How Caitlyn C's It

Post-grad life isn’t easy. That’s not a secret.

However, there are tools and resources to make it easier and allow you to see the light at the end of the tunnel without wasting away these precious years.

Without getting into too much prologue, I’ve curated a 4-book list that have helped me gain a more positive perspective on this bizarre time.

The Happiness Project

By: Gretchen Rubin

Why you should read: This book dives into a chapter-by-chapter analysis of the concept of happiness and how Gretchen approached happiness scientifically through segmented experiments. I love her insights into her experiments because she gives actionable items and easy-to-follow steps on how you can also experiment with small, incremental changes in your life to achieve to heights of happiness. It’s a great read, especially seeing as post-grad life comes with moments of doubt, sadness, loneliness and other negative sentiments.

The Midnight Library

By: Matt Haig

**trigger warning: self-harm and suicide**

Why you should read: Dare I say, this is my favorite book of all time. This book breaks down the notion of “regret” and walks through a fictional story of a girl who attempts to take her own life and ends up in a library of all the possibilities that her life could’ve gone. During a time-period filled with “what-ifs,” this book is a must-read and completely shifted my perspective on life decisions.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***

By: Mark Manson

Why you should read:Not gonna lie, I should re-read this one. This book was super popular about five years ago and I think it needs a re-birth. In a world filled with opinions, Karens, fights and arguments, Mark Manson gives real-life context around the beauty and art of selectively choosing what you care and don’t care about. It’s also hilarious and an easier read than other “self-help” books. For post-grad, this a great read to learn what you should and shouldn’t care about early on in life.

How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationship

By: Leil Lowndes

Why you should read: I’m under the belief everyone is a little socially awkward. Starting your first job also means the first of new, scary and sometimes incredibly, painfully awkward situations learning how to talk and network. It almost seems like you’re learning conversation for the first time again. This book gives AMAZING tips on how to create meaningful connections with people and become a conversation pro.

If you are a post-grad (or just looking for self-improvement books) and read one of these, please let me know by DMing me @caitlyngarrity on Instagram or feel free to drop a comment.