Once again, I’m coming out of unintentional hiding to share a few timely picks should you be celebrating a shiny new grad. It’s hard to resist a commemoration! Besides, I’m looking for any excuse to give kids life-directing advice in the form of a slim book. (I include cash, so they don’t think I’m an adult snore.)
Let’s start with Rae’s most recent imaginary BFF, Ann Patchett. Years ago, the prize-winning author returned to her alma mater, Sarah Lawrence College, to deliver an inspiring message that’s been hailed by some as one of the greatest commencement speeches. Rae’s make-believe bestie offers hope for anyone who’s at a crossroads in life. What Now? is definitely worth your grad’s time and attention as they prepare to move their tassel to the left.
Now let’s talk about one of my guys. It’s no secret I heart Neil Gaiman. You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate Scary Trouser’s (yes, that’s his nickname) advice in his address-turned-book Make Good Art. I mean, honestly, who doesn’t need to hear things like “do things you are uncertain about” and “pretend to be someone who could.” Thatta boy, Neil. I’m so grateful you continue to make spectacularly good art.
Sharee weighed in on her latest gift to grads. I hadn’t heard of What the Road Said—a picture book replete with life lessons from best-selling poet Cleo Wade. I like the idea of the road we’re on being invested in the direction we take. Even when we make a wrong turn. Here’s Sharee’s favorite advice from Cleo via the road: “What if I need help on my journey? Ask your fellow travelers along the way. What if they are mean to me? Lead them to kindness,” said the Road. “How? By being kind.” Two thumbs way up, Cleo!
Can we say too much about being kind? I don’t think so. George Saunders (think Lincoln in the Bardo) would agree. His commencement address to Syracuse grads had real resonant effect. If you don’t believe me know this, three months after he gave the address, The New York Times posted a transcript of his speech on their website. Within days, his advice had been shared over a million times. Here’s a snippet: “So, quick, end-of-speech advice: Since, according to me, your life is going to be a gradual process of becoming kinder and more loving: Hurry up. Speed it along. Start right now. There’s a confusion in each of us, a sickness, really: selfishness. But there’s also a cure. So be a good and proactive and even somewhat desperate patient on your own behalf — seek out the most efficacious anti-selfishness medicines, energetically, for the rest of your life.” By George, I think he’s got it. I hope the rest of us, grads included, do too!