"Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery—celebrate it if you feel like it"
Our creativity, passions and drive can be inspired by those who have gone before us. In my experience it takes many books, films and lectures to discover our own point of view. You can be told things, but that alone won't inspire you, you can be lectured on topics and that alone also won't inspire you, but an accumulation of little bits and pieces of information you pick up on your creative journey will begin to paint pictures in your mind of everything that you value and want to be.
These five books are on my reading list because they have been recommended, featured online or are at the height of pop-culture reading at present. I usually turn away from such books as I always want an 'alternative view' however, ignoring something isn't a great way to embrace knowledge. It is far better to consume knowledge and take whatever little sentences, quotes and points you find meaningful and apply those to your life to enhance it. Become an objective reader and steal the bits you like, re-model their ideas, let the successes and anecdotes told within these pages become your own.
1. #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
#GirlBoss is an insight into the rise of Sophia's eBay store Nasty Gal. The book focuses on her ordeals as a young woman with vision while dealing with naysayers, men in the corporate world and learning how to suck it up, and do it!
I've been recommended this book by a dear friend and am happy to say I am ordering it TODAY.
2. Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham is the creator, writer and star of her own hit TV show Girls. Who needs more reasons to jump on board team Lena? Every girl needs a hero and Lena gives a recount of her not-so-much-younger self in a very raw, humorous and sentimental way. A book that has already topped most people's reading list, and if you haven't read it yet, a book to enjoy now.
3. A Passionate Life by Ita Buttrose
A Passionate Life should be on every aspiring Journalists' to-read list. Ita AO, OBE, is one amazing woman with accolades of successes including editor in chief at Cleo Magazine and later The Australian Woman's Weekly. Now in her early 70's she is a panelist on breakfast television and has been the National President of Alzheimer's Australia. As an Australian woman she has changed the shape of our country. A must read and a recommendation by yours truly.
4. Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Did you love Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation? Well here is your chance to read her mind. Amy Poehler is known for her hilarious and comedic nature and killer one liners. Yes Please is book of stories, poetry, haiku and lists. Enjoy!
5. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
A memoir of Malala, a fifteen year old girl who was shot point blank in the head in Pakistan in 2012. Malala miraculously survived and is the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala is an inspiration to us all, most people don't know that in 2009 at the age of ten Malala became a blogger for the BBC under a pseudonym which she used to expose the Taliban occupation, their control of the valley where she lived and the banning of girls from attending school.
