Great Reads - Books for the 18-25 Crowd
There are so many great books. Here are the ones I most often recommended to, discuss with, and in a few cases assign to students. These are good reads when you’re getting ready for college, thinking about your life’s purpose, dealing with grief for the first time, starting on the path to be the best version of yourself, and more. These are my top picks for the 18-25 crowd.
Where You Go is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania by Frank Bruni
I believe deeply in the message of this book. Students from all types of schools go on to do great things. A valuable read for students and families starting to think about college.
Making the Most of College by Richard Light
Students in my first-year Living Biology course are assigned this book. Every one of them thought it valuable and many wished they had read it the summer before starting college.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
After impressive research on West Point cadets, athletes, National Spelling Bee finalists and more, Duckworth hones in on grit (passion + persistence) as a significant predictor of success. Best of all grit can be learned regardless of IQ or circumstance.
The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work by Shawn Achor
Read the Happiness Predicts Success post for more on this. Data backed and engaging messages in this book demonstrate how purpose and optimism will propel you to be your best in school, work, and life.
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World by William McRaven
Make Your Bed is based on McRaven’s famous UT Austin commencement speech. This seasoned Navy Seal Admiral offers a uniquely optimistic perspective on how to use the toughest of circumstances to cultivate a life of meaning and purpose. Check out McRaven’s commencement speech and you too will wake up psyched to make your bed.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Watch her famous TED talk to get a taste of what Cain has to offer. College students tend to identify as ambiverts (part extrovert part introvert) so this is a useful read for many.
Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder by Arianna Huffington
Huffington learned the hard way how the relentless pursuit of money and power leads to burnout and stress. There is far more to a successful life than work and this book makes the case beautifully. Even Einstein agreed.
Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Cheryl Sandberg
Lean In is less about the balancing act of starting a family and more about the challenges women face trying to get ahead. Sandberg addresses a range of topics from the internal obstacles holding women back, to how the feminist revolution has stalled, women’s compensation, shared parenting, and more.
Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy by Cheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant
A helpful book combining Sandberg’s experiences after the loss of her husband and psychologist Adam Grant’s research on strength in the face of adversity. A number of students have found value in Option B during the grieving process. Recommend for everyone as we all face an option b at some point.
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
A very important person in my life gave this to me and it was a game changer. It pushed me to have important conversations with the people I love in ways we never had before. I’ve discussed the lessons of Being Mortal with several students who have used it to get through tough times with terminally ill friends and family. It was a deeply empowering guide for them and I think it can be for everyone.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Unlike the other books on this list, The Alchemist is fiction. One of the world’s all-time best sellers, The Alchemist is a light read and perfect for that period of time when you start thinking deeply about your life’s purpose. It’s especially good for when you have to make tough choices about different paths and opportunities. {Good for any stage of life}
Good Manners, Good Relationships, Good Business by The Mitchell Organization
This isn’t a book, but a company run by Mary Mitchell that has produced several easy reads on modern manners. I had the pleasure of attending a training with Mary Mitchell years ago and have since agreed that ‘social, presentation and communications skills are important elements of personal and professional success.’ Check out Mary’s work on social etiquette - you can’t go wrong with a set of great manners to carry you through any situation with poise and confidence.
Super Soul Conversations by Oprah Winfrey
Also not a book, but hands down the best podcast I have ever come across. Oprah interviews some of the world’s most renowned thought-leaders, authors, spiritual luminaries, and health & wellness experts. Episodes featuring Joe Biden, Maya Angelou, Amy Purdy, Misty Copeland, Jimmy Carter and many more have been the impetus for great conversations with students in and out of class. Check out Super Soul to get grounded and inspired.
Enjoy
