No more classes, but don’t turn your back on the books this summer!  We promise these five are so fascinating and useful, you’ll be thrilled that you threw one into your beach bag for some summer reading!

Mindset:  The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, PhD.  Written by a renowned Stanford University pyschologist and based on decades of research, the core idea of this book is that people with a fixed mindset—those who believe abilities are fixed—are less likely to grow and succeed than those with a growth mindset, who believe that abilities can be developed.  How do you develop a growth mindset?  This book answers that question, and will transform the way you view setbacks, challenges, and even failure.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth.  This instant New York Times bestseller takes readers into the lives of cadets struggling through their early days at West Point, teachers in the toughest school districts, and high achievers such as JP Morgan CEO Jamie Diumon and Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.  Duckworth makes the convincing case that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but “grit”—a blend of dogged persistence and commitment.  This enjoyable read explains how grit can be learned and how to build resilience.

The Power of Habit:  Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg.  Habits are the building blocks of our lives, so understanding how they work—how we pick up habits in the first place, how we can change them to improve our lives in various ways—is invaluable.  This is a compelling, fun read that will give your summer a booster shot of motivation!

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen.  Ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of tasks, projects, and follow-ups on your to-do list?  Getting Things Done earned its enormous following by offering a straightforward, super clear blueprint on how to be more productive and less stressed.  A must-read!

Essentialism:  The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown.  Time and energy are limited resources—are you spending them in a way that aligns with your true priorities?  In order to say “Hell, Yes” to what really matters, we need to say “No” to that which doesn’t.  This book will teach you how to think hard about what is essential to your own life, success, and well-being.

QuadJobs is an online platform connecting college and graduate students to local jobs.  From Saturday night babysitting to moving a couch to helping a local business during a busy time, students find flexible jobs that fit into whatever free time they have. By streamlining the employment connection between campus and community, QuadJobs unlocks jobs particularly well-suited for students’ busy, often changing schedules.  The platform tracks every job a student takes and gathers performance reviews.  Small jobs matter—they help a student network, earn income, and build a track record of work experience.  Local employers can hire with efficiency and confidence.