The Library

Here are some of the books that Cooper has derived inspiration, delight, productivity, success, and joy from.

Currently Reading:

Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

Breath by James Nestor (this one is FASCINATING!)

Rising Strong by Brené Brown

By James Clear. Before starting, Cooper heard mixed reviews - people felt lukewarm about it, others said it was all things they already knew. Cooper decided to give it a go regardless and is sure glad she did. Whether you’re looking for ways to get new habits to “stick” or trying to shed those “bad” habits you’ve been holding onto for too long, pick this one up. It may not be full of novel ideas or concepts, but it helps when information is presented in a digestible and motivating way.

Dare to Lead

By Brené Brown. Believe it or not, this was Cooper’s first Brené read, and it likely won’t be her last. One of the most valuable takeaways for Cooper was the life values exercise Brené presented—what two (and only two) values are your life drivers? For Cooper, they are quality and integrity.

By Bob Burg and John David Mann. Cooper encourages anyone running a business to add this to their list. This book is a story about GIVING and success in business. There are five key lessons that, while simple, could be the secret ingredient(s) that is(are) missing from your success recipe. This is not a lengthy read by any means and could be the best thing you do on the next rainy weekend cozied on the couch/by the fire.

By Gary Keller. Running a business requires us all to wear many hats. Being a parent, sibling, partner, friend, [INSERT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS] requires a lot from us too. If you ever find yourself in a state of overwhelm or thinking, “There’s a more efficient way to do this,” then you may find some solace and game-changing takeaways from this book.

By Mike Michalowicz, author of The Pumpkin Plan and The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur (among others). Cooper believes this book is for you whether you’re just starting out and don’t have a clue about making sense of revenue, profit, owner’s compensation, and expenses, or you’re in a rut and unsure why, after 3 years of doing business, you’re not churning the profits you’d like. Cooper is currently in the midst of re-reading this book to begin implementing everything she is learning about putting, well, PROFIT FIRST.

By Glennon Doyle (Abby Wambach’s wife). Has this colorful cover caught your eye too? Well, this felt like one of the most important books Cooper has read in a long time. Chapters are short but poignant. Poign-ant. The theme that is sprinkled throughout this book is that it is never too late to leave your cage(s), become untamed, and start living the life YOU design for YOU, not the life everyone else has designed for you.

Where the Crawdads Sing

By Delia Owens. In early 2019, this book clinched the #1 spot on Cooper’s “Best Books of All Time” list. Sprinkled throughout this novel are themes of deep connection to nature, family trauma, independence, first love, and triumph. Cooper cried A LOT while reading WTCS. Trust her on this read, and please report back once you’ve finished it. Cooper never tires of recommending it or talking about it.

White Fragility

By Robin DiAngelo. The subtitle, which is featured on the cover, says: “Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism.” A good friend of Cooper’s experienced blatant racism in a networking group this friend had long been a member of. In conversations after that incident with this friend, Cooper realized she could become a better ally for People of Color. Even if you are white and think you aren’t racist, you probably can become a better ally to BIPOC. - - Anyone who is committed to doing their part in lessening white fragility and/or learning how to constructively talk about race and white privilege, this is a good read for you!

Wolfpack

By Abby Wambach. Cooper played soccer competitively until college and looked up to leaders on the pitch like Abby. Excluding that one instance when Abby got in trouble in PDX, Abby remains a leader in her retirement (from soccer). Proof: Abby’s 2018 commencement speech at Barnard College. This book is an expanded version of that amazing, rallying speech and if you are in the market for an inspiring but quick read, then THIS is for you!

By Jen Sincero. The cover says: How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life. Raise your hand if you have ever doubted your abilities or found yourself lacking the confidence to get off your a** and get after your dream. Yes, Cooper too. We have all been there. Keeping this read on your bedside table may or may not be one of Cooper’s life hacks.