By Sophia Pardo
Now that we’re a couple of weeks past spring break, it’s still the perfect time to unwind and unplug after grinding through the chaos the spring season can bring. Although a typical SMU college life comes with academic pressure, a busy social calendar and the occasional party, finding pockets of peace to sit back, relax and recharge post-festivities is essential to taking care of yourself. Whether that’s sitting on Dallas Lawn between classes, squeezing in a little “you” time during the weekend or winding down before bed as a way to unplug from screen time, carving out that space matters.
Curling up with a good book is something many—myself included—love but often overlook amid busy schedules.
After reading nearly every Colleen Hoover and romance drama book recommended on BookTok, I’ve recently found myself drawn to self-help books—sometimes finishing them cover to cover in a single night. I’ve compiled a list below of four books, a mix from my personal library and recommendations from our SMU LOOK followers. Trust me, these are books you’ll finish with plenty of dog-eared pages, underlines and bookmarks. Some have even shifted the way I approach decision-making. Happy reading!
The Shift by Tinx
This book was recommended to me by a good friend over the summer, and it was a blessing in disguise I didn’t know I needed. I joke that this book accomplished what five years of therapy might. Tinx hits all the key points: self-worth, friendships, dating, relationships and the growing pains your 20s can bring. I think it’s a must-read for college students—you really do walk away with a new mindset.
The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins
Let Them Theory had been on my list for weeks, and over break I finally gave it a read. I’ve always been a big Mel Robbins fan, and her recent episode on The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show is one of my favorites. The “Let Them Theory” is about implementing radical acceptance into your life. As someone who struggles with this, I found her strategies incredibly helpful for living a more peaceful, grounded life by simply “letting them.”
Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur
This is a book I’m currently reading, and it has been incredibly insightful. As a fashion media major, I haven’t had much exposure to investing, but that doesn’t mean I’m not interested. Kaur, a financial reporter, launched the Girls That Invest podcast in 2020, and the book is an extension of that mission. It’s become my investing bible. Kaur breaks down terminology and strategies in a way that’s approachable, engaging and never condescending. With personal anecdotes woven in, she makes the world of finance feel empowering rather than intimidating.
Why Men Love Bitches by Sherry Argov
This book has been a cult favorite and was one of the first self-help titles to go viral on TikTok back in 2020. It teaches women how to go “from doormat to dream girl,” and I have to admit—it’s pretty entertaining. Though it was published in 2002 and some advice feels a bit dated or situational, I still found it valuable. While some suggestions may seem extreme, it’s a worthwhile read. In some ways, it feels like the dating section of The Shift—before Tinx was Tinx.
These four books are the essential starter pack (that I swear by) for anyone looking to better themselves. As summer approaches—with all the new routines, adventures or emotional baggage it may bring—I truly believe these reads can equip you with tools and insight to help navigate your 20s. And who knows, maybe you’ll learn something new about yourself along the way.
