When J.K. Rowling was invited to deliver the commencement address at Harvard University, she chose to speak to the graduating class about two topics very close to her heart: the benefits of failure and the importance of imagination. Having the courage to fail, she said, is as vital to a good life as any conventional measure of success; imagining ourselves into the place of another -- particularly someone less fortunate than ourselves -- is a uniquely...

For today's twenty-somethings, the possibilities and opportunities are exhilarating, limitless, and sometimes confusing, with no clear-cut paths for the major life choices one must make after college graduation. In this new gift book, inspired by a commencement speech she gave in 2014, former first lady of Massachusetts Ann Romney puts forth eight key life lessons, the pieces of advice she wishes someone had given her when she graduated from college.These...

In this expansion of the 2017 commencement speech she gave at her hometown high school, Lauren Graham, star of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood, reflects on growing up, pursuing your dreams, and living in the here and now. "Whatever path you choose, whatever career you decide to go after, the important thing is that you keep finding joy in what you're doing, especially when the joy isn't finding you." Graham reminds us to be curious and compassionate,...

These achievers share their commencement addresses with their secrets for happiness. So, if you are looking for the way to happiness, these contributions may be the way for you.

"With more than a dozen contemporary graduation speeches that dissect the world as it is and imagine what it could be, [this book] brings forth the courageous people who've dared to transform the podium into a pulpit for championing peace, justice, protest, and a better world"--