Whether you’re finishing up high school or earning your degree, graduation is a very exciting time. Many changes will be coming your way as one chapter of your life ends and a new chapter begins. And while you’re interviewing for jobs or preparing to go to a new school, the changes and the feelings associated with those changes can be overwhelming. In the time between graduating college and starting a new job, I got back into the habit of reading more. And in that time, I read a couple of books that helped in my transition. Whether you’re looking for a light read, fiction, or self-help book, here are some books to consider for your next read.
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For when you’re not quite sure how to navigate adulthood…
Adulting – Kelly Williams Brown
This book was given to me by my hall director when I graduated college. A light, easy read, Adulting shares how to fake it till’ you make it as an adult in the form of tips, illustrations, discussions, and more. In addition to advice about career and finances, Brown shares how-to’s on all aspects on life, like relationships, cooking, getting your first apartment, emergency funds, and keeping things clean. This is such a fun book that I like to revisit every now and then, and I’d recommend it for any twenty-something who’s either recently graduated or is looking to get a place of their own.
For when you’re not sure where life will take you next…
I Just Graduated…Now What? – Katherine Schwarzenegger
This book was also gifted to me at graduation, but by my parents. This book contains a series of interviews with several famous and successful people, many of which started companies you may recognize. Whether or not the interviewees went to college, the book demonstrates a common theme – we don’t always know where we’re going next, and it may not be what we intended, but that’s okay. Schwarzenegger concludes the book with tips about living in the professional world, finding your path, and general life advice. This is a good read not only for those who are looking for their path after graduation, but also for those for who are looking to be inspired by a collection of success stories.
For when you’re feeling down…
The Book of Awesome – Neil Pasricha
Talking about post-grad life usually entails talking about colleges and the working world. But what it doesn’t talk about is our well-being. For the first time, you’re in an environment where it’s not as easy to make friends. You spend less time socializing than usual, and you may find yourself falling into the comparison trap. And when you find yourself down, sometimes it’s the little things that can help pick you back up. I’ve had The Book of Awesome since high school, taken it to college and back with me, and still refer back to it. I love Pasricha’s celebrations of all the fun little sensations and feelings we experience in life, like popping bubble wrap, waking up and realizing its Saturday, and celebrating your pet’s birthday even though they have no idea what’s going on. It’s a funny book that cheers me up when it’s one of those days.
For the emerging leader…
Lean In – Sheryl Sandberg
This book has been passed around so many times in my household and at my sister’s job that we regret not getting everyone who read it to sign the inside cover. Lean In is a book perfect for those who experience impostor syndrome, want the courage to be a better leader in the workforce, and overall for those who want to excel in the workforce. The book covers a mix of Sandberg’s experiences as a career woman and mother but also studies that highlight the difficulties that women may face entering throughout their careers. This book was excellent – I found myself saving many excerpts from the book that I knew I would want to refer back to again and again. No matter where you are, this book will have something for you take in. Plus, I recently learned of Lean In for Graduates – a new edition of this book that includes sections for recent grads. I haven’t read this edition personally, but you may want to check it out!
For the high school grad…
Girl on the Water by Laura Silverman
I say this is a great read for high school grads, but I just read it a month ago and loved it myself. Anise was born and raised in Santa Cruz, and never wants to leave. She’s spending her last summer with her friend group before some of them go off to college and intends to have the perfect summer. That is until her aunt in Nebraska is in a car accident, and she must travel there to help her family. This is my pick for high school grads because of how much Anise learns and what she opens her mind to in Nebraska – just like I did when I went away to college. I wish this book was out when I graduated high school because I think this is a great concept to be thinking about going into a new place. This is one of the better young adult books I’ve read and a perfect addition to your summer reading list.
I hope this list gave you some ideas for what to add to your reading list. By the way, are you on Goodreads? Let’s be friends! In addition to tracking my books, I love to see what others are reading.
What’s on your reading list? Be sure to let me know below.
Sincerely,
Julie Anna
