Life comes chock-full of ups and downs. As graduation approaches, some of us may feel a little bit lost in the waves of transition. From class everyday and homework to work 9 to 5, adjusting may be hard. If you find yourself needing some quiet time with some coffee and a book, check out this list. These books are not only my personal favorites, but also especially great to read during a time of transition.
1. If You Find This Letter
Maybe you’ve lost faith in the human race and need something to revive your spirits. Maybe you just feel alone in this great wide world of strangers. If either of these describe you, then you need to stop everything and read this book right now. A memoir by Hannah Brencher, this book details her transition from college to New York where she lives and works on only $25 a week. Follow her as she struggles trying to find her place in the vast world of the big city. In an effort to connect with others, she begins writing love letters to strangers she’s seen but never met. Her letters become a sensation and much bigger than she ever expected. Now a company called More Love Letters, Brencher creates a revolution with a simple letter.
2. The Glass Castle
If you need a dose of perspective, then this book is the right one for you. A memoir by Jeanette Walls, this details her life from homelessness and poverty to Barnard College. She started from the bottom and used her interest in reading and writing to bring her to the top. Truly inspiring, this story will remind you that even though your parents may be a little crazy, you can still turn out okay.
3. Not That Kind of Girl
Lena Dunham reveals her deepest secrets, thoughts and desires in this memoir. From sex and love to body-image issues, Dunham covers it all. Her tell-all is equally gripping from the first word to last. The conversational tone and casual style make this book an easy read, and there are many quotes from this book that I’ll cherish forever as her witty nature had me laughing from start to finish.
4. Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without a Date
Another memoir, Katie Heaney details her 25 years of life without a single boyfriend. Eager to find love, Heaney clings to her loyal group of girlfriends. She details her unsuccessful crushes, laugh-out-loud experiences and roller coaster of experiences. If you’re feeling down about your love life, Heaney is sure to make your day brighter with her fresh perspective.
5. The Marriage Plot
Don’t let the title fool you, this is not a story about marriage. Follow the journey of Madeline, a senior in college, writing her thesis on the motivations of the human heart. The story unfolds as she gets swept up in overwhelming (and sometimes toxic) romances. One such charmer is Leonard Bankhead, a Darwinist and loner, who captures Madeline’s attention. The other, Mitchell Grammaticus, is a man who determines that he’s destined to be with Madeline. Like any female lead, Madeline decides to end up with the lesser of the two males and moves to Cape Cod, upon graduation, with Leonard. Her transition from college to a biology laboratory makes her question her path in the world and Leonard tests her view of love.
