Yikes, could be a faux pas--but hear me out. My girlfriend and I aren't spending much money on each other for our birthdays this year, so I thought two books would be a nice present. She's 21, wrapping up her junior year in college. I'm 24, and a private school teacher. We're both very practical and frugal (maybe you can tell). She's the type to start looking for full time employment this summer, a year before she graduates (just like me--God love her!). She's very bright and doesn't need help with her taxes, but wonders where she, an art history major, can make a living and be happy.

I was thinking of two books in particular:

What Color Is Your Parachute?

Exercises to figure out who you want to be and what you want to do

Smart Women Finish Rich

Superficial, but inspiring. A good starting place to think about one's future finances.

My only problem is they're not available in the library for me to peruse before buying. I've read reviews of some other books here and at Simple Dollar, but I thought I'd leave it up to you, frugal strangers of the interwebs. Suggestions?

Two books I believe transcend finance are 'The Art of Happiness' and 'The Art of Happiness at Work'.
There's a lot to be said for getting your head & heart in order, then watching everything else fall into place.

I've read older editions of What Color is Your Parachute, and found it extemely helpful. Not that I followed any of its advice.

I haven't read Smart Women Finish Rich, but I can imagine its content based on other David Bach books. Some people find him patronizing, but I like that he lays things out simply and gives practical tips. He's the one who finally motivated me to invest in a Roth IRA. Let me see if I can find somebody who has read the Bach book to offer a mini-review...

As for other books, I think tinyhands is on the right track. It sounds like your girlfriend is smart with money already, so books like The Total Money Makeover won't be appropriate. Maybe All Your Worth?

I'll see if I can think of any other suggestions...

Thanks for the suggestions. I've put Art of Happiness and Smart Women... on hold at my library. I'll check them out this weekend. Thanks again!