The Best Books to Give to Graduates

Bestselling author and perennial thorn in the side of the world’s financial elite, Rutger Bregman, returns with a new book that challenges our mainstream notions of “success.” Bregman calls on our world’s best and brightest to measure their ambition by the amount of positive change they strive to make in the world, rather than the amount of wealth they accumulate. The book is both a wake-up call and a roadmap—showing how to build a career rooted in impact, not ego, and to join a growing movement of people working for something bigger than themselves.

The Book of Alchemy is part guide, part reflection, and part creative spark—perfect for recent grads navigating change and uncertainty. Suleika Jaouad, along with an all star cast of contributors including Jon Batiste, Salman Rushdie, Gloria Steinem, George Saunders, and more show how journaling can be a powerful tool for making sense of new beginnings, heartbreak, or ambition, and offers real wisdom on how to live more fully. It’s not just about writing—it’s about grounding yourself while figuring out who you want to become.

For recent grads facing big questions about purpose, identity, and what comes next, this book from award-winning podcasters Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle offers real, hard-won wisdom from those who’ve been there. With contributions from Ina Garten, Roxane Gay, and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the book reminds us that confusion is normal, connection matters, and that you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking is a lifesaver for anyone new to cooking or just exhausted by the daily dinner question. For recent grads juggling work, budgets, and tiny kitchens, this book makes homemade meals doable—no fancy skills or long grocery lists needed. With smart shortcuts, flexible swaps, and complete meals that come together fast, it helps you eat well without the stress. It’s practical, unfussy, and surprisingly fun.