🌞 2025 Summer Reading & Film List
If you’re on the lookout for thoughtful reads and powerful documentaries to spark inspiration, reflection, or a sense of hope this summer, I’ve put together a curated list just for you. These selections explore everything from personal and professional growth and leadership to resilience and human connection. I hope something here resonates with you. Enjoy!
📚 Books
If Life is a Game, These are the Rules: Ten Rules for Being Human – Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott
Often referred to as the “Mother of Life Coaching”, Dr. Cherie is a New York Time’s Best Selling author, speaker and trainer - who also certified me in life coaching 26 years ago. This book is a thoughtful and timeless guide to life’s unwritten principles. In it, Cherie lays out ten gentle yet empowering “rules” that help us better understand ourselves, our relationships, and the human experience with more authenticity, grace and clarity.
Whatever Arises, Love That – Matt Kahn
The book teaches that no matter what thoughts, emotions, or experiences arise within you, unconditional love is the most powerful force for healing, transformation, and awakening. Rather than trying to fix, fight, or bypass our difficult feelings or circumstances, Kahn encourages readers to meet all aspects of ourselves with compassion.
Plan Be – Peter Matthies
This book isn't about a backup plan—it’s about embracing your true self and redefining success around who you authentically are, not just what you do. It is a refreshing approach to leadership and success that goes beyond productivity. Matthies encourages a more conscious, purpose-driven way of “being” in our work and decision-making—ideal for those seeking meaningful change.
Essentialism – Greg McKeown
A guide to the disciplined pursuit of less. McKeown offers tools to help eliminate what’s non-essential and reclaim control of your time and energy. Rather than trying to do it all, Essentialism teaches you to identify what truly matters, eliminate what doesn’t, and make space for what’s essential in your life, work, and well-being. “Essentialism is not about how to get more things done; it’s about how to get the right things done.”
Traction – Gino Wickman
Perfect for entrepreneurs and leaders, this book provides practical tools to clarify your vision, gain discipline, and achieve business growth. It introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)—a complete framework to help organizations run more effectively. It’s straightforward, actionable and highly effective.
My Head for a Tree – Martin Goodman
A beautifully written and deeply personal account of healing, resilience, and the transformative power of nature and human connection. This remarkable true story also weaves in the legacy of the Bishnoi tribe of India—considered the world’s first environmental activists, dating back to the 1500s. Goodman’s journey, interwoven with theirs, offers a powerful reminder of our capacity to protect what we love and to find strength in unlikely places.
🎬 Documentary Films
This inspiring short film follows a group of college students who, moved by the growing food insecurity crisis during COVID, took action in remarkable ways. Through their determination and creativity, they developed innovative solutions to connect surplus farm produce with communities in need. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when empathy meets action—and it’s free to watch on YouTube!
At just 26, Maggie Doyne sets out to build a home and school for orphaned children in Nepal—a journey marked by deep love, loss, and unwavering hope. This powerful documentary offers a lasting reminder of the impact one person can make in the world. It won the Audience Choice Award at this year’s ILLUMINATE Film Festival in Santa Barbara, CA.
A heartbroken woman who loses everything during COVID saves an injured baby sparrow. An unlikely bond ensues, sparking a global journey to uncover the deep, healing power of the human-animal connection. Through stories from around the world, this inspiring and heart-opening documentary invites us to reflect on what it means to feel connected—and how, sometimes, happiness finds us in the most unexpected forms.
A poignant and powerful look at the transformative bond between humans and horses, exploring how these majestic animals can bring about profound healing and self-discovery. By combining personal testimonials, expert perspectives, and emerging research, the film highlights how healing is rarely one-sided and how interaction with horses can gently reawaken authenticity and emotional openness. It’s perfect for animal lovers, or anyone who believes in second changes.
