5 Must Read Books to Survive Your Quarter Life Crisis

You’re so excited that you’ve graduated from college! But now what? Perhaps you have no clue how to answer that question. Or maybe you did, but a few years later you have found that you aren’t as happy as you hoped you would be. Rest assured. You’re not alone! You’re going through what’s been dubbed the “quarter life crisis.” Luckily, this is a common experience and many talented authors have dedicated books to helping young professionals navigate this difficult time successfully. Here are CGD’s top must-read books to survive your quarter life crisis.

What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self by Ellyn Spragin

This is a collection of 41 letters written by famous women to their once younger selves. Contributors include TV correspondent, Ann Curry, country singer, Lee Ann Womack, fashion designer, Eileen Fisher and several others. Curry, an impeccable example of a career girl, offers empowering words to readers. She writes, “It is time to be bold about who you really are.” I second that.

Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse: One Twentysomething’s (Mostly Failed) Attempts at Adulthood by Alida Nugent

Nugent writes a comedic collection of essays about that difficult transition from life as a student to life as a young professional (with responsibilities). During this period, Nugent shares some of her most important realizations, which include understanding that eating peanut butter from the jar is not considered a meal. Not at all. New York Journal Books has commented that her writing is “Humorous… [with] wickedly crafted insights.” I’m sold.

Thirty Things Every Women Should Have and Should Know By the Time She’s Thirty by the editors of Glamour

This book is based off a list written by Glamour columnist Pamela Redmond Satran, which includes the “must-haves” and “must-knows” for women approaching the big 3-0. Fierce females including Katie Couric, Lauren Conrad and Rachel Zoe, expand upon each item on the list as they discuss important topics such as “#1 How to fall in love without losing yourself.” Do tell…

Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close

Girls in White Dresses chronicles the complexities of a group of girlfriends as they attend a multitude of bridal showers throughout their 20s. Close perfectly paints the picture of young adulthood, which begins with irresponsible late nights out, but somehow ends with responsible early nights in. Reminiscent of Sex and the City in that Close reminds readers that despite the chaos, you’re never alone when you have best friends by your side.

20 Something, 20 Everything: A Quarter-Life Women’s Guide to Balance and Direction by Christine Hassler

Hassler found herself experiencing a quarter-life crisis after a few years of working in a career that she knew wasn’t the right fit. She was also faced with the question, “Now what?” Hessler set out to create her own business, but not before answering other important questions that popped up along the way. She encourages “readers [to] turn [these] questions into maps that lead toward creating a career, a relationship, and a life that fits just like a favorite pair of jeans.”

So there you have it, your must read books to survive your quarter life crisis! Dare I say crisis averted?

For more on how to survive your quarter life crisis, be sure to check out these inspiring TED Talks or read our guide on how to identify if you’re having a quarter life crisis!