That’s right: it’s graduation season.
Just like any other celebration, a graduation party has it all: tears of joy (and if you have student loans, tears of sorrow for the realization that you have to start paying them back), buffets, cheezy slideshow of the grad’s most embarrassing photos, and that one relative who, after a few too many drinks, starts to slur the family secrets.
But graduation celebrations are also a time for gifts, and there is no Target registry for that. (Seriously, Target, get on that shit.) So, what do you get for the grad? What gift will express your congratulations? How do you say, “Mazel tov on surviving almost half of your life in a classroom filled with uncomfortable desks and poor lighting. Get ready for the real world, sucka?”
For me, the answer is simple: books. When it comes to gifting a book, it is personal, emotional, and shows thought beyond rushing to your local supermarket, grabbing a random gift card at the kiosk and adding it to your purchase of tampons, dog food, and coffee K cups.
But I understand that in order to search for that book, you have to have time and that is what many of us do not have. Never fear: my lack of a social life is your saving grace. Here are some of my top choices for Books for the Graduate:
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
If you go to any display with children’s books for graduates, you are most likely going to see Dr. Seuss’ The Places You’ll Go or Peanuts Guide to Life, pretty much any storybook with words of encouragement and simple life lessons that are for any and every age.
Sure, I could tell the graduate that “Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places. You’re off and away.” Obviously I believe that when life sets you up for a field kick only to remove the football, leaving you on your ass you have to pick yourself up and try again.
But for me, one of the greatest children’s books is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, and the tale of a boy and his all-loving tree is perfect for the alumnus. The story shows us that at some point we were or even are that child who sometimes asks more than gives, make promises we never keep, and sometimes become so self-centered that we forget about those who gave to us.
The Giving Tree serves as as a reminder to thank those trees in our lives, whether it be a parent, teacher, or even a friend; as well as to remember that someday, we will be a tree to someone else.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Surprise. Surprise. I’m suggesting To Kill a Mockingbird. Yes, I have a Atticus Finch bumper sticker tacked onto my wall. I rock my TKAM charm bracelet on more than one occasion. Sure, I have multiple copies of this book including the anniversary edition displayed in my living room. I may use an Atticus Finch checklist for my potential dates.
But this book is filled with so many timeless life lessons that it bears rereading past your 10th grade English class. Whether faced with personal or professional problems, all a person needs to do is open to a random page in To Kill a Mockingbird and seek guidance:
“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.”
“It’s not time to worry yet.”
“Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them.”
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
If you are a TN fan, you know that we are in love (that’s an understatement for Beth) with Jojo Moyes’ tale of a Lou and Will’s unconventional story of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
What makes Me Before You the perfect graduation gift is its reminder that life is never one to be settled; that no matter how frustrated you are with your current path, you can always have the power to change it. If you take only one lesson from this book, let it be Will’s letter to Lou:
“I’m not really telling you to jump off tall buildings, or swim with whales or anything…but to live boldly. Push yourself. Don’t settle.”
Honestly, this is advice we all need, whether we have a diploma in our hands or not.
The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha
A wise philosopher* once said, “Everything is awesome when we’re living the dream.”
*Okay, this wasn’t a philosopher but the Lego Movie theme song. Whatever. It’s now in your head.
Life gets complex, and it seems to get more and more overwhelming as the years progress. One minute your biggest life decision is which purple crayon to pick: purple heart or purple violet. (Always go with wild orchid because Jenny in my 1st grade class used it and she was so cool.) The next: you’re on Zillow deciding which house will best fit your budget, accommodate your growing family and be located in the best school district, close enough for residential shopping, far enough away from traffic, and further away from that third cousin that only comes over for free food.
So, it’s easy to forget all the simple things in life that make it completely awesome. Enter Neil Pasricha’s The Book of Awesome, which celebrates the most random but smile inducing moments in life.
Try not to smile or get a little excited by at least one of these reminders:
The other side of the pillow
Finding an old mix tape
Finding money in your pocket
Taking your bra off after wearing it for hours
A long hug when you really need it
The moment of anticipation before the first kiss
Seeing a cop on the side of the road and realizing you’re going the speed limit anyway
And let’s add another item to The Book of Awesome: getting this book from someone who loves you. Also, finally breaking in a pair of jeans. But that’s just me.
____________________ by _________________
Okay, I’m leaving this one blank because really, any book that puts a smile on your face, makes you excited about anything deserves to be shared with someone who completely earned it.
What books make the perfect gift for the graduate? Leave us your suggestions or tweet us the titles. And congratulations to the Class of 2015!
