The Future Is Yours
The two-word phrase everyone will say to you approximately 47 times today.
Congratulations
Good luck!
What’s next?
You did it!
This genre includes self-help, memoirs, and “how to survive adulthood” books.
Nonfiction
In high school you ask to go here; in adulthood you just go.
Bathroom
This document explains how much you’ll owe every month for your apartment.
Lease
In Hamlet, this famous question reflects the kind of overthinking many people do when facing big life decisions.
"To be or not to be"
The first thing most graduates update before job hunting.
Resume
Colleen Hoover and Sarah J. Maas are popular authors in this category.
Romance
In school this tells you when class starts; in life it tells you when work starts.
Alarm Clock
The plastic rectangle that feels like free money… until the bill comes.
Credit Card
In “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” Keats contrasts frozen beauty with the reality of human life—especially this unstoppable force.
Time
This phrase means “I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m trying.”
fake it till you make it
A book about money, careers, or habits usually falls under this section of the bookstore.
Personal Finance/Business
High school gives you grades; jobs give you this instead.
A paycheck
The magical number employers care about that’s not your GPA, or test scores?
Salary
In Frankenstein, Victor creates life—but refuses this responsibility, leading to tragic consequences.
Parenthood / responsibility for one’s creation
The unofficial motto of your 20s: “I’ll figure it out.” True or false?
True
This term refers to books written for fun, not assignments.
Leisure reading
Teachers give deadlines—bosses give these.
Expectations or performance reviews
This skill involves separating wants from needs (sorry, DoorDash)
Budgeting
Le Morte d’Arthur celebrates this medieval code of conduct, built on honor, loyalty, and courage.
Chivalry
The most important thing you can always ask for after graduation.
Help or advice
The book format perfect for long commutes and pretending you’re productive.
Audiobooks
The real-life version of “group projects” that never go away
Meeting/Teamwork
The emergency fund rule says you should save this many months of expenses.
3-6 Months
This Old English epic features a hero who defeats monsters—yet reminds us that even great heroes do not escape mortality.
Beowulf