Just because we’re not in grade school anymore doesn’t mean we should slack on the Summer reading - Summer is usually a perfect time to pick up a book, whether you’re relaxing by the pool, beach, or even in your own backyard. In need of some recommendations? Check out what’s on the list of some of your favorite spin and barre instructors!

Darryll

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero - “A great read with really powerful and motivational quotes.  Always helps to remind yourself just how awesome you are.”

Chelsea

1. In the Shadow of Statues by Mitch Landrieu (former mayor of New Orleans) - “The book examines race in the south through the eyes of a white southern whose family was heavily involved in the civil rights movement. Such a damn good read! It's my poolside book and I'll be sad when I've finished it.”
2. The Queen's Poisoner (The Kingfountain Series) by Jeff Wheeler - “It’s a YA fiction book about a young man who is rescued from death by a mysterious woman who is considered to have special abilities and her fight to help him survive after her looming death. I've read the entire series. As YA fiction goes, it's a lighthearted and easy series to read. Sometimes you just need to decompress.”

Jackie

Happiness by Heather Harpham - “Great book that was on Reese Witherspoon's book club list. I'd recommend this book because it's a story about finding love and happiness even in the most tragic moments of life.”

Esther

1. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown - “You are going to learn a lot of things about yourself and how to become who you are by moving forward with an open heart. I also love her other book, Braving the Wilderness, as it helped me to settle and ground myself instead of always feeling like a nomad.”
2. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein - “This book hooks you on page one and you won’t want to drop it until you are done.  Just bring tissues as I was in tears at the end.  The book features strong morals and values of life.  It touches your heart by softening it.”
3. A Life without Limits by Chrissie Wellington - “If you are ever feeling stuck in your fitness journey, grab this book.  It will for sure get you up and going!”

Barbara

1. The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews - “I felt a distinct shift in the way I carried myself, the way I thought, the way I taught, the way I lived...everything shifted when I read that book. Andy's parents died when he was young and he ended up being homeless for several years of his life.  During this time, he met a man who lent him books to read every few days… he began reading hundreds of autobiographies of great men and women in history throughout these years. This book is the story of a man who travels to meet 7 transformational people in history and learns a lesson from each one on how to be successful. While reading the autobiographies of great men and women in history, Andy realized there were 7 core values and principles each of them practiced to overcome obstacles and ultimately succeed and become an influential and impactful person in history. If I could give everyone one gift, it would be this book.”
2. The Last Arrow by Erwin McManus - “This book is all about saving nothing for the next life and living our lives to the fullest. It spoke volumes to me about having the courage to not hold my arrows so closely to my chest, but rather have the strength and courage and power to pick the arrow up and really aim - shoot for something. The tragedy in life is not that we die, but that we die with our quivers full… after reading this book I can boldly say I have the courage to pull the arrows I have been given out of the quiver and shoot them.”

Janet

1. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah - “It’s a put-down-whatever-you’re-reading good! Very cool story!”
2. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr - “Every human should read this book.”

Kelsey

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari - “Yuval Noah Harari's book, Sapiens, depicts the story of our species from a captivating perspective. For example, he explores the idea that homo sapiens rule the world because we are the only animal that can believe in things that exist purely in our own imagination; such as, gods, states, money & human rights. Harari takes a multi-disciplinary approach that spans biology, history, philosophy & economics; therefore, painting a holistic view of humankind's history.”