Every now and then I like to veer away from the marketing-focused blog posts and write about some good reads that can help a business as a whole. Recently, I’ve read several books about powerful women who have shaped the world or are actively working on making change for women in business and life. For me, as a female entrepreneur/business owner, these books have been both inspiring and motivating. I hope they’ll do the same for you.

The Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I was already a fan of Ruth Bader Ginsburg before I read the book, but after learning about how she juggled raising a toddler, caring for a sick husband and excelling in Harvard law school (at a time when she wasn’t really welcome there at all) and achieved a sense of “life balance” she was comfortable with at the same time took her to superhero status. Reading about her actions and strategies to change the law and push for the rights are women will inspire you to stand up for women and push issues forward.

Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game Soccer. After winning two Olympic gold medals and and FIFA World Cup Championship, superstar soccer player, Abby Wambach is pushing women’s equality forward by working to eliminate the gender pay gap in her retirement. The “rules” she outlines in this book will have you nodding your head in agreement and thinking, “why aren’t I already doing this?” in business and life.  

In Praise of Difficult Women: Life Lessons from 29 Heroines Who Dared to Break the Rules. When women break the boundaries of societal expectations they achieve great things. The lessons from their accomplishments can inspire you to push toward your career and personal goals.

Becoming Michelle Obama. Obviously, Michelle’s story is impressive on its own. Her academic and professional accomplishments are numerous separate and apart from what she has done in partnership with her husband. But what I found equally inspiring is her mother’s role in giving her an edge early on, speaking up on her behalf to get her the best education she could access. It shows that women’s roles in their personal lives—mothering and otherwise—can play an important role in the success women achieve in business.

Most of these are short, but powerful reads, so pick one up this summer for a beach read or relaxing summer night! And let me know what you think of them in the comments!