6 Books for College Students to Read
Summer, winter and spring break present the perfect opportunity for students to get in a little extra reading that they might not have had the opportunity for while studying for exams during the semester. Rather than reading textbooks, they can focus on books that have a more inspirational focus, motivating them for the semester ahead. We have curated a list of books that are practical and relatable for college students. These books serve as excellent guides to help them shuffle through their late teens and early twenties and gain the wisdom to find success in all of its many forms.
Jay’s book is a perfect read for anyone about to begin their twenties. She reminds her readers of the importance of these ten years ahead and all the ways students will be learning more about themselves. Jay uses her research with clients and students as anecdotes that provide real-life scenarios and examples of situations with work, love, the brain, friendship, and technology. As your student begins the next decade, equip them with this educational and easy-to-read book.
This read is both exciting and empowering as Mylet uses his years of experience as a coach and entrepreneur to inspire and motivate his readers. Your college student will gain a deeper understanding of their abilities and see the potential that is already inside of them. They will be given strategies to win in areas of their life regarding relationships or finances. It is a book that helps actualize the talents and opportunities ahead of you and what you have done or need to do next in order to take hold of your true potential.
One of the lingering stresses during college is what will come after graduation. Coleman’s book helps students learn which jobs and careers are available in general, and also guides them in identifying which of these will be personally intriguing and attainable. It rewrites traditional career advice and instead focuses on who you know right now that can help you, who to look for, where to spend your time and effort and how to stand out from the rest of the crowd. It is a book about opportunities and how to prepare for your future and believe in yourself.
“The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph” is a long book title but a very important one! This read by Holiday highlights the many times that men and women (from Steve Jobs to Amelia Earhart) have been faced with obstacles and challenges, and more importantly what they did to overcome them. He notes that what made these people so successful was their devotion to timeless philosophical principles. The book helps us to see what this formula looks like and how one can turn a situation around and inevitably find success in even the most challenging circumstances.
Newport has created a guidebook to help any student narrow down what exactly it takes to objectively become a straight-A student. It is not about working harder or stretching yourself too thin, but rather working smarter, in a way that maximizes your efforts! Strategies involving study time, choosing paper topics, absorbing material, and of course conquering procrastination are all here. This is one of the only study guides that has been written by a student for a fellow student. Tried and true methods that your own student is more than capable of adopting!
A beautiful and inspiring read to add to this list is Adam Brown's story of overcoming his own past to accomplish one of the hardest, most grueling tasks - becoming a Navy SEAL. His story is touching and tragic as it includes a letter he writes to his children in case the worst is to happen. He was a part of the elite SEAL Team SIX the counterterrorism unit that took down Osama bin Laden and his story is one of transformation and perseverance.
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