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LA Influencers Share Their Favorite Books For Summer Reading

By Natalie Alcala
Photo: @staud

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Whether you're preparing for the longest flight ever, are planning to spend days upon days chilling in a hammock on a tropical island (lucky), or simply want to disconnect from social media for a minute to enjoy a good old-fashioned read, this is your list. We've asked a handful of our favorite local tastemakers to share the books they're loving this summer. Check 'em out, and share your favorites in the comments!

SCOTTY CUNHA, HAIRSTYLIST

A photo posted by Scotty Cunha (@thescottycunha) on

"My favorite book is my signed copy of Gay Men Don't Get Fat by Simon Doonan! It's light-hearted and a funny, easy read that talks about how fabulous gays are!" — Scotty Cunha, celebrity hairstylist

SARAH STAUDINGER, DESIGNER

A photo posted by Sarah Staudinger (@staud) on

"I finally read Patti Smith's memoir, Just Kids. It's very rare to get true insight into the creative process of great artists and the struggle behind ambition. It's also a complex and powerful love story of two artistic soul mates." — Sarah Staudinger, designer of STAUD

SUZANNE HALL, THE CHALKBOARD

A photo posted by Suzanne Hall (@suzanne_hll) on

"I'm revisiting the classic, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron this summer. It's an essential, workbook-like guide to finding healthy process, balance and meaning as a writer or creative in any field. I love her perspective on life and work that, 'The quality of life is in proportion, always, to the capacity for delight. The capacity for delight is the gift of paying attention.'" — Suzanne Hall, creative director at The Chalkboard

KID DAVID, MODEL AND DANCER

"Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan is a self portrait of a life-long surfer and acclaimed New Yorker writer. I'm not sure if it's because I've been landlocked on tour or it's just beautiful writing, but William Finnegan makes you feel like you were there in surfing's beautiful beginnings. The closest thing to actually surfing may be reading this memoir!" — Kid David, Justin Bieber "Purpose" tour dancer

ERIN SHAFFER, DESIGNER

A photo posted by SHAFFER LA (@shaffer_la) on

"My favorite book of all time and perfect for an easy and entertaining summer read is Momzillas by Jill Kargman. Momzillas illustrates the hilarious story of navigating motherhood among the upper echelons of Manhattan’s society. Whether a mother or not, this book will have you blushing and laughing as only Kargman can." — Erin Shaffer, designer and founder of Shaffer LA

JESSICA ZANOTTI, STYLIST

"One of my favorite books is You Are Here by Thich Nhat Hanh. It's an easy read that discusses the power of mindfulness and staying present in order to live a fulfilled life. A lot of spiritual books can be preachy and pretentious but this is the exact opposite. It’s light and fresh and Hanh’s words are sprinkled with love and insight. I love it because it is a helpful read to pull you through difficult or confusing times, or just to serve as a reminder of what really matters in life." — Jessica Zanotti, stylist

BRENNA EGAN, EDITOR

A photo posted by @brennaegan on

"If you're in the mood for an eccentric feminist vibe, groovy prose about Africa and inspiration for personal bravery — 1000% you've got to pick up Beryl Markham's West With The Night. It's an autobiography about the first female to fly across the Atlantic that I've read too many times to count.

For more (which you'll definitely want!), Paula McClain (of The Paris Wife) has recently penned a fictional twist on Ms. Markham's life that adds dollops of glamour and scandal to the original narrative, deeming it the perfect beach read: Circling The Sun. — Brenna (Egan) Pierose, digital fashion & beauty editor

CARLY DE CASTRO, PRESSED JUICERY

Carly Brien Photo: Rip & Tan

"I'm currently reading Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler. Believe the hype! Danler paints an incredibly accurate picture of what life is like at 22 when you are open, not yet jaded and ready to devour the world with all of your senses. The characters and the the dialogue hooked me, and the way she writes about food is a revelation." — Carly de Castro, co-founder at Pressed Juicery