In honor of Women’s History Month, CollegeCandy has decided to spotlight some of the world’s most influential women. Last week we focused on the women from our generation and this week, we pay attention to some of the most spectacular thirty-somethings. These are the women that show us life really does get interesting in your 30s, whether you’re a famous movie star or activist. Anything can happen, and just like these women have done in their 30s, we can make a difference in the world at any age.

Spring Break is fast approaching and besides a margarita permanently placed in my grasp, there is something else I’m looking forward to accompanying me on the beach.  And it is a good book.  There is really nothing like the feeling of placing your lounge chair up to the waves to tickle your feet, and slamming through drink after drink book after book.  Life gets pretty difficult when you mix hot sun with alcohol, and this is a fair remedy for a relaxing beach activity.

So here is a short list of books you can shove in your carry on, before you hit your fabulous beachy destination of choice this year.  And if you’re anything like a book-nerd like me, you will get through (almost) every single one of them.

1. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Alright, I’m a sap-I’ll admit it, and I can never get enough of those really gross romantic novels (so I tried to include only one of my personal favorites on this list).  Now, if you’ve seen the movie (just recently came out on video) pretend you never did.  In my opinion, the movie was painful, even with the charming help of Rachel McAdams. But the book? The book is a classic, and an exciting love story with a never-ending collection of twists and turns. To make a long story short (and without spoiling the ending) Clare Abshire falls in love with Henry DeTamble, a time traveler. If that doesn’t make things ‘complicated’ I don’t know what will. Although the book may get a little confusing at times, this story follows a straightforward love-story line with Clare and the ramifications that account to Henry’s time traveling curse.  You are constantly questioning whether Niffenegger’s accounts about time travel work with the book, but once you get past that, this novel is sweet and truly heartfelt. I highly recommend it.

2. I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max

OK, before anyone starts yelling as me about how much of an a-hole the author is-hear me out.  I understand that he disregards social norms, gets drunk at inappropriate times, and ignores the consequences of his actions, but we get to read about them on the comfort of our own beach mat! This book contains the humorous and absurdly (honest) collection of Tucker Max’s true life stories from his life at law school. Tucker goes to Vegas, Tucker goes on a road trip, Tucker ends up in Texas, and Tucker writes one seriously funny book. And since (most of us) are in college, it is safe to say we can all relate to the crazy dialogue he and his college buddies hold throughout the adventures and his ridiculous take on life. BUY IT! I can tell you, you won’t be disappointed.

3. Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Now, this recommendation comes from the more serious side of me.  This. Book. Is. Deep.  But on the other hand, it is a really simple read. The book is essentially about first impressions, how important they are to the human race, and how important they are in understanding the world around us.  The anecdotes about how the mind works are effortlessly fascinating.   The book grabs you right away and pulls you into such an influential scientific insight, you won’t be able to put it down.  I can’t imagine how equally amazing this book would have been if I was carting it around with me beach side – I read this in my 6 by 6 foot dorm room and could not get enough.  So I highly recommend you take the plunge into this seemingly intriguing read about our ability to make snap decisions and quick judgments. You won’t stop telling everyone what you’ve learned once you do!

4. My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler

I can’t express to you enough how out of control Chelsea Handler is. I’m sure you all are well aware of her popular late night comedy show, and her mild obsession with small people (Chuy, holla!), but if you aren’t familiar with her book sprinkled with stories, you must get reading. The way this women writes draws a swelling laugh through my chest, and it actually comes out of my mouth. Out loud. And I’m not even embarrassed. She is crude, raw, honest, and her collection of morning after stories are things you couldn’t even dream up yourself.

5. Anything by Chuck Klosterman (Sex, Drugs & Cocoa Puffs, Downtown Owl)

Nuff said.  You will tip over your lounge chair and the book may float away in the ocean once you finally stop laughing at the things this man has to say.

While I’m at it, since you have time to read up this Spring Break, why don’t you take this opportunity to read up on topics that pertain to your major, as well? As a college student myself, I know I would love to gain some insight about my field of choice, and what a better time than while your booty is planted in the sand!?

Time to get reading.

[Besides being the month of St. Patrick's Day and CollegeCandy's editor's birthday, March is Women's History Month. Instead of honoring the great women of our past, however, we at CC want to honor the women they inspired and who now inspire us. Every Wednesday this month we are going to highlight a woman who is currently dominating her field and showing us that we can really do anything. These women are strong, powerful, famous, and doing their thing even better than their male counterparts, so let's give them the attention they deserve!]

First up is Chelsea Handler, a self-made celebrity who is smart, beautiful, hilarious, and full of talent. We could probably list a billion reasons why we love this woman (including her shoe collection, her interviewing skills, Margarita Thursdays…), but here are the 5 biggest reasons Chelsea Handler has inspired us.

1. She didn’t go to college
Obviously, we think college is an amazing, worthwhile experience (hence the name of the website – COLLEGECandy). But it’s amazing to me that Chelsea was so motivated, driven, and fearless that she didn’t feel the need to go the traditional college route in order to pursue her dreams. And she’s made herself an empire! (Not to mention she pulls a much larger salary than I’ll ever get with my college degree).

2. She’s A Renaissance Woman
Best-selling author, actress, TV host, and stand-up comedian!? Chelsea does it all, and does it well.  Both of her books – Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea, and My Horizontal Life – were on the New York Times Bestseller List (and she has another book slated for release in March, yayy!), and she won Bravo’s “A-List Funny” Award in 2009. 

3. She’s Transformed Late-Night Comedy
While Conan and Leno were battling over late-night, Handler was sittin’ pretty and watching her show get more and more successful, recently being picked up through 2012. Her ad revenue has even surpassed that of comedian powerhouse, Steven Colbert! Not only that, but she generously uses her success as a platform for up-and-coming comedians. While most comedians hate sharing the spotlight (lest someone looks funnier than them), Chelsea’s round table showcases comedians that she considers friends and she even brings them on tour! Comedians like Heather McDonald, Loni Love and Brad Wollack have all been hired for more gigs after being seen on Chelsea’s show.

4. She’s Got a Killer Bod
And she works hard for it! Between her hectic schedule for the show, writing books, and making media appearances, Chelsea makes time for hour-long workouts at the gym private and Pilates classes. She eats a very strict diet and counts calories, allowing her to indulge in her one true love: vodka. (Honestly, what college woman can’t relate to and respect that?)

5. She’s Not Afraid to Be Herself
Anyone who’s seen Chelsea on TV or read her books knows that her no-holds barred sense of humor is what gave her success. She speaks candidly about pretty much everything and isn’t afraid of offending anyone. She also exudes confidence and isn’t afraid to use her sexuality, having appeared in both Maxim’s Hot 100 and on the cover of Playboy last year. Chelsea doesn’t try to fit a mold to be successful in Hollywood and look at her now, on the top of her game.

Chelsea Handler inspires me to be myself and not to let others tell me what to do or who to be. She is a unique personality in the entertainment industry and a breath of fresh air. I can’t think of a better woman to kick off this month with, and I really think the world needs more people like her to step into the spotlight!

I’m having a tough time admitting this, mostly because I think she stole my life, but I have a huge crush on Chelsea Handler. I was introduced to Ms. Handler a few years back when my friend shoved her first book, “My Horizontal Life” in my hands and screamed, “this was your idea!”

Yes, it’s true. I had always planned on compiling my one night stand stories into a book, but I needed a few more hump sessions to complete it and Chelsea beat me to it.

I wanted to so badly to hate what I read, but I couldn’t. The book was laugh out loud funny, and I’m pretty sure I bothered everyone else in Starbucks when I read the entire thing in one day. When I finally reached the end, I determined that Chelsea and I were soul mates.

Since then, Chelsea has written another NY Times Bestseller and got her very own show, Chelsea Lately, on E! Some people think she slept her way into that late night slot (her BF just happens to be in charge of the network), but I don’t care. If it took a little pork-sesh to bring this woman to TV, then so be it. If anything, it only proves that the woman is as good between the sheets as she is behind the round table.

Chelsea Handler is hilarious, beautiful, witty and has a killer sense of style. When I tune into her show nightly (I haven’t missed an episode in months), I am as entertained by what she says and does as I am by the gorgeous and drool-worthy stilettos on her feet. Stilettos that she uses to effectively stomp on the hopes, dreams and careers of Hollywood’s most ridiculous characters.

And even they find her funny.

Chelsea Handler proves that comedy isn’t just for the boys/ugly women. She’s the total package and if it takes sleeping with her to become her full-sized sidekick (she’s already got a mini-friend), I’ll do it. Maybe we could pen that story into a book together.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of witnessing her antics, Chelsea Handler is a complete trip with great material and no shame. I found Chelsea several years ago on the Oxygen Network’s “Girls Behaving Badly”, and from there followed her to the E! Network and caught a few stand-up shows — the rest is history.

So last weekend I picked up Chelsea’s book after many months of putting it off (like I said, reading for fun loses all appeal when you have to read for purpose), and headed to a nearby coffee shop to enjoy my book with a nice cup of coffee.

I have never felt like more of a spaz. I barely made it through the first chapter without literally laughing out loud – as in laughing out loud in the middle of a crowded coffee shop filled with students studying hard, sitting all by myself. Talk about being that girl.

It only took me a few more failed attempts to try and hide my laughing before I decided Chelsea’s book was best read in the privacy of my home, where only my roommates would judge me – and I have a feeling laughing while reading isn’t too high on the list.

I continued the rest of the book — yes, I read the whole thing in one sitting — in the living room with all my roommates, who continually asked me about every five minutes what I was laughing at, (the Jurassic park feet reference killed me.) Needless to say, this book became a cult-classic in my household within a week.

Her book, “A Collection Of One Night Stands” is just what is sounds like, an entire book in which Chelsea recalls all of her one night stands dating back to high school. Her conquests range from a stallion of a man she met on the Internet in community college, a summer fling with a Jersey Shore gas station attendant, a midget in Mexico, her gyno, plus about 15 more. (Starting to feel better about your one night stands?)

Sure, you can call her promiscuous and irresponsible, but there is so much entertainment to be found in the tales of a women who holds nothing back in her recollections (including her own skid-marks.) And the sheer unabashed nature of it all just makes you happy you can live vicariously through her, and enjoy the laughs without the continuous STD tests and hangovers.

After your next long week, when you’re in need of some humor and just not wanting to be the one who gets laughed at, enjoy some laughs with and at Chelsea.

And for the real fans, there is a second book, “Are You There God, It’s Me Chelsea” coming out real soon.