21 Summer-Ready Reads for Recent 2025 Grads
With so many memorable commencement speeches on the books - including a few that actually were turned into books - a list of recommended reads for grads seems in order. Whether wrapped in congratulatory paper, slipped into new briefcases or stacked on nightstand TBR piles, here are 21 books packed with "what's next" advice that Être can't wait to share.
A quick disclaimer: While there are many more books that dive deeply into workforce dynamics, pay landscapes and career progression...in this case, they come later. See the Êxtras section below for a few favorites and stay tuned for more lists this summer. For now, these 21 titles offer broad inspo along with bite-sized action items to those eyeing and entering the adult world for the first time.
It can be terrifying. And exhilarating.
But thanks to authors like these, the next gen can take a summer masterclass and gain insider wisdom from boss women who know. So if you're still looking for a grad gift idea, consider one or more of these:
YEAR OF YES: HOW TO DANCE IT OUT, STAND IN THE SUN AND BE YOUR OWN PERSON by Shonda Rimes, encouraging new grads (plus all of us) to step outside comfort zones and say yes to new ideas and bright futures.
MICROJOYS by Cyndie Spiegel, for when times are tough and challenges seem too steep to climb, Spiegel shows how find the small moments of joy and meaning that carry us through with grace.
I GRADUATED...NOW WHAT? by Amanda McLaughlin, with real-world answers to often-asked questions; adulting is hard and McLaughlin's game plan makes it all eminently doable.
GET GOOD WITH MONEY by Tiffany Aliche, serving up a 10-step process alongside practical checklists and worksheets for the next gen to get financially literate and fiscally confident - fast.
EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE by Marie Forleo, now with an updated look in paperback form but with the same smart tips we need in times of uncertainty and unexpected change.
MY BOYFRIEND BARFED IN MY HANDBAG...AND OTHER THINGS YOU CAN'T ASK MARTHA by Jolie Kerr, an AMA-style read full of unvarnished real-life problems new grads can't always call home to solve.
A FEW RULES FOR PREDICTING THE FUTURE by Octavia Butler, offering an illustrated, pragmatic yet hopeful lens for new grads to look through; perfect for sci-fi fans and they'll know why.
THE LET THEM THEORY by Mel Robbins, one of my favorite books and mantras of the year...and the screen-saver or tattoo you'll see literally everywhere this summer.
UNTAMED by Glennon Doyle, helps with summoning courage while reminding all of us that we can do hard things; now with an insightful discussion guide and companion journal.
THE ART OF GATHERING: HOW WE MEET AND WHY IT MATTERS by Priya Parker, encouraging fresh and meaningful ways to connect with each other at a time when those leaving campus might be feeling unmoored.
HOW TO SKIMM YOUR LIFE by Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin, breaking down grown up topics like personal finance, managing stress and more; see more wisdom from these two founders in The Epic Mentor Guide.
WHAT NOW? by Ann Patchett, based on her commencement address at Sarah Lawrence College, this essay offers optimism and inspiration "for anyone at a crossroads, whether graduating, changing careers, or transitioning from one life stage to another."
SECRETS OF ADULTHOOD by Gretchen Rubin, keying off her research on happiness, Rubin suggests simple but profound pieces of wisdom that every leader of tomorrow can use immediately today.
YOUR TURN: HOW TO BE AN ADULT by Julie Lythcott-Haimes, laying out basic steps and frank pathways toward full-scale adulthood from a former Stanford dean of freshmen.
WAY MORE THAN LUCK by contributors including Debbie Millman, Barbara Kingsolver, Eileen Miles, Nora Ephron and more, compiling evergreen advice from legendary graduation speeches in one easy-to-flip-through reference point.
IN CONCLUSION, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT by Lauren Graham, expanding on the 2017 commencement speech she gave at her hometown high school, Graham (star of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood) reflects on finding joy and living in the moment.
FINANCE FOR THE PEOPLE by Paco de Leon, speaks to navigating student loans, credit card debt, spending vs saving and how to start investing, all with diagram-filled pages and an understanding tone.
THE DEFINING DECADE: WHY YOUR TWENTIES MATTER AND HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEM NOW by Meg Jay, providing the tools young people need to make the most of their twenties, and see how work, relationships and identity grow during an important decade.
NAVIGATE YOUR STARS by Jesmyn Ward, drawn from Ward's commencement address at Tulane University in 2018, this illustrated book spotlights grit, self-respect and the lasting bonds created by family.
THE BIG LIFE by Ann Shoket, bringing spot-on career advice to new leaders Shoket notes that "the mission of this book is to create a sisterhood of young women...working through the most complex issues in their lives together." See more from Shoket in The Epic Mentor Guide.
THE EPIC MENTOR GUIDE by yours truly, because while it might raise eyebrows to include your own book in a self-compiled list, I think of this book as really belonging to the 180 epic women who shared their advice by answering global girls' questions. They have my continued thanks along with that of grateful girls.
As I said at the start, there are lists upon lists of similarly inspiring books to give as gifts. This is simply a start and I can't wait to continue building more book lists all summer long.
Looking forward with bright futures bookmarked,
Illana
ÊXTRAS: Here are three additional grad-focused books from role models I admire: for more books about loving your career, getting paid and unleashing confidence for grads already in the workforce, see the wise words of Fran Hauser, Reshma Saujani and Sheri West! Who's on your TBR list?