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Hello Reader,

We know you’re always looking for your next good read, so we have some great recommendations.

Every month, you’ll receive team CGF’s top picks of books to help you improve your finances, advance your career, practice self-care, or get lost in a fantasy world.

Here is our list of August book recommendations!

• Note: This book list contains affiliate links from Amazon. Clever Girl Finance is an Amazon Associate which means we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. These commissions help us grow!
• We also encourage you to support your local independent booksellers! You can search by your location here.​

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Self-help pick: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret To A Long And Happy Life

Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is probably a word you've never heard before, but it can transform your life.

Chances are, every time your 6 am alarm clock wakes you up, you feel like life is sucking the joy from your soul. Stuck in a mundane routine, your life lacks purpose. You fear that life is nothing more than work and occasional time off. However, some of the oldest and healthiest people in Japan would tell you that there is so much more to life.

In the book, Ikigai, the authors explore the secrets of one of the world’s Blue Zones, a Japanese village known for its remarkable number of centenarians. Through interviews and research, they uncover how these residents eat, move, work, build community, and, most importantly, how they discover and live out their ikigai.

You might be thinking, that's great for the people in that village, but what about me? Can the simple philosophies of people living in a completely different country thousands of miles away apply to you? Yes, it can.

This book not only shares their inspiring stories but also offers practical tools to help you find your own ikigai — so you can live with more happiness, purpose, and fulfillment every day!

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Fiction Pick: Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

​Take My Hand is a powerful novel about a Black nurse in post-segregation Alabama who uncovers a devastating injustice against her patients.

Newly graduated, Civil Townsend sets out to make a difference in her community, but a shocking experience with two young patients changes the course of her life.

Decades later, now Dr. Civil Townsend, with a long career and grown daughter, is preparing to retire. Yet, some stories refuse to stay buried.

Inspired by true events, Take My Hand is a moving story of accountability, redemption, and the lasting impact of choices made in the name of care.

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Business pick: She Means Business: Turn Your Ideas Into Reality And Become A Wildly Successful Entrepreneur by Carrie Green

You've had your business idea scribbled in your notebook for years. On your commute to work, you are constantly daydreaming about being your own boss. The only problem is you don't know how to turn your ideas into something practical and profitable.

Fortunately, you can stop dreaming and start planning with the book, ​​She Means Business​​, written by Carrie Green. This book shows you how to turn your passion and ideas into a thriving business. More than just practical tips, this book dives deep into the mindset shifts and self-belief needed to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Carrie shares personal stories, actionable strategies, and powerful insights to help you overcome fear, build confidence, and stay motivated through the ups and downs of business. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, She Means Business is a guide to creating a profitable venture while staying true to your vision and values.

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Finance pick: Clever Girl Finance: Ditch debt, Save Money, And Build Real Wealth by Bola Sokunbi

You've read our blog posts, tuned in to our live YouTube videos, and have learned a lot about personal finance. Heck, you're even following a budget, but now you're ready to take things to the next level. You want financial freedom, stable income, and a life where money is a motivator, not a stressor.

You can achieve financial liberty with the book, ​​Clever Girl Finance: Ditch Debt, Save Money, Build Real Wealth! This personal finance guide is designed to help you organize your finances and feel financially confident.

Written by our founder Bola Sokunbi, this book delivers practical tips on paying off debt, saving effectively, and building lasting wealth.

Through real stories of women who’ve taken charge of their finances, Bola offers inspiration and encouragement for your financial journey. You’ll also find the essential tools you need to create a strong financial plan, from budgeting basics to smart investing strategies.

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Personal Development: Year Of Yes: How To Dance It Out, Stand In The Sun And Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes

If you're a fan of series such as Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, you're most likely a fan of Shonda Rhimes. But do you know the woman behind the scripts?

For years, she juggled motherhood, a demanding career, and anxiety, often staying in her comfort zone. But everything changed when she challenged herself to start saying yes to the things that scared her.

Needing some inspiration from a powerful and clever Black woman who continues to make her mark in the world? ​Year of Yes​ is your next read.

In her book, Shonda shares her powerful journey of stepping out of fear, embracing new experiences, and discovering a fuller, more fearless life. It will take you through her journey of experiencing life to the fullest and conquering her fears.

Don't let summer end without reading a good book

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No matter where your summer has taken you, a book can take you even further. Let us know in the comments which books you’re going to crack open next.

Don’t forget you can stay motivated and learn other financial tips and tricks from our ​completely free financial courses.​
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Happy reading! ❤️
Team CGF

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