Social media has blown up with sympathy for the Class of 2020, who will graduate without the usual pomp and circumstance. Graduation sans ceremony is still something huge to celebrate (perhaps even more so). What better way than to gift the learned with a book! To that end, I’ve put together 5 books that are perfect for new graduates.
“From soaring to high heights and seeing great sights to being left in a Lurch on a prickle-ly perch, Dr. Seuss addresses life’s ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and illustrations, while encouraging readers to find the success that lies within. In a starred review, Booklist notes, “Seuss’s message is simple but never sappy: life may be a ‘Great Balancing Act,’ but through it all ‘There’s fun to be done.’” A perennial favorite and a perfect gift for anyone starting a new phase in their life!”
Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss is a classic. No list would be complete without it. In fact, I got a copy for my own graduation a million years ago. Then years later, I read it on the last day of school to my fifth-grade students (and I got choked up every time). If you’ve somehow missed this treasure, you’re in for a treat.
“What Color Is Your Parachute? is the world’s most popular job-hunting guide, revised and updated annually with more than ten million copies sold. This newly streamlined edition features the latest resources, case studies, and perspectives on today’s job market, revealing surprising advice on what works—and what doesn’t—so you can focus your efforts on tactics that yield results.
At its core is Richard N. Bolles’s famed Flower Exercise, a unique self-inventory that helps you design your career—and your life—around your key passions, transferable skills, traits, and more.
This practical manual also provides essential tips for writing impressive resumes and cover letters, networking effectively, interviewing with confidence, and negotiating the best salary possible.“
What Color is Your Parachute? is another classic. In fact, I received this book as a college graduation gift (though a different edition, of course). This book will continue to be a resource to its recipient for years to come.
“Greer Kadetsky is a shy college freshman when she meets the woman she hopes will change her life. Faith Frank, dazzlingly persuasive and elegant at sixty-three, has been a central pillar of the women’s movement for decades, a figure who inspires others to influence the world. Upon hearing Faith speak for the first time, Greer, full of longing for an ambition that she can’t quite place—feels her inner world light up. And then, astonishingly, Faith invites Greer to make something out of that sense of purpose, leading Greer down the most exciting path of her life. At its heart, The Female Persuasion is about the flame we all believe is flickering inside of us, waiting to be seen and fanned by the right person at the right time. “
The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer is the perfect gift for fiction-loving, feminist graduates. A great escape now that your graduate has more time for leisure reading. The Female Persuasion was also featured in a previous blog post 10 Books about Striving for a Better World.
“In The Power of Habit, award-winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. Distilling vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives that take us from the boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to the sidelines of the NFL to the front lines of the civil rights movement, Duhigg presents a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential. At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, being more productive, and achieving success is understanding how habits work. By harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives.”
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg is perhaps my all-time favorite self-help book. In fact, if it looks familiar, it might be because it was featured in A Literary Care Package for a Self-Improvement Kick. It’s a fascinating read which gives the science behind habit changes making attempts at them more successful. His journalistic style makes this reader friendly too.
“With theSkimm’s trademark mix of real talk, humor, and inspirational messaging, this book gives you the information you need to make informed and empowered decisions in your life. Covering everything from personal finance, to career, to stress management, global politics, and more, How to Skimm Your Life breaks down some of the less glamorous parts of adulting.
Wine & Food • Travel • Networking • Job Searching • Personal Growth • Mental Health • Time Management • Budgeting • Investing • Health Insurance • International Relations • US Government
With life hacks for anyone who’s starting out in the real world, looking to make a change, or just wants a reset, How to Skimm Your Life will be time well spent—making it the perfect gift for graduation, birthdays, or your best friend “just because.”
Readers of The Daily Skimm (my preferred news source) will recognize and enjoy the snarky voice in this how-to-adult book, which makes some otherwise dull content fun. I’ve been adulting for quite a few years now and even I’ve learned a few things from reading this book–some stain removal tips, in particular, might come in handy. How to Skimm Your Life is the perfect gift for the graduates about set out on their own.
Given the time of year, you might also be looking for A Literary Care Package for Father’s Day.
Have you read any of these graduate friendly books? Tell me what you think in the comments.