Graduation Gift Book Suggestions

Cash, check, or gift card: money is a standard graduation gift. As a past graduate, I can attest that money is a welcome gift at those times. But if you prefer to deliver a package, you may wish to consider one of the following as a graduation gift. Each of these books served as the source for one or more quotes in "Unique Graduation Quotes."

Title: Don't Waste Your Life
Author: John Piper
Publisher: Crossway Books, Wheaton
Copyright: 2003
Pages: 189
ISBN: 1-58134-610-7
Genre: Christian living

Synopsis: Piper challenges readers to make the most of whatever time they have. He discusses purpose in life, appropriate risk taking, central passion, and changing the world-no matter where you live, what you do for a living, or who you know.

Why it makes a good graduation gift: Piper doesn't sugar-coat anything. He possesses the courage to speak the truth as best he understands it. If every Christian lived with these ideas in mind, we really would change the world. This is one of very few books worth re-reading every year.

Title: Esther: A Woman of Strength & Dignity
Author: Charles R. Swindoll
Publisher: Word Publishing, Nashville
Copyright: 1997
Pages: 203
ISBN: 0-8499-1383-7
Genre: Christian non-fiction

Synopsis: In this title from the "Great Lives from God's Word" series, Swindoll examines the Biblical account of Esther. He draws out observations and principles from her life that we can apply to our lives.

Why it makes a good graduation gift: Esther was likely a teenager or very young woman. She found herself in a position of influence that she did not plan or ask for. She had to make some difficult decisions. Thousands of years later, the story hasn't changed much. Young people continue to find themselves in positions of influence, sometimes not even realizing it, and difficult decisions come their way. Those decisions sometimes offer opportunities to deeply affect the lives of others.

Title: The Dash: Making a Difference with Your Life
Authors: Linda Ellis and Mac Anderson
Publisher: Simple Truths, Naperville
Copyright: 2006
Pages: 91
Genre: Inspirational gift book

Synopsis: This glossy gift book contains the text of the poem "The Dash," accompanied by photos of nature. It encourages everyone to make a difference with their life.

Why it makes a good graduation gift: Even non-readers can make it through this easy little book. It addresses a common concern among graduates: Is it really possible for me to make a difference?

Title: The Treasure Principle
Author: Randy Alcorn
Publisher: Multnomah, Sisters
Copyright: 2001
Pages: 121
ISBN: 1-59052-508-6
Genre: Christian living

Synopsis: Alcorn encourages his readers to use a specific resource-money-to make an eternal difference. Like Piper, Alcorn doesn't sugar-coat anything.

Why it makes a good graduation gift: Frankly, this would make a good gift for any Christian. But especially for graduates, if they understand early in life that they can truly help others with their money, they may form habits that last for 60, 70, 80 years. Think how much good they could do in that amount of time if their priorities are right.

Title: Lists to Live By
Editors: Alice Gray, Steve Stephens, John Van Diest
Publisher: Multnomah, Sisters
Copyright: 1999
Pages: 345
ISBN: 1-57673-478-1
Genre: Inspirational

Synopsis: This book contains a number of different lists and quotes (in list form) on the following topics and more: success, friendship, virtue, marriage, contentment, family values, and wisdom.

Why it makes a good graduation gift: Not all selections will be equally applicable at every stage of life. However, the book does contain a good mix of practical suggestions and wisdom for living. A little wisdom is good seasoning for any graduate's gift.

Title: The Holy Bible

Synopsis: In my opinion, the Bible is the most interesting collection of literature there's ever been. It contains historical accounts, poetry, pithy proverbs, letters, biographical accounts, and stories. It discusses all the major topics central to human life-friendship, marriage, and sex; children, family, and home; property, money, wealth, and poverty; war, death, and disease; sorrow, depression and fear; comfort, hope, and love.

Why it makes a good graduation gift: I don't know any other book that is so comprehensive as well as interesting. If I could have access to only one book for the rest of my life, the Bible would be that book.