5 Books We Wish We Would Have Read in College
We’ve all had that moment as adults when we think, “Why didn’t I learn this in school?” Whether it’s how to negotiate salary, the different types of stocks and bonds, or how to grow in emotional intelligence, there are important life lessons that our textbooks and professors did not share with us, even as college students.
Hopefully, we can save you from having to learn the hard way and avoid making mistakes. Here are a few books that we wish we would have read as we began our journeys into adulthood:
1. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
Published in 1937, the novel was initially met with wide criticism because of its strong Black female lead, but upon its reissue in 1978, the response drastically changed. The storyline follows Janie Crawford, an attractive, confident, middle-aged Black woman, who moves back to Eatonville, Florida after the death of her third husband. As rumors fly around town about the reason for her return, the true story unfolds as Janie recalls her life’s journey to her friend, Pheoby Watson. Janie weaves together a tale about her search for identity, contentment, and a life of independence; it is the perfect story for the reader who is coming-of-age and trying to find their voice.
2. “The Defining Decade” by Dr. Meg Jay
In “The Defining Decade,” author and clinical psychologist Dr. Meg Jay explores what she calls “the most defining decade of adulthood.” Through scientific research and first-person narratives, she provides tools on how to make the most of the 20s and how to use this decade as a time to redefine our behaviors and ways of thinking to lead to more productive and healthy lives.
3. “The Latte Factor: Why You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Live Rich” by David Bach and John David Mann
“The Latte Factor” proves that small changes can make a big difference. Coauthors David Bach and John David Mann offer three secrets to financial freedom that readers can apply at any stage of life. This New York Times bestseller proves that it’s never too late to realize your dreams.
There’s a reason that “Rich Dad Poor Dad” has been translated into dozens of languages and has been sold around the world. When it was first published more than two decades ago, it took the world of personal finance by storm. This book will be one that you hand down for generations as author Robert Kiyosaki debunks the myth that you have to earn a high income in order to be rich and explains how to make your money work for you.
5. “Twenty-Two: Letters to a Young Woman Searching for Meaning” by Allison Trowbridge
If there’s one thing twenty-somethings could use, it would be access to a wise and all-knowing mentor. Author Allison Trowbridge provides that wisdom in her book “Twenty-Two” as she offers 22 letters of advice to a fictional college student who is on the precipice of adulthood. The letters range from advice on how to build meaningful relationships to how to develop a global mindset while nurturing your own sense of community. It is a must-read for the twenty-something who is looking for advice from someone a few steps ahead.
What are some books you wish you read in your 20s? Share them with us @meetcopper so we can continue to share them with our Copper Community.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
