Graduating is tough. After your last lecture, you’re catapulted out into the world without a clue of how to land. You no longer have the safety net of being a student. And you now have to admit, to anyone that asks, that you don’t know what the hell you’re doing.
Sadly, there isn’t a set guide on how to handle post-graduate uncertainty. But there is no greater comfort than books. Reading about other people’s failures, growth and loss can help you on your journey or self discovery. So I present to you seven books to read after graduating.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before – Dr Julie Smith
Probably the closest thing a book will ever be to therapy, Dr Julie Smith shares the skills you need to survive. She discusses life, mental-wellbeing and how to manage everyday life. Her book not only provides practical solutions but offers perspective and resilience to any reader trying to ‘tough it out’.
101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think – Brianna Wiest
Brianna Wiest’s critically acclaimed book is a sort of self-help guide aimed to change your perspective on life. The essays consider a range of topics such as life, comfort and respect. The general message is to embrace negative thinking, pursue purpose over passions and to seek wisdom. It’s worth a read for anyone ‘stuck’ in a negative thought cycle.
The Imposter Cure – Dr Jessamy Hibberd
Dr Jessamy Hibberd explores the impact of imposter syndrome and how to escape the psychological mind trap. Delving into the insecurity and doubts of both men and women. It’s perfect for any recent graduates navigating the world of work.
The Year of Magical Thinking – Joan Didon
Joan Didon’s writes this book following the death of her husband and the illness of her adopted daughter. The memoir contemplates the impossibility of grief and attempts to understand loss, memory and self-pity. Though this book is a recommended solace to those grieving, there are lessons of life love and loss that anyone can take away.
Wild – Cheryl Strayed
This memoir tells the story of a girl named Cheryl who finds herself completely lost following the death of her mother. In an attempt to save herself from devastation, Cheryl hikes 1100 miles across the Pacific Crest Trail. On her incredibly unprepared journey of discovery she learns a lot about strength, strangers and self. Recent graduates may find comfort in the book as it gives hope to those who feel lost.
The Book of Moods – Lauren Martin
The book of moods is half self-help book, half memoir. It’s an honest reflection of mood swings, over-reactions and intense emotion. The book analyses incomprehensible feelings and offers ways of dealing with them. It encourages acceptance and transformation and is worth a read for anyone attempting to understand themselves.
The Midnight Library – Matt Haig
The book follows a thirty-something year old woman named Nora. She lives a drab, ordinary life full of mundane problems. After deciding she isn’t cut out for life anymore, she attempts suicide. But upon waking up, finds herself in the midnight library. The library is filled with infinite books, each one a variation of what life could’ve been. It’s a comforting read and will help those battling the existential question ‘What If’.
So there you have it – the best books to read after graduating that should, hopefully, help you out.
Are there any other books that you think should make the list? Let us know in the comments.