CRP's Blog

With all the graduating going on—college or otherwise—we’ve recommended some (hopefully!) inspiring books to aid in transition to the real world. #CRPreads

“This is Water” was the commencement speech David Foster Wallace made at Kenyon College in 2005. It was so popular (were we using the term “went viral” back in 2005?) that Little, Brown published it as a teeny gift book a few years later. —Caitlin Eck, publicity manager

When I first read The House of Mirth a few years ago, I couldn’t believe how modern it felt in its exploration of what it means to be a young woman living on her own in a big city, worrying about love and money. It doesn’t exactly have a happy ending, but there’s a very you are not alone vitality to it that I have to believe would provide a shock of recognition to any recent graduate first stepping out into the “real world.” The furniture may be different, but the room remains the same . . . —Allison Felus, production manager

I’m gonna cheat a little. Instead of recommending a specific book, I encourage grads to dig deep in their own to-read piles, which are likely dusty and neglected thanks to years of required reading. When I was fresh out of school, it was the best feeling ever to finally have time to read whatever I wanted. And if you don’t have a to-read pile, spend some time creating one. (And also shame on you—why don’t you have a to-read pile?) —Ellen Hornor, project editor

I think that once a graduate has that diploma in hand, they should find the one book that they were always intimidated to read or that never fit into their schedule between assigned books. You’ll always remember that first post-graduation book (mine was Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, which everyone should read, imo). But, as I was wracking my brain trying to think of a book for graduates, I was reminded of Neil Gaiman’s 2012 commencement address at The University of the Arts that was published as Make Good Art. He closes with the lines: “And now go, and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here. Make good art.” It’s great advice, as is “Wear Sunscreen,” to those of you who remember that one. —Mary Kravenas, marketing manager

When I read Just Kids by Patti Smith, I came dangerously close to running off to NYC after graduating. It’s so well-written that it could either inspire recent graduates to pursue their creative passions or it could provide an escape for those who aren’t yet able to follow their dreams for whatever reason. —Emily Lewis, editorial and marketing assistant

For any grads (readers, writers, editors) interested in embarking on a publishing career: A. Scott Berg’s Max Perkins: Editor of Genius is such a moving look at the private and public endeavor of creating a book—trends, realities, hardships, pleasures, money, booze… (Now it’s a movie, so . . . read up!) —Meaghan Miller, senior publicist and social media coordinator

Grads should read Anna Karenina. As a real adult now, you should have the wherewithal to get through that brick of a book. You’ll be surprised by how well you like it at first. Yes, you may eventually find yourself bored of the asides about peasants, academia, and random new characters. Six hundred pages in, you may secretly wish a hawk would swoop down and pluck the book from your hands so that you could have a great reason for not finishing it. But in the end, you’ll be surprised that you can’t stop talking about the book and by how eager others are to talk about it too. As a bonus, people will be really impressed by your literary prowess when you casually mention it. —Lindsey Schauer, project editor

My favorite recommendation for a college graduation gift book is A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen. It’s simple, short, and full of wisdom. It makes you feel good about the road ahead. —Cynthia Sherry, publisher