5 books worth reading this summer for Mothers in Business

Inspired by Bill Gates' article "5 books worth reading this summer", I thought hard and pulled together a list of 5 books worth reading for mothers in business. "Mother" alone is already a profession in its own right. "Mothers" and "business" together more sound like multi-tasking often leading to guilt and stress. These five books all share a common theme of finding peace in the chaos of being a mother while working for/running businesses. Some serious, some funny, some bold and some extremely soul comforting. Happy reading!

Traction, by Gino Wickman. Let's start with something a bit businessy and serious! Nothing particularly new if you are a big business books reader. However this book has the ability to allow us to have a bird's view on your business or your management team if you are holding a serious role in corporates. It stimulates you to think your company's vision, core values and inspire into the WHOLE team to row the boat together in one direction. This book will make you work smarter rather than harder which is so important when we have multiple roles in life.

French Children Don't Throw Food, by Pamela Druckerman. If, like me, you wonder how French mothers can still be sexy, chic and confident after having children (and you are a bit jealous), you will find some answers in this book. Whether you are a Chinese mother living in the UK like myself or an American mother living in Paris like the author Pamela, it's all about finding your own way, what kind of parent you want to be, and what kind of relationships you want to have with your children - not just when they are young but also in their adulthood, as we reap later depending on what we sow now.

Conversations with God, by Neale Donald Walsch. Don't be put off by the title if you are not a religious person. Give it a chance as it is the most inspiring and enlightening book I've ever read. "Enlightenment is understanding that there is no where to go, nothing to do, and nobody you have to be except exactly who you're being right now."

For Better, For Worse, by Damian and Siobhan Horner. This is a wonderful book for anyone who is feeling challenged by the messiness of marriage and the chaos of family life. It’s a true life account of a husband and wife – written in their own voices – who take a break from their working lives and take their two small children (one and two years old respectively) in a small boat through the canals of France, from North to South. I’m looking forward to re-reading this one.

In Love With the Mystery, by Ann Mortify. Unlike the other books on this list, this one is to be dipped into, and not necessarily read from cover to cover. It consists of short passages on life and spirituality. What is extraordinary about ‘In Love With the Mystery’ is the depth and beauty of the observations – perfect as a focus for evening reflection or morning mediation.