Last Updated on June 7, 2016 by Andre Loftis
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Just what a new graduate wants: more books, right? However, as many recent (and former) grads can attest, the moment that tassel moves to the other side of the cap, a brand new world opens up. Often that world comes across as a bit intimidating, full of new career opportunities (or lack there of), new cities to explore, new people to meet, and new emotions that were never experienced within the confines of a dorm.
Gone are the days of meal plans and structured schedules; instead there’s the arduous task of finding a job in a seemingly barren market. Oh, and the bills. The student loan payments that start within six months of graduation, the assumed role of “adult” the moment the title of “student” dissipates. Guidance is needed, and a return to the books isn’t that terrible of a start. The staff at Bevel have rounded up some of their best book picks to gift new grads. These books have either helped overcome one of life’s hurdles, or are pretty historically important books to hand over to anyone entering a whole new world in desperate need of a compass. Check out the book recommendations, and hey, you may even grab a few for yourself![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
DR. SEUSS – OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”64803″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Sometimes life lessons are woven tightly between very simple rhymes. It’s a time-honored trait of Dr. Seuss, and while many of his works can be applied to adults and children, this book is by far at the top of the “great for adults too” category. Why? Well, simply put, Oh, The Places You’ll Go! is comprised of tiny mantras and poetically inspirational bits, reminding the reader that there’s always nowhere to go but up. It’s no wonder why some images of “You” in the book include flying high on a hot air balloon. Way up, “You” feel blessed. – Kathy Iandoli[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]DR. SEUSS – OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! ($10) ➔[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE – AMERICANAH
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”64804″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]This book provides an incredible and poignant perspective on immersion and integration in our country. The character development is also amazing. Americanah is a really powerful book that transcends culture and gender. – Cassidy Blackwell[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE – AMERICANAH ($9.04) ➔[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
STEPHEN KING – ON WRITING
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”64805″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]I wasn’t fortunate enough to be gifted this upon graduation. Maybe it’s because I was a business major for my undergrad, and no one believed I was ever going to take writing seriously (thanks guys). I bought this book when I had my first article published in the early aughts and truthfully you don’t have to be a writer to invest in this one. Stephen King dissects his writing habits, his schedules, his inspirations, his achievements, his failures in a way that can be applied to any facet of life. Learning from someone who has managed to remain so successful in his craft for so long is valuable for any passion-driven career move. And for those budding writers, of course this one is especially helpful. – Kathy Iandoli[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]STEPHEN KING – ON WRITING ($13.04) ➔[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
ADAM GRANT – ORIGINALS: HOW NON-CONFORMISTS MOVE THE WORLD
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”64806″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Originals: How Non-Conformists Move The World explores how innovators see the world differently, and how to share that vision with others to support your goal. It’s a great read for anyone who considers themselves a creative thinker, a futuristic innovator or someone whose looking to learn how to influence corporate innovation. – Shola Oyedele[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]ADAM GRANT – ORIGINALS: HOW NON-CONFORMISTS MOVE THE WORLD ($16.20) ➔[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
KURT VONNEGUT – CAT’S CRADLE
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”64807″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]A brilliant satire of geopolitics, chemical warfare, and religion wrapped up in absurdist postmodern science fiction. The importance of this book isn’t based on Vonnegut’s ability to find comedy in the darkest of situations (the world ending, namely), but specifically in the way he distills the comedy inherent to those situations and relates it to the reader. Vonnegut’s narrative is so simple, so full of common words and phrases that you forget you’re reading science fiction at all. As an easy read full of complex ideas, Cat’s Cradle reminds you that big concepts don’t need to be packaged in grand sentences and intricate narrative constructs. So the next time you’re losing sleep over a big presentation or an email to the boss, remember that Vonnegut described world-decimating chemistry in words picked solely from a 9th grader’s vocabulary. You got this. – Colby Holliday[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]KURT VONNEGUT – CAT’S CRADLE ($9.52) ➔[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
DAN CHARNAS – WORK CLEAN: THE LIFE-CHANGING POWER OF MISE-EN-PLACE TO ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE, WORK, AND MIND
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”64808″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]What author Dan Charnas does in this part-organizational / part-self-help book is nothing short of amazing. For those not fluent in the habits of chefs, the phrase “mise en place” is French for “putting in place.” This is basically how chefs organize their kitchens for cooking, and it’s a practice that all of us can apply to our daily routines. For new grads, something like this is especially helpful, considering their life schedules will change dramatically post-grad. It’s a very detailed guide for how to achieve mise en place, and with enough motivation and desire for organization, it can be life-altering. – Kathy Iandoli[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]DAN CHARNAS – WORK CLEAN: THE LIFE-CHANGING POWER OF MISE-EN-PLACE TO ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE, WORK, AND MIND ($14.69) ➔[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Read more at bevelcode.com[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text el_class=”small”]Words by Kathy Iandoli[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]