Nonfiction books for graduates lists often hone in on the first year of life’s new chapter, be it freshman year of college or that inaugural taste of the so-called “real world.” However, life lessons are not confined to specific context.
In making our nonfiction books for graduates picks, we turned to the hot new app Blinkist for some inspiration.
Blinkist is a cool new service that understands how strapped for time you are and that there are never enough hours in a day to consume all the literature necessary for leading a successful life. It focuses on nonfiction books and does something unique, giving you audio and text files that act as a detailed cliffs notes of the key points and concepts in each book.
Yours truly consumed seven books in less than two hours, and cannot recommend highly enough. Give it a shot, and when you do, make these your first pick.
60 Seconds & You’re Hired! (1994) is your guide to nailing your next job interview. These blinks are packed with actionable advice on how to grab a potential employer’s attention, sell yourself and land the job of your dreams.
People who should read it:
Job seekers
Career counselors
Students looking for their first job
Robin Ryan is a job search expert, career counselor and the best-selling author of books on job hunting, interviews, résumé writing and salary negotiations. She has been a guest on Oprah, where she discussed her book and gave advice on hiring techniques.
2. Get Momentum
Get Momentum (2016) guides you through simple yet effective strategies for you to work sustainably toward your personal and professional goals. From managing time in the short and long term, to monitoring progress, modifying your approach and celebrating little victories along the way, these blinks outline the keys to gaining and maintaining motivation.
People who should read it:
Mid-career professionals lacking the motivation to tackle new challenges
Runners and hobbyists seeking strategies for more effective skill development
Small business owners interested in straightforward methods for productivity and planning
Jodi and Jason W. Womack are a husband-and-wife team with 20 years of business consultancy experience through their firm, The Jason Womack Company. Jason is a business leader and coach specializing in time management and motivation, as well as personal and professional development. Jodi is an activist for women in business and the founder of the women’s business network No More Nylons.
3. The Happiness Equation
The Happiness Equation (2016) unlocks nine essential secrets to living a happy life. These are guidelines that can help anyone reap the rewards that come with having a positive outlook on life. Happiness isn’t just about reducing stress and anxiety; it’s about paving the way to great work and success.
People who should read it:
Unhappy people
Employees who dread their jobs
Readers looking for guidance in life
Neil Pasricha, a New York Times best-selling author, is an entrepreneur, public speaker and advisor. He is also the creator of the popular blog 1,000 Awesome Things and its accompanying publication, The Book of Awesome.
4. You Are a Badass
You Are a Badass (2013) is your guide to living life to the fullest. These blinks combine an analysis of behaviors that can hold you back with down-to-earth strategies geared to help you break bad habits, so you can truly live your dreams.
People who should read it:
People stuck in jobs that they hate
Readers looking for new strategies to tackle self-doubt
Anyone seeking motivation to make a serious life change
Jen Sincero is a coach and bestselling author. As a public speaker and seminar leader, Sincero has shared insights on sex, relationships, careers and motivation to a range of clients and audiences.
5. Tools of Titans
Tools of Titans (2016) details the stories, strategies and successes of some of the most inspirational achievers, thinkers and doers of modern times. These blinks will teach you how to strengthen your body and your mind, all while building your creative business.
People who should read it:
Fitness buffs who are in search of workout tips
Budding entrepreneurs in need of inspiration
Creative minds looking for words of wisdom
Tim Ferriss is a successful investor and advisor to technology start-ups. He was involved in the creation of companies like Uber, Facebook and Alibaba, to name just a few. He is the best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek and the creator of a celebrated podcast series, The Tim Ferriss Show.
6. The 100-Year Life
The 100-Year Life (2016) is your guide to thriving in a world in which people are living longer. These blinks explain how the working world has changed, what it means for your retirement and which adjustments you need to make to enjoy life into the triple digits.
People who should read it:
Anyone born in the 1990s or early 2000s
Employees who feel stuck in a thankless job
Parents worried about the future in which their children will live
Lynda Gratton is a professor of management practice at the London Business School. She founded the Future of Work Consortium, a networking event for business executives.
Andrew Scott is a professor of economics at the London Business School. He has served as an adviser to the Bank of England, the HM Treasury and the House of Commons. He holds a PhD from Oxford University and an MSc from the London School of Economics.
7. Fluent In 3 Months
Fluent In 3 Months (2014) is a guide to mastering any language in record time. These blinks are full of useful methods to help you learn a new language efficiently and effectively. They debunk traditional forms of language learning, offer actionable strategies to get you speaking today and will set you on the road to being multilingual.
People who should read it:
Frequent travelers and anyone else who wants to learn a new language
Readers who are moving to a new country
Anyone who has given up on mastering a second language
Benny Lewis is an Irish author and polyglot with a background in education and electrical engineering. He speaks over a dozen languages including Mandarin Chinese and American Sign Language, has presented at two TEDx conferences and was named National Geographic’s Traveler of the Year in 2013.
8. How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less
How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less (2000) is a guide to connecting, communicating and expanding your social world. These blinks will teach you how to strike up a conversation with strangers, make them like you and understand even their most subtle gestures.
People who should read it:
Salespeople who want to improve their interpersonal skills
Anybody who wants to meet new people but doesn’t know where to begin
Nicholas Boothman is a former fashion and advertising photographer who has spent the last two decades studying how people connect and communicate.
9. Disrupt Yourself
Disrupt Yourself (2015) is about embarking on the journey of constant discovery that is your career. By following your interests, discovering your unique talents, taking the rights risks and being prepared to learn, you will find yourself constantly stimulated and satisfied by your work.
People who should read it:
Employees and CEOs of small companies or start-ups
Entrepreneurs considering their next business venture
Anyone seeking inspiration for their professional calling
Whitney Johnson is the influential co-founder of Rose Park Advisors and a strong advocate for using disruption as a way to move forward, both in life and in work. She is also a contributor to the Harvard Business Review and the author of multiple best-selling books, including Dare, Dream, Do.
10. Grit
Grit (2016) is about the elusive virtue that allows people to do what they love, find a purpose in life and, most importantly, stick with it long enough for them to truly flourish. Find out how you can discover your grit and use it to follow your calling in life – and to hang in there, even when the going gets tough.
People who should read it:
Entrepreneurs who want to start a project and see it through to a successful end
Students and young adults seeking a vocation
Slackers who want to add some discipline to their life
Angela Duckworth is a psychology professor from Pennsylvania and the founder of the Character Lab, an institution that promotes the growth of grit in American culture. Her expertise has been called on by the White House and the World Bank as well as national sports teams and leading CEOs.
11. 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management
15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management (2015) combines the wisdom of winning athletes, unstoppable entrepreneurs, brilliant billionaires and honors students to give you the tools for intense productivity and focus.
People who should read it:
People who feel they’re constantly in a rush
Freelancers
Students
Kevin Kruse failed in his first business venture at 22 but went on to create several major start-ups by using better leadership and time management. Now he is a keynote speaker on these topics, and advisor and New York Times-bestselling author. He has won several prizes for his companies.
12. The Code of the Extraordinary Mind
The Code of the Extraordinary Mind (2016) unveils a method for overcoming the madness of everyday life, one that enables anyone to stand out from the pack and become an extraordinary individual. The author lays down ten laws that anyone can easily follow to experience a radical transformation and find meaning and happiness in each day.
People who should read it:
Entrepreneurs looking for the perspective they need to realize their goals
Anyone looking for secrets to happiness and a meaningful life
Professionals who are unhappy with their current job
Vishen Lakhiani is a Malaysian-born entrepreneur. He’s the founder and CEO of Mindvalley, a company designed to educate and empower people, helping them reach their full potential. Lakhiani is a frequent speaker on improving business mindsets and company culture, and is also the founder of the Awesomeness Fest, a personal development event for entrepreneurs and authors.
13. Beyond Measure
Beyond Measure (2015) shows that transforming a struggling company into a thriving one is a simple matter of making small systemic changes that empower people to speak up, collaborate and share. Discover you can stop your company from being controlled by one overworked CEO and make it into an innovative powerhouse where ideas can flourish.
People who should read it:
Employees who want to be more assertive within their own company
Business leaders who want to empower their coworkers and foster creativity
Start-ups looking for some basic principles around which to build their company
Coming from a multicultural, Cambridge-educated background, Margaret Heffernan went on to become the CEO of many corporations, including InfoMation, ZineZone and iCAST. She is also the prize-winning author of A Bigger Prize and Willful Blindness.
14. StrengthsFinder 2.0
In StrengthsFinder 2.0 (2007) you’ll learn how to identify your skills and develop them to your advantage. Tom Rath presents a powerful framework to both cultivate your potential and match your strengths to your profession.
People who should read it:
People unsure of which field to work in
Anyone who wants to better understand their co-workers
Employers who want to better harness their employees’ potential
Tom Rath is a bestselling author who specializes in innovative business thinking. His other books include the number-one New York Times best sellers How Full Is Your Bucket? and Strengths-Based Leadership.
15. The Da Vinci Curse
The Da Vinci Curse (2012) plagues people who have too many talents and interests: they are always learning, but never invest enough time and energy into one thing. They are always swapping their job, their hobbies or even home and never become fully engaged in the many domains to which they’re drawn. These blinks describe their particular problems, analyzes the causes and provides a powerful systematic approach to combat the curse.
People who should read it:
Everyone who feels drawn to many fields but can’t choose one
Those who change their hobbies and jobs constantly and struggle to finish projects
Leonardo Lospennato is a Renaissance spirit who has studied engineering, worked for eBay and IBM, and written articles as a journalist. He now follows his calling as a modern-day luthier making custom electric guitars and basses.
16. The Ultimate Introduction to NLP
The Ultimate Introduction to NLP (2012) offers a fascinating primer of Neurolinguistic Programming, or NLP, a novel approach to the ways your thoughts and language can “program” your emotions, behavior and communication. When you learn to master NLP, you’ll connect better with the people around you, have a healthier outlook on the future and lead a happier life, too.
People who should read it:
Psychology students
Anyone interested in Neuro Linguistic Programming
Anyone feeling stuck in life
Dr. Richard Bandler is the creator of Design Human Engineering and the co-creator of NLP. He’s written several books, including Get the Life You Want and Make Your Life Great.
Alessio Roberti is a Master Trainer of NLP and the director the largest NLP organization in the world. He has trained presidents, executives and the CEOs of some of the world’s major companies.
Owen Fitzpatrick is a psychologist, author and international speaker. He became the world’s youngest licensed Master Trainer of NLP at the age of 23.
17. Wait
Wait (2012) is the ultimate guide to balancing action with inaction and learning how to recognize the perfect moment when you need to make a move. These blinks explain how taking your time can have a profound influence on everything in your life, from playing tennis and buying stocks to even finding the love of your life.
People who should read it:
People who feel stressed and want to slow down
Overworked executives and company managers
Singles still looking for a special someone
Financial expert Frank Partnoy is a regular contributor to newspapers such as the Financial Times and The New York Times. He is the author of nonfiction books such as Infectious Greed, The Match King and F.I.A.S.C.O. Previously, Partnoy worked as a lawyer and an investment banker.
18. The End of Jobs
Drawing from our history over the last few centuries and from hundreds of interviews with entrepreneurs, Taylor Pearson reveals in The End of Jobs (2015) why being an entrepreneur is safer and more profitable than ever. He explains why so many graduates have such a hard time getting work, and why becoming an entrepreneur in our increasingly globalized world gives us more meaning and freedom than working a conventional 9-to-5.
People who should read it:
Anyone seeking an alternative to their 9-to-5 job
Students and recent graduates looking for work
Entrepreneurs wanting to grow their business
An entrepreneur, marketer and consultant, Taylor Pearson advises authors, entrepreneurs and CEOs on how to expand, clarify and market their businesses.
19. Humans Are Underrated
How is the rapidly developing world of computers going to affect our jobs in the future? In Humans Are Underrated (2015), Geoff Colvin explores the ways in which computers will surpass us, and the ways they won’t. He reveals which skills you should build to remain economically viable, and how you can turn the monster of technology to your advantage.
People who should read it:
Anyone interested in the future of technology
Employees afraid of being replaced by a computer
People who want to cultivate skills that will ensure their future employability
Geoff Colvin is a journalist, broadcaster, author and speaker who’s written books like The Upside of the Downturn as well as the bestseller Talent is Overrated. He studied at Harvard and received an MBA from New York University.
20. The Upside of Stress
The Upside of Stress explores the power our attitudes have when it comes to dealing with stress. These blinks explain the inner workings of our biological and psychological responses to stress, and open up new perspectives on how stress can help us grow.
People who should read it:
Students and employees seeking deeper insights into managing stress
Individuals interested in seeing how their experiences of adversity in the past affect them today
People curious about scientific research on stress
Kelly McGonigal is a psychologist at Stanford University and a leader in the field of “science help,” which applies research in psychology, neuroscience and medicine to situations in everyday life. She is the author of international bestseller The Willpower Instinct.
21. Who Moved My Cheese?
Revealing business wisdom through a modern parable, Who Moved My Cheese (1998) offers valuable lessons on how to best manage change in your life. Whether you’re struggling amid a business downturn or trying to find a graceful way to handle a struggling relationship, this book gives you the tools to better understand human nature and see change as a positive force.
People who should read it:
Entrepreneurs looking for a better way to manage change at work
People struggling with personal relationships
Employees dealing with layoffs or other corporate changes
Dr. Spencer Johnson is an American physician and psychologist. His seminal work, Who Moved My Cheese, was on the New York Times business bestseller list for almost five years.
22. What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There
Your people skills become increasingly important the further you climb up the ladder of success. What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There (2007) describes some of the bad habits that commonly hold back successful people and explains how to change them.
People who should read it:
Managers wanting to become more successful
Anyone who wants to gain respect in the office and improve relationships with coworkers
Leaders and executives who are proud of their personality flaws
Marshall Goldsmith is an executive coach with more than 30 years experience in measuring and analyzing behavior in organizations. Having worked with over 100 top executives, he was ranked as a top ten executive educator by the Wall Street Journal.
23. Job U
Job U (2015) reveals how the idea that college is for everyone will disadvantage both the individual and the workforce as a whole – and even the economy itself. These blinks explore alternative approaches to education that will help us find fulfilling and well-paying careers, proving that college isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
People who should read it:
High school leavers
Parents thinking about starting college funds for their children
Anyone wondering what they should do next in their education or career
Nicholas Wyman is a Harvard Business School graduate who discovered his true strengths in a kitchen service apprenticeship. As CEO of the Institute for Workplace Skills and Innovation, he assists thousands of people in finding their strengths and the jobs to suit them.
24. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up isn’t just a guide to decluttering, it’s a best seller that’s changed lives in Japan, Europe and the United States. The Wall Street Journal even called Marie Kondo’s Shinto-inspired “KonMari” technique “the cult of tidying up.” Kondo explains in detail the many ways in which your living space affects all aspects of your life, and how you can ensure that each item in it has powerful personal significance. By following her simple yet resonant advice, you can move closer to achieving your dreams.
People who should read it:
Anyone who dreads cleaning their house
Anyone interested in how their surroundings affect their lives
Anyone looking for tips on how to be a more effective organizer
Marie Kondo has spent more than half her life helping people transform their cluttered homes into tidy reflections of their ideal lives. Her professional services and courses are so popular in Japan that people wait three months just to get an appointment. Her books have sold over two million copies and been the subject of a TV movie.
And the 25th and final Blinkist pick: Quitter
Finding out where you really want to be in life requires patience, hard work and planning, but anyone can do it with the right dedication. Filled with many personal anecdotes from a 12-year span of job-hopping, Quitter shows you the smartest way to quit your day job for your dream job.
People who should read it:
Anyone seeking to transition from their day job to their dream job
Anyone still searching for their ideal career
Anyone who feels a bit lost in life
Jon Acuff is a self-professed “serial quitter” who once had eight different jobs in eight years. He finally closed the gap between his day job and dream job in 2010, after he joined the Dave Ramsey team to become a full-time author. He’s since gone solo. His other works include Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt and Stuff Christians Like.
In closing
Which of these nonfiction books are most appealing to you? And have you tried Blinkist? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Aric Mitchell's work appears regularly here at 4tests.com and across the web for sites, such as The Inquisitr and Life'd. A former high school teacher, his passion for education has only intensified since leaving the classroom. At 4tests, he hopes to continue passing along words of encouragement and study tips to ensure you leave school ready to face an ever-changing world.
