The 15 Best Books to Give to Graduates

Based on a commencement address Saunders delivered at Syracuse University, the book is a meditation on the importance of kindness. Saunders shares personal stories and insights that reflect kindness not only as a virtue in itself but also a key to success and happiness. With his signature blend of humor, empathy, and wisdom, Saunders offers a timely reminder for graduates to prioritize kindness and compassion in a world that often prioritizes achievement and "success" above all else.

NYU marketing professor and podcast host extraordinaire, Scott Galloway may be known for his brash humor, earning the nickname "the Howard Stern of business." But he's also amassed a growing following of fans who look to him for advice on how to make values-driven career decisions. In his brand new book, The Algebra of Wealth, Galloway employs his typical no-nonsense approach to practically explain the steps readers can take to cultivate their best lives, both financially and interpersonally.

It shouldn't come as a surprise to recent grads that communication is key to career success. Supercommunicators reveals the hidden layers lurking beneath every conversation - practical, emotional, and social. From pitching ideas to managers to negotiating salaries to resolving conflicts with colleagues, Supercommunicators equips you with the practical tips and skills to navigate conversations with anyone more effectively.

For graduates entering the work force, one word they are sure to become familiar with is "productivity" – which is frequently used as a way to basically measure how much stuff you get done. But Cal Newport believes that our current understanding of productivity is misguided. Newport looks to history's most creative minds as inspiration for cultivating truly lasting accomplishments through a more thoughtful form of productivity, where the quality of the work, not the quantity, is put into focus.

Growing up in 90s Columbus, Ohio, Hanif Abdurraqib witnessed the golden age of basketball first hand, when Michael Jordan was dominating the cultural landscape, and future stars, like LeBron James, were being forged in his image of excellence and perfection. It's through this lens that Abdurraqib explores how we view success, the role models we choose, and the culture that shapes us.

Stephen King is a tireless booster of other writers, including debut authors. His now-classic book includes tips for aspiring writers and insights into his artistic process, while also serving as a quasi-memoir. Perhaps the best lesson of On Writing for aspiring writers is his encouragement to approach work with discipline and humility. Every young writer is well-served to internalize that an extreme and persistent dedication to the craft is a prerequisite for success.

Exploring identity, belonging, and the endless human quest for "paradise," a celebrated travel writer and novelist draws on his own far-flung soul-searching to offer insights into the unsettling mysteries of existence. This book offers a unique take on the travelogue, which is sure to strike a chord with recent grads searching for purpose through travel and intercultural encounters.

The popular Irish author’s second novel follows two Irish students from different class backgrounds who first meet in high school, as their relationship shifts between lovers, friends, and something in-between over several years. What makes Rooney’s novels so compelling is her ability to authentically capture the nuance and complexity of relationships. The relatability of the characters makes Normal People a perfect gift for anyone suffering from a little young love heartache.

This book offers a practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones. Based on the idea that small, incremental changes can have a powerful cumulative effect over time, Clear demonstrates that by focusing on tiny habits, we can transform our lives and achieve lasting change. This is a great gift for college grads struggling with the rude wake-up call of a 9-5 job and doing laundry more than once a month.

The book began as a list of 68 tips, marking the author’s 68th birthday, and intended to serve as advice to his adult children. Instead, the idea snowballed and Kelly now presents us with 450 practical aphorisms to help navigate life’s hurdles, both small and large. Excellent Advice for Living offers practical and actionable advice on a range of topics, while also providing inspiration on how to pursue a fulfilling and meaningful life.