29 best books for college juniors

An undisputed masterpiece of twentieth-century literature, perfect for Fitzgerald lovers and classics collectors alike.

Set against a backdrop of jazz music, bootlegging, and lavish parties, The Great Gatsby is the story of Midwesterner Nick Carraway’s curious introduction to the decadent world of his mysterious, wealthy neighbor Jay Gatsby, whose thirst for riches is matched only by his tragic obsession with the beautiful Daisy Buchanan.

Penned in the “roaring twenties,” the novel continues to be the subject of numerous film and stage adaptations and has become a fixture in the American classroom. This dangerously propulsive tale of glitz and glamour continues to be relevant as readers long for escapist novels–a chance to flee into Gatsby’s famed mansion and lose oneself in the rush of opulence.

The Great Gatsby audiobook is brought to life by Tim Robbins, famed American actor, screenwriter, director, producer, and musician.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho continues to change the lives of its readers forever. With more than two million copies sold around the world, The Alchemist has established itself as a modern classic, universally admired.

Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found.

The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories can, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, above all, following our dreams.

This is the novel that ensured Fyodor Dostoevsky’s place as a giant of Russian literature. First published in 1866, this legendary work continues to enthrall readers around the world and earn Dostoevsky legions of fans with every printing. Timeless, and breathtaking in scope, Crime and Punishment-the story of a young Russian intellectual’s decision to murder a cruel pawnbroker and his subsequent intellectual and spiritual crisis-is one of the most famous novels in all of literature. This absorbing book attacks the overly logical nihilistic ideals of reason and science and proves that only through love, self-denial and suffering comes salvation. George Guidall’s fluent interpretation of the Russian names enhances this deep, multi-leveled text, and liberates Dostoevsky’s eternal prose with dimensions of color and feeling lost to the printed page alone.

After spending four years in a Siberian penal settlement, during which time he underwent a religious conversion, Dostoevsky developed a keen ability for deep character analysis. In The Brothers Karamazov, he explores human nature at its most loathsome and cruel but never flinches at what he finds.

The Brothers Karamazov tells the stirring tale of four brothers: the pleasure-seeking, impatient Dmitri; the brilliant and morose Ivan; the gentle, loving, and honest Alyosha; and the illegitimate Smerdyakov: shy, silent, and cruel. The four unite in the murder of one of literature’s most despicable characters—their father. While on the surface a story about patricide, this novel is, on a deeper level, a spiritual tale of the struggle between faith, doubt, reason, and free will.

This passionate novel of ethics and morality, religion and philosophy, was Dostoevsky’s final and best work.

This presentation discusses two political documents that have changed history: Karl Marx’s Communist Manifesto and Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Social Contract.

In the Communist Manifesto, Marx argues that history flows inevitably toward a social revolution, which will result in a society without economic classes, private property, or a state. This presentation examines Marx’s theory and goals and the influence of other philosophers on his work.

Rousseau believed that people secure their liberty by entering into an implied contract with government. His controversial explanation of social authority in Social Contract fanned the flames of the French Revolution. This presentation explores the implications of his concept of social order for individual freedom and social good.

The Giants of Political Thought Series offers an easy and entertaining way to broaden your mind and your awareness of great ideas.

Voted America’s Best-Loved Novel in PBS’s The Great American Read

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork of honor and injustice in the deep South–and the heroism of one man in the face of blind and violent hatred

One of the most cherished stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty million copies worldwide, served as the basis for an enormously popular motion picture, and was voted one of the best novels of the twentieth century by librarians across the country. A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father–a crusading local lawyer–risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.

The basis for a major documentary, two leading experts sound an urgent call for the radical reimagining of American education so we can equip students for the realities of the twenty-first-century economy. “If you read one book about education this decade, make it this one” (Adam Braun, bestselling author and founder of Pencils of Promise).

Today more than ever, we prize academic achievement, pressuring our children to get into the “right” colleges, have the highest GPAs, and pursue advanced degrees. But while students may graduate with credentials, by and large they lack the competencies needed to be thoughtful, engaged citizens and to get good jobs in our rapidly evolving economy. Our school system was engineered a century ago to produce a workforce for a world that no longer exists. Alarmingly, our methods of schooling crush the creativity and initiative young people really need to thrive in the twenty-first century.

Now bestselling author and education expert Tony Wagner and venture capitalist Ted Dintersmith call for a complete overhaul of the function and focus of American schools, sharing insights and stories from the front lines, including profiles of successful students, teachers, parents, and business leaders. Their powerful, urgent message identifies the growing gap between credentials and competence–and offers a framework for change.

Most Likely to Succeed presents a new vision of American education, one that puts wonder, creativity, and initiative at the very heart of the learning process and prepares students for today’s economy. “In this excellent book…Wagner and Dintersmith argue…that success and happiness will depend increasingly on having the ability to innovate” (Chicago Tribune), and this crucial guide offers policymakers and opinion leaders a roadmap for getting the best for our future entrepreneurs.

“I’ve learned that asking ourselves not just what we want to be, but who we want to be is important at every stage of our lives, not just when we’re starting out in the world. That’s because in a way, we’re starting out fresh in the world every single day.”

Just Who Will You Be is a candid, heartfelt, and inspirational book for seekers of all ages. Inspired by a speech she gave, Maria Shriver’s message is that what you do in your life isn’t what matters. It’s who you are. It’s an important lesson that will appeal to anyone of any age looking for a life of meaning.

In her own life, Shriver always walked straight down her own distinctive path, achieving her childhood goal of becoming “award-winning network newswoman Maria Shriver”. But when her husband was elected California’s Governor and she suddenly had to leave her job at NBC News, Maria was thrown for a loop. Right about then, her nephew asked her to speak at his high school graduation. She resisted, wondering how she could possibly give advice to kids, when she was feeling so lost herself. But in the end she relented and decided to dig down and dig deep, and the result is this little jewel.

Just Who Will You Be reminds us that the answer to many of life’s question lie within — and that we’re all works in progress. That means it’s never too late to become the person you want to be.

Now the question for you is this: Just who will you be?

New York Times best-selling author of such hits as How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Waiting to Exhale, Terry McMillan utilizes her trademark sass to craft this funny and extremely useful guide for today’s college-bound young adults. When she was asked to speak at her son’s high school commencement, McMillan started jotting down practical tips to share. She eventually collected enough wisdom to produce a pamphlet and hand it out at the ceremony. To her surprise, advice like, “Don’t listen to your parents,” was a big hit with the graduates and their parents. Now all of McMillan’s tidbits are collected here in this witty, concise volume. University students-to-be will appreciate the vital information and conversational tone of this honest book, as will anyone who has ever been through the college transitional process.

A former international hostage negotiator for the FBI offers a new, field-tested approach to high-stakes negotiations–whether in the boardroom or at home.

After a stint policing the rough streets of Kansas City, Missouri, Chris Voss joined the FBI, where his career as a hostage negotiator brought him face-to-face with a range of criminals, including bank robbers and terrorists. Reaching the pinnacle of his profession, he became the FBI’s lead international kidnapping negotiator. Never Split the Difference takes you inside the world of high-stakes negotiations and into Voss’s head, revealing the skills that helped him and his colleagues succeed where it mattered most: saving lives. In this practical guide, he shares the nine effective principles–counterintuitive tactics and strategies–you too can use to become more persuasive in both your professional and personal life.

Life is a series of negotiations you should be prepared for: buying a car, negotiating a salary, buying a home, renegotiating rent, deliberating with your partner. Taking emotional intelligence and intuition to the next level, Never Split the Difference gives you the competitive edge in any discussion.

“Anyone pursuing success must read this book.” –Chris Voss, author of Never Split the Difference

A master class in leadership from the world’s top body language expert

From internationally bestselling author and retired FBI agent Joe Navarro, a groundbreaking look at the five powerful principles that set exceptional individuals apart

Joe Navarro spent a quarter century with the FBI, pursuing spies and other dangerous criminals across the globe. In his line of work, successful leadership was quite literally a matter of life or death. Now he brings his hard-earned lessons to you. Be Exceptional distills a lifetime of experience into five principles that outstanding individuals live by:

Self-Mastery: To lead others, you must first demonstrate that you can lead yourself.

Observation: Apply the same techniques used by the FBI to quickly and accurately assess any situation.

Communication: Harness the power of verbal and nonverbal interaction to persuade, motivate, and inspire.

Action: Build shared purpose and lead by example.

Psychological Comfort: Discover the secret ingredient of exceptional individuals.

Be Exceptional is the culmination of Joe Navarro’s decades spent analyzing human behavior, conducting more than 10,000 interviews in the field, and making high-stakes behavioral assessments. Drawing upon case studies from history, compelling firsthand accounts from Navarro’s FBI career, and cutting-edge science on nonverbal communication and persuasion, this is a new type of leadership book, one that will have the power to transform for years to come.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Make the most of your college years with these 175+ unique activities for the ultimate college experience.

From finding the perfect friend group to succeeding academically to exploring your newfound freedom, there’s a lot that goes into making your college experience a success. Instead of getting trapped in the myth that you can “do it all,” 175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College will help you figure out what’s most important to you…and how to make it happen.

With this college-themed bucket list, you’ll find everything you need to do before you graduate. Whether you’re trying to make sure your four years in college are the best they can be or preparing for next steps post-graduation, you’ll learn exactly how to set yourself up for success (and fun!) with activities like:
-Becoming a TA as an undergrad for a subject you’re truly passionate about
-Heading off-campus with your friends to snag the first fresh donuts of the day
-Paying it forward by buying lunch for the person behind you in the dining hall line, even if you don’t know them
-Getting creative and starting up a campus-wide game of hide-and-seek
-And much more!

It’s easy: first, check out the 175+ unique and interesting activities you can do to add some fun, excitement, and maybe even a few impressive accomplishments to your life. Then, use the journaling space to create and update your own personal college bucket list. From there, just gather some friends and get started on making sure your college experience is as happy, healthy, and successful as possible!

Shital Kakkar Mehra, India’s leading Executive Presence coach and bestselling author of Business Etiquette, has trained numerous CEOs and star performers over the last two decades. In this book, she has shared her proven POISE formula for success; tools to help you maximize your potential and fast-track your career to the coveted role of a CEO.

Executive Presence is the mysterious ‘it’ factor in leadership. How do you present yourself? Are you assertive? Do you inspire confidence? How do you engage with stakeholders?Crack the code on Executive Presence with:

• Physical Presence: Refine body language skills.
• Online Presence: Build your global personal brand.
• Influencer Presence: Master executive maturity; learn to ‘speak up’.
• Stage Presence: Inspire teams with effective public-speaking skills.
• Engagement Presence: Build strong and diverse networks

She wants to put an end to the Testing In a scarred and brutal future, The United Commonwealth teeters on the brink of all-out civil war. The rebel resistance plots against a government that rules with cruelty and cunning. Gifted student and Testing survivor, Cia Vale, vows to fight. But she can’t do it alone. This is the chance to lead that Cia has trained for – but who will follow? Plunging through layers of danger and deception, Cia must risk the lives of those she loves–and gamble on the loyalty of her lethal classmates. Who can Cia trust? The stakes are higher than ever– lives of promise cut short or fulfilled; a future ruled by fear or hope–in the electrifying conclusion to Joelle Charbonneau’s epic Testing trilogy. Ready or notit’ s Graduation Day. The Final Test is the Deadliest!

The surprising ways in which a religious upbringing shapes the academic lives of teens

It’s widely acknowledged that American parents from different class backgrounds take different approaches to raising their children. Upper- and middle-class parents invest considerable time facilitating their children’s activities, while working class and poor families take a more hands-off approach. These different strategies influence how children approach school. But missing from the discussion is the fact that millions of parents on both sides of the class divide are raising their children to listen to God. What impact does a religious upbringing have on their academic trajectories?

Drawing on ten years of survey data with over three thousand teenagers and over two hundred interviews, God, Grades, and Graduation offers a revealing and at times surprising account of how teenagers’ religious upbringing influences their educational pathways from high school to college. Dr. Ilana M. Horwitz estimates that approximately one out of every four students in American schools are raised with religious restraint. These students orient their life around God so deeply that it alters how they see themselves and how they behave, inside and outside of church.

This book takes us inside the lives of these teenagers to discover why they achieve higher grades than their peers, why they are more likely to graduate from college, and why boys from lower middle-class families particularly benefit from religious restraint. But listeners also learn how for middle-upper class kids–and for girls especially–religious restraint recalibrates their academic ambitions after graduation, leading them to question the value of attending a selective college despite their stellar grades in high school. By illuminating the far-reaching effects of the childrearing logic of religious restraint, God, Grades, and Graduation offers a compelling new narrative about the role of religion in academic outcomes and educational inequality.

Michael J. Fox abandoned high school to pursue an acting career, but went on to receive honorary degrees from several universities and garner the highest accolades for his acting, as well as for his writing. In his new book, he inspires and motivates graduates to recognize opportunities, maximize their abilities, and roll with the punches–all with his trademark optimism, warmth, and humor.

In A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future, Michael draws on his own life experiences to make a case that real learning happens when “life goes skidding sideways.” He writes of coming to Los Angeles from Canada at age eighteen and attempting to make his way as an actor. Fox offers up a comically skewed take on how, in his own way, he fulfilled the requirements of a college syllabus. He learned Economics as a starving artist; an unexpected turn as a neophyte activist schooled him in Political Science; and his approach to Comparative Literature involved stacking books up against their movie versions.

Replete with personal stories and hilarious anecdotes, Michael J. Fox’s new book is the perfect gift for graduates.

Fifteen linked stories chart a true course through the lives of families, farmers, loggers, former classmates, and the occasional stripper. In the richly imagined town of Renata, Oregon, a man watches his neighbor’s big-screen TV through binoculars, an errant son paints himself silver, mysterious electrical humming emanates from an enormous barn. In A Simplified Map of the Real World, intimate boundaries are loosened by history–and high above the strife and the hope and the often hilarious, geese seek the perfect tailwind. Stevan Allred’s stunning debut deftly navigates the stubborn geography of the human heart.

For salespeople feeling stressed and disappointed that their customers don’t want to hear from them, this guide is the key to developing the mindset and habits required to reach a new level of sales success.

The world of sales can be tough, so it’s easy to get discouraged when the rejections start piling up and your customers stop answering the phone. This allows the wrong thought patterns to start developing, soon you aren’t making quotas and then you begin looking at job listings waiting for your next downfall.

Sales expert Mark Hunter can relate as his start to sales was discouraging. The lessons he’s learned throughout his career are revealed in A Mind for Sales. He discovered that sales can be incredibly rewarding, such as customers calling you for advice, thanking you for improving their business, and referring you to colleagues. The difference is simply developing mindset and momentum habits.

In A Mind for Sales, you’ll learn how to:

• Feel energized by renewed purpose and success in your sales role by following the success cycle approach.
• Receive practical strategies on how to change your mindset and succeed in sales.
• Learn the daily habits needed to maximize productivity and make hitting the ground running strategy #1.
• Gain real-world insights from Hunter’s vast experience as a successful sales professional and sales coach.

Let this book inspire and prepare you to form the new habits you need to succeed and to realize the incredible rewards that a successful life in sales makes possible.

“Bold, provocative…illuminates why we’re having fewer babies, the middle class is stagnating, unemployment is shifting, and new powers are rising.”
—ADAM GRANT

The world is changing drastically before our eyes–will you be prepared for what comes next? A groundbreaking analysis from one of the world’s foremost experts on global trends, including analysis on how COVID-19 will amplify and accelerate each of these changes.

Once upon a time, the world was neatly divided into prosperous and backward economies. Babies were plentiful, workers outnumbered retirees, and people aspiring towards the middle class yearned to own homes and cars. Companies didn’t need to see any further than Europe and the United States to do well. Printed money was legal tender for all debts, public and private. We grew up learning how to “play the game,” and we expected the rules to remain the same as we took our first job, started a family, saw our children grow up, and went into retirement with our finances secure.

That world–and those rules–are over.

By 2030, a new reality will take hold, and before you know it:

– There will be more grandparents than grandchildren
– The middle-class in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa will outnumber the US and Europe combined
– The global economy will be driven by the non-Western consumer for the first time in modern history
– There will be more global wealth owned by women than men
– There will be more robots than workers
– There will be more computers than human brains
– There will be more currencies than countries

All these trends, currently underway, will converge in the year 2030 and change everything you know about culture, the economy, and the world.

According to Mauro F. Guillen, the only way to truly understand the global transformations underway–and their impacts–is to think laterally. That is, using “peripheral vision,” or approaching problems creatively and from unorthodox points of view. Rather than focusing on a single trend–climate-change or the rise of illiberal regimes, for example–Guillen encourages us to consider the dynamic inter-play between a range of forces that will converge on a single tipping point–2030–that will be, for better or worse, the point of no return.

2030 is both a remarkable guide to the coming changes and an exercise in the power of “lateral thinking,” thereby revolutionizing the way you think about cataclysmic change and its consequences.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press

The underdog story of Will Haskell, who became a Democratic state Senator in 2018 at age twenty-two–taking on an incumbent who had been undefeated for Haskell’s entire life and earning an endorsement from President Obama–is “an inspiring and wise blueprint for how you can change the world…get engaged and fight for the future you want” (Tammy Duckworth).

President Obama left office with these parting words for Americans: “If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.” Twenty-two-year-old Will Haskell decided to do just that. If he ran for office and won, he would become the youngest state Senator in Connecticut history.

For years, Haskell’s hometown had reelected the same politician who opposed passing paid family leave, fought increases in the minimum wage, and voted down expansions of voting rights. Haskell’s own vision for Connecticut’s future couldn’t be more different, and he couldn’t stand the idea of an uncontested election. In 2018, he would be a college grad looking for his first job. Why not state Senator?

When Haskell kicks off his campaign in the spring of his senior year, he’s an unknown college kid facing a popular incumbent who’s been in office for over two decades–as long as Haskell’s been alive. Haskell’s campaign manager is his roommate, and his treasurer is his girlfriend’s mom. He doesn’t have any professional experience. But he does have a powerful message: there’s no minimum age to being on the right side of history.

Six months later, Haskell’s shocking upset victory gives him a historic seat in the state Senate and the responsibility to serve the 100,000 constituents in his district. Like any first job, his first term as a legislator is filled with trial and error. Creating a program that funds free tuition at Connecticut’s community colleges–nice work. Falling asleep on the senate floor–needs improvement.

In the tradition of Pete Buttigieg’s Shortest Way Home and Greta Thunberg’s No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference, this is “a call to action for young people to engage fully in public life at this critical moment for our democracy and our planet” (Jon Ossoff).

Top leaders in the business community–a financial journalist, a bestselling author, and cofounder of the Global Negotiation Initiative at Harvard University–teach you the character traits every employer wants to see in today’s worker.

In the race to become multitasking superhumans, we’ve lost touch with the actual root of where all these valuable skills are found. This audio gives you the training you need to set yourself apart from others and to advance to the next stage in your employment, whether you are just starting out or need to reinvigorate your career. Some of the best business minds at work today identify the principles of productivity and elevating your career. Why not be known for great leadership skills instead of training one employee for a single task? Why not be known for a winning personality instead of for being able to deal with a difficult person? Why not be known for impressive calm and cool confidence in your negotiation skills instead of just getting the deal done? Don’t be known for any singular skill–be known for inspiring character traits that make you highly promotable in any workplace. This audio also includes helpful r+(r)sum+(r) and cover letter templates, as well as an interview checklist.

With contributions from Reyna Gobel, a financial journalist who has written extensively on adapting to today’s career marketplace; Joshua Weiss, an international negotiation expert who speaks and writes on the topic of negotiating not only in the boardroom but also on the factory floor; and bestselling author Brian Tracy, who shares wisdom from his business book classic, Eat That Frog!, this audio is a must-listen for those looking to catapult their careers.

The New York Times bestselling author draws from his popular show #AskGaryVee to offer surprising, often outrageous, and imminently useful and honest answers to everything you’ve ever wanted to know–and more–about navigating the new world.

Gary Vaynerchuk–the inspiring and unconventional entrepreneur who introduced us to the concept of crush it–knows how to get things done, have fun, and be massively successful. A marketing and business genius, Gary had the foresight to go beyond traditional methods and use social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to reach an untapped audience that continues to grow.

#AskGaryVee showcases the most useful and interesting questions Gary has addressed on his popular show. Distilling and expanding on the podcast’s most urgent and evergreen themes, Gary presents practical, timely, and timeless advice on marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and everything else you’ve been afraid to ask but are dying to know. Gary gives you the insights and information you need on everything from effectively using Twitter to launching a small business, hiring superstars to creating a personal brand, launching products effectively to staying healthy–and even buying wine.

Whether you’re planning to start your own company, working in digital media, or have landed your first job in a traditional company, #AskGaryVee is your essential guide to making things happen in a big way.

Narrators include: Gary Vaynerchuk, Jack Welch, Dave Ramsey, Seth Godin, Kevin Jonas, Casey Neistat, Draymond Green, Alex De Simone, Adam Braun, Adam Grant, AJ Vaynerchuk, Al Harrington, Alan Belcher, Alexis O’Hanian, Andrew Greif, Andy Dunn, Andy Krainak, Benjamin Lazarus, Beth Comstock, Black Coffee, Brittany Hoffman, Charlie Ebersol, Chase Jarvis, Chef Lizette, Cristie Kerr, Dana Anderson, Dawn Swick-Renshaw, Dennis Crowley, Dustin Keller, Erik Dellenback, Greg Pesci, India Kieser, Jack Haber, Jason Calacanis, Jason Farris, Jason Fried, John Legend, Justin Brooke, Kevin Asp, Leo LaPorte, Leslie Blodgett, Mike Vacanti, Peter Brown, Phil Rosenthal, Phillip Gimmi, Ross Walker, Scott Wyden, Sean Burrows, Shonduras, Soren Azorian, Staphon Lawrence, Steph Ruhle, Steve Sadove, Steve Unwin, Dr. Thiago Moraes, Tim Evans, Tom Ferry, Troy Carter, Warren Weeks, Zak Moy, Matt DeMayo, Nathan Scherotter.

As we move into the twenty-first century the most important question for businesses everywhere is: What are we going to do about the Internet? The two most qualified people in the country to answer that question may be Al Ries and Laura Ries. Not only are they the authors of the BusinessWeek bestseller The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding, they are also consultants to dozens of Fortune 500 companies.

This book is the result of their hands-on work with both large and small companies as well as Internet start-ups and established Internet brands. Brash, bold, and mercifully succinct, The 11 Immutable Laws of Internet Branding is the definitive text for businesses eager to jump on the Internet expressway.

In the book you’ll learn why:

• The Internet can be a business or a medium for your brand, but not both.
• Interactivity is the single most important ingredient of any Internet site.
• The kiss of death for an Internet brand is a common name.
• Being second in a category is tantamount to being nowhere.
• You have to be fast. You have to be first. You have to be focused.
• Everyone is talking about convergence while just the opposite is happening.

The 11 Immutable Laws of Internet Branding will also give you tangible information on how to successfully build your company, product, service, or self into a hot and profitable brand on the Internet. Specifically you’ll learn how to:

• Build a brand that will dominate a category over an extended period of time.
• Find a proper name (instead of a common one) for your Website.
• Take your brand into the global marketplace.
• Avoid the biggest mistake in Internet branding: the belief that you can do everything.
• Take advantage of the transformations that will occur in all aspects of life, thanks to the power of the Internet.

With characteristic counterculture observations and signature marketing savvy, Ries and Ries bring their expertise to branding on the Internet, the most challenging problem in the world of marketing today. No one who wants to turn a brand into a global phenomenon should ignore their sage advice.

Learn what Jesus has to say to you during this major life transition with this encouraging compilation of devotions from Sarah Young’s bestselling brand.

During times of transition and unknown next steps, it is more important than ever to cling to the promises of God and to tune your ear to hear what Jesus has to say. Bestselling author Sarah Young is here to guide you through life transitions with the help of God’s word.

With 150 devotions most applicable and relevant to recent graduates, Jesus Calling for Graduates includes topics such as:

• Attitude
• Discerning God‚Äôs will
• Identity
• Love
• Self-worth
• Trust
• Support and much more!

 

This edition is sure to be a favorite in the popular Jesus Calling line. Jesus Calling for Graduates is perfect for both high school and college graduates as they embark on the next major transition in life.

Discover how to use proven spy techniques to bolster your business strategies–from self-advocation to selling to interviewing–and ultimately make more money with this unique guide from the winner of Shark Tank and bestselling author of Spy Secrets That Can Save Your Life.

Spies communicate in code and employ a range of techniques to survive in diverse environments. But to be effective they must be business savvy–they must know how to successfully persuade others. In fact, intelligence agents are among the best salesmen in the world.

Whether we realize it or not, each one of us is a salesman. Every day, you sell yourself–your talents, your value, and your ideas to colleagues, to friends, and even to your partner. At the office you maneuver in code to receive a promotion, a higher salary, professional recognition. Now, you can learn to sell yourself even better.

In Agent of Influence, Jason Hanson, a former CIA special agent and founder of Spy Escape School, reveals how anyone can use spy tactics for increased success, from learning how to strategically plan your day to mastering the steps you’ll need to embrace challenges and set achievable, personal goals. He teaches you how to develop a winning sales personality and target the perfect business opportunity using the SADR cycle–“spotting,” “assessing,” “developing,” and “recruiting.” With this invaluable and unique handbook, you will become a more productive, confidant professional or entrepreneur.

In our evolving age of entrepreneurships, corporate careers, and self-run businesses, Jason’s message will appeal to those looking for a competitive leg up, and who entrust the insider secrets of spy practice to take them there.

#1 New York Times Bestseller

Over 10 million copies sold

In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be “positive” all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.

For decades, we’ve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. “F**k positivity,” Mark Manson says. “Let’s be honest, shit is f**ked and we have to live with it.” In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn’t sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is–a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is his antidote to the coddling, let’s-all-feel-good mindset that has infected modern society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.

Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better. Human beings are flawed and limited–“not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault.” Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties, once we stop running and avoiding and start confronting painful truths, we can begin to find the courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, curiosity, and forgiveness we seek.

There are only so many things we can give a f**k about so we need to figure out which ones really matter, Manson makes clear. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better, because true wealth is about experience. A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.

This trusted reference puts thousands of ready-to-use words, phrases, descriptions, and action items right at your fingertips — perfect for review time, creating development plans, and monitoring performance year-round.

Whether you’re an HR professional or a manager, chances are there’s one task you really dislike: giving performance reviews. Even if you know the basic points you want to get across, finding the right words and committing them to paper is about as much fun as a trip to the dentist.

However, this book puts the correct words within your hands with phrases that managers, supervisors, and HR professionals can use to properly evaluate performance.

In 2600 Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews, renowned career expert Paul Falcone covers the 25 most commonly rated performance factors including:

• productivity,
• time management,
• teamwork,
• decision making, and more!

Falcone also shares job-specific parameters that apply in sales, customer service, finance, and many other areas. 2600 Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews is useful not just for review time but will also be instrumental in creating job descriptions and development plans as well as monitoring performance, progress, and problems year-round.