- 50 Life Lessons for Grads: Surprising Advice from Recent Graduates
- The Little Book of Self-Care for the College-Bound
- The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (Toltec Wisdom Book)
- Atomic Habits
- All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
- Stuff Every Adult Should Know
- Carpe Every Diem: The Best Graduation Advice from More Than 100 Commencement Speeches
- The Alchemist
- Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
By the staff at Covered Treasures
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” —Henry David Thoreau
May is the month of graduations and new beginnings. It’s a push from the safety of the nest; a rite of passage from the “carefree kid life” to “what are you going to do with the rest of your life.” It’s exciting. It’s scary. And, sometimes, a little bit sad. Here are a few books—some new, some old—that offer advice to the graduate, and perhaps comfort to Mom and Dad.
50 Life Lessons for Grads: Surprising Advice from Recent Graduates
Compiled by Janet McHenry (Worthy Inspired) $19.99
Who better than a recent graduate to help a young person navigate their life ahead? With encouragement and advice, 50 young women and men share what they learned the hard way. From “Money Isn’t Everything” to “Real Friendships Take Effort,” these short but insightful essays address the real struggles, opportunities, and fears that a young person might face starting on their own.
The Little Book of Self-Care for the College-Bound
Forward by Kennie Marie Battistin (Flash Point) $17.95
For many college students, their first year on their own also will be their first experience in truly taking care of themselves. Navigating classes, exams, essays, schedules, and life after high school can be a lot. And sometimes, one’s own well-being can get lost in the shuffle. This little guide is a source of tips, tools, and moments of reflection to help college-bound new grads stay grounded as they start the next phase of their lives. Featuring tried-and-true advice from current and former college students, inspirational quotes, and beautiful watercolor illustrations, each page offers a little pick-me-up for the student dealing with stress and uncertainty—along with a reminder that they are never alone.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (Toltec Wisdom Book)
By Don Miguel Ruiz (Tarcher) $26 h/c, $18 p/b
The Four Agreements is a self-help book based on ancient Toltec wisdom that offers a code of conduct to break self-limiting beliefs. The four agreements Ruiz offers are: (1) Be impeccable with your word. (2) Don’t take anything personally. (3) Don’t make assumptions. (4) Always do your best. The author argues that these simple yet powerful principles can help transform your life by changing the agreements you have with yourself and others.
Atomic Habits
By James Clear (Penguin Random House) $27
James Clear’s best-selling book is instructional in helping the reader reshape the way they think about progress and success, and give them the tools and strategies they need to transform habits—whether for a team looking to win a championship, an organization hoping to redefine an industry, or simply an individual who wishes to quit smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, or achieve another personal goal. The book demonstrates how to make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy); overcome a lack of motivation and willpower; design an environment to make success easier; and get back on track after being sidelined.
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
By Robert Fulgham (Ballantine Books) $19
More than 30 years ago, Robert Fulghum published a simple credo: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Having sold more than 7 million copies, Fulghum’s book retains the strength of a common piece of wisdom: that the simplest aspects of life bear its most important opportunities. Fulghum engages us with musings on life, death, love, pain, joy, sorrow, and the best chicken-fried steak in the continental United States. All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is brimming with reminders of the significance found in the smallest details.
Stuff Every Adult Should Know
By Gary Paulsen (Quire Books) $10.99
Do you ever feel like you missed the day in school when they taught you the really important things you need in life? Skills such as how to write a cover letter, how to change a tire, how to make a budget, how to host a dinner party, how to deal with taxes, and more. Featuring handy tips, tricks, and techniques collected from the best-selling Stuff You Should Know series, Stuff Every Adult Should Know is the Adulthood 101 your grad may need.
Carpe Every Diem: The Best Graduation Advice from More Than 100 Commencement Speeches
By Robbe Rogge (Clarkson Potter Publishers) $13.99
This is a curated keepsake that distills the wisdom of several powerful graduation speakers, including Barack Obama, Gloria Steinem, and Kermit the Frog, into the best advice for grads of all ages. Jimmy Buffett offers a simple nugget: “Be Santa Claus when you can.” Each quote is accompanied by a short biography of the speaker and gives the year and institution where the commencement speech was delivered. With advice from the likes of Angela Davis, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, and more, readers will be entertained and inspired by the wit and wisdom contained in this book—perfect for graduates, creative thinkers, or anyone seeking inspiration.
The Alchemist
By Paulo Coelho (Harper Collins) $26.99 h/c & $17.99 p/b
Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom, and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic. It tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest leads him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
By Dr. Seuss (Random House) $18.99 & $25.99
In this joyous celebration of life, Dr. Seuss addresses graduates of all ages—from kindergarten to medical school—and encourages them to move mountains. The inspiring and timeless message encourages readers to find the success that lies within, no matter what challenges they face. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”—Dr. Seuss
Until next month, happy reading!
The staff at Covered Treasures can be reached at books@ocn.me.
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