Summer is here and that means time to kick back and relax! Don’t get too comfortable because it’s easy to get stuck in habits of watching the boob tube all day long and slack off. To ensure a smooth transition from summer to September when you go back to college, we polled our Career Experts and bring you our top summer reading picks for college students.
- Getting In: The Zinch Guide to College by S. Cohen, A. Dwane, P. de Oliveira, M. Muska - recommended by Eric Clark. This is a valuable resource for people applying for college, covering topics such as deciding which college is right for you and how to pay for it. Eric Clark works for a university on the east coast and calls this a must-read for any college student.
- Moneyball by Michael Lewis - recommended by Charles Trapunski. Brought to you by the author of the Blind Side, this book shows the advantages of thinking and going against the grain. Stay tuned, because Moneyball will be turned into a movie this September starring the one and only Brad Pitt.
- You Are a Brand by Catherine Kaputa - recommended by Jennifer Armitstead. Kaputa is the mastermind behind the legendary “I ♥ NY” brand who shows us how core elements of corporate branding can seamlessly apply to our own personal brands.
- The Success Principles by Jack Canfield - recommended by Lisa J. Peck. With its easy to implement concepts, this book will help you get rid of your excuses and start making it happen in your life.
- Been There, Should’ve Done That: 505 Tips to Make the Most of College by Suzette Tyler - recommended by Gwen Mueller. Told in college’s students own words, this book is sure to engage and give you real-life tips on things like homesickness, dealing with roommates, and manage your finances, helping you capitalize on your college experience. Don’t miss Part 2!
- Unclutter Your Life in One Week by Erin R Doland - recommended by Anna @ Classy Career Girl. If you’ve ever wished you had a professional organizer, this book shows you how to clear out the clutter, simplify your surroundings, and create the remarkable life you deserve — and in a week, no less! A true life-changing book.
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey - recommended by Beth Campbell Duke. An international best-seller, Covey’s habits are easy to understand and apply in our lives. For students going back to college, the last habit, “Sharpen the Saw”, is particularly applicable, reminding us of the need to take care of ourselves or suffer burn out as a result.
- The Art of War by Sun Tzu - recommended by Michael Moss. This classic business book was written thousands of years ago and contains strategic philosophies that can be applied to any course of study or career field.
- What Every Body Is Saying by Joe Navarro - recommended by Jenni Cutler. This helpful guide on body language is written by a retired FBI agent who will help you decipher people’s facial expressions and discover what they’re really saying. My Colleges and Careers interviewed Joe Navarro and he shared some great tips on body language for college students and young professionals. Read more at Negative Body Language to Avoid in Class.
- The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho - recommended by Sarah Ward. This fiction book is an easy read that explores the topic of finding your true path and how the universe conspires to support you in it. Once you start, you’ll see why it The Alchemist has been translated into 67 languages.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - recommended by Parker Boyack. Learn quintessential tools for interacting and influencing people from a master.
What are you reading this summer?
I am reading a book called “Good to Great”, it’s about business and I heard it’s really good so I am using my spare time to finish it up before schools starts.
Great addition, Parker! I started Good to Great, what takeaways are you getting from it so far?
I read a few chapters but I have been pretty busy. I do like the story of the CEO who was just an average joe who was able to make his company extremely profitable. I love that kind of stuff!
Can’t wait to get started reading this list! These are great suggestions! Thanks!
You and me both, Classy Career Girl! Thanks for your recommendation, clearing out clutter makes space for new opportunities.
Nice! Recently I’ve been listening to Rework which is all about improved effectiveness in business as entrepreneurs and employees. It’s a fresh and edgy perspective — you might get a lot from it, Parker!
A book that I would highly recommend that has helped start each semester is “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Peale. It sure helps to be thinking positive when you start school.
Good recommendation, Rick! I actually have this book on my bookshelf at home. It’s a classic.