Books by the Pool: 5 Reads Every Business Owner Should Tackle This Summer

Let’s be honest—summer reading lists aren’t just for high schoolers and book club overachievers. They're for business owners who need a break from spreadsheets, want fresh ideas, and wouldn’t mind looking smart while sipping something fruity by the pool.

If you're the type who says, “I’ll finally get around to reading that one book” every June… only to end up binge-watching a cooking show in August, we get it. But this summer, let’s mix a little leisure with a little level-up.

Here are five poolside-approved books that will stretch your brain without ruining your vibe—business reads with actual ROI, whether you're on a beach, a deck chair, or the 47th email of the day.

You’ve heard of this one. It’s the “eat your vegetables” of business books, but somehow also comforting—like a business therapist in paperback form.

Gerber breaks down the difference between working in your business and working on it. (Spoiler: You need to stop doing everything yourself.) It’s part tough love, part playbook for building systems so you’re not stuck being the only one who knows how to do… well, everything.

🧠 Perfect for: Business owners wearing 12 hats and wondering why they're exhausted
🍹 Pairs well with: Iced tea, shade, and 20 minutes of uninterrupted thinking time

Here’s a radical idea: What if growth isn’t always the goal?

Jarvis makes a compelling case for staying lean, intentional, and profitable—without feeling like you need to take over the world. It’s a refreshing read for entrepreneurs who are tired of being told they should want a 100-person team and a standing desk army.

This book is like a cool breeze during a hot “scale-at-all-costs” summer.

🧠 Perfect for: Solo founders, boutique business owners, or anyone flirting with burnout
🍹 Pairs well with: Cold brew and an “out of office” mindset

Yes, it's pumpkin-themed. Yes, it’s actually brilliant.

Michalowicz (also of Profit First fame) uses the metaphor of giant pumpkin farmers (yes, really) to show how pruning the wrong customers and obsessively focusing on the best ones leads to faster, healthier business growth. It’s practical, fun, and oddly motivating.

🧠 Perfect for: Anyone tired of juggling nightmare clients or a cluttered service list
🍹 Pairs well with: A lawn chair, a notebook, and the courage to say “no”

This one’s all about focus. The focus you think you have until you read this book and realize you’re a professional plate-spinner.

Essentialism is a deep breath in book form. It helps you cut through the noise, say “no” without guilt, and stop chasing every shiny object that lands in your inbox.

🧠 Perfect for: Overcommitted owners, chronic multitaskers, and calendar victims
🍹 Pairs well with: A minimalist pool float and zero notifications

Written by the guy who turned Eleven Madison Park into the #1 restaurant in the world, this book isn’t just for hospitality folks—it’s for anyone who wants to build a brand people rave about.

Guidara shows how radical thoughtfulness (not just good service) creates loyal fans and viral moments. It’s the kind of book that makes you rethink how you treat customers—and probably makes you want to hug your receptionist.

🧠 Perfect for: Business owners who want raving fans, not just decent reviews
🍹 Pairs well with: A cold drink and plans to wow your next customer

Summer doesn’t have to be all about sunburns and chasing invoices. A good book can give you fresh ideas, spark better decisions, and maybe—just maybe—help you come back to the office with more clarity than when you left.

So grab a towel, grab a title, and give your business brain the beach day it deserves.

(Just try not to drop your Kindle in the pool.)