all guilty of saying those three darn little words. Her compelling guide helps readers get to the root of their self-doubt, and shine the light on small, yet impactful decisions that will make you stop feeling "lost" after all.

Radical Candor by Kim Scott

Kim focuses puts the focus on bosses in her book. After her careers at Google and Apple, she developed a class on how to be the best boss possible, also titled Radical Candor. As a voice respected by CEOs, Kim provides honest guidance on what it really takes to effectively lead others. The idea of Radical Candor is that in order to be a good boss, you have to care personally while challenging directly. Kim shows readers how to build better relationships at work and fulfill their responsibilities of being a leader.

WorkParty by Jaclyn Johnson (Available August 21st)

Our very own Jaclyn Johnson lets it all out in WorkParty. Jaclyn shares how she turned distrust into determination, frustration into fuel, and heartache into hard work—and how you can, too. It’s your no BS guide to building your own career, your empire, and the best future for you.

By: Andrea Navarro