While summer months typically provide downtime for graduates whose previous year was filled with scheduled activities and deadlines, summer 2020 is expected to offer even more opportunities for reading and reflection, due to the continued pandemic’s disruption of travel and public entertainment.
“Although the graduate is probably excited to be done with homework for now or to have a break from books …, the best gift they can receive might actually be some non-required reading,” informed Real Simple in May. A few of its “32 Most Inspiring Books for Graduates” include:
‒ “In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It,” by Lauren Graham: The general theme of this book is that what matters most is finding joy.
‒ “The Financial Diet,” by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage: Because some graduates head down a road of credit cards and debt, this book conveys advice on how to make smart money decisions early on.
‒ “The ABCs of Adulthood,” by Deborah Copaken and Randy Polumbo: This book serves as both an attractive coffee table book and a practical, sometimes witty, guide into life on one’s own.
‒ “The Power of Habit,” by Charles Duhigg: This book looks at how habits can lead to happier, healthier, more successful adults.
‒ “How to Cook Everything: The Basics,” by Mark Bittman: One skill many on-the-go graduates have had little time to acquire is that of cooking.
‒ “Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up In 468 Easy(ish) Steps,” by Kelly Williams Brown: This book provides lighthearted but helpful guidance in the grown-up world.
‒ “I Just Graduated … Now What?,” by Katherine Eunice Schwarzenegger, eldest child of actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger and broadcast journalist Maria Shriver: This book includes interviews with notables who provide honest input to remind graduates that they are not alone.
Last May’s Business Insider book list for graduates included “Make Your Bed” by William H. McRaven, “Very Good Lives” by J.K. Rowling and “What You’re Really Meant to Do” by Robert Steven Kaplan.
