As an English major, I have spent the past three years pretty much doing two things on repeat: reading and writing. I was taught at a very young age that in order to become a better writer, it takes reading endlessly to pick up on the habits of skilled authors. In the midst of a chaotic semester, I find myself feeling less guilty when I read for pleasure as a means to procrastinate, because at least I’m still reading…right? Who says I can’t learn a valuable lesson from an enemies to lovers trope novel? Here are a few books I’ve read recently that I think Her Campus readers will love:
#1: It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
This book is such a rollercoaster, and it concludes in an extremely powerful way. Colleen Hoover really speaks to the complexities of different relationships, whether it’s family, friends, or significant others. This one definitely had me sobbing at the end (which almost never happens to me), and it initiated my obsession with Colleen Hoover’s writing! I will add a trigger warning, however, as this book deals with sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and rape. The book starts off heavy, and ends heavy, but it is so worth the read.
#2: Verity by Colleen Hoover
Another Colleen Hoover book because yes, her writing is that good. She keeps the reader completely hooked from the first page to the last. This book is so difficult for me to describe. I was left with an uneasy, uncomfortable feeling after finishing the story and overall, I was completely mind-blown. I read this book about a month ago, and I still think of it all the time. It’s dark, shockingly evil, and just so intriguing. I don’t want to give away the story which is why I can’t describe the plot, but once you’re done with the book, you’ll ask yourself, Did she do it?
#3: All The Bright Places by JeNnifer Niven
I am sure many of you have heard of this title or seen the Netflix film, but this book is definitely worth the hype. What makes this book even more memorable is that it’s based on the author’s personal life, which is so crazy to think about once you finish. This book deals with some really heavy, sensitive subjects, like suicide and depression. The “Awake” sections of this book truly show how one of the main characters, Finch, does not understand his own depression and feels completely isolated because of it. This book does an amazing job of showing the real, exhausting nature of depression and how it affects one’s daily life.
I promise, if you’re new to reading, looking to get back into it, or just searching for the next addition to your bookshelf, this list is the perfect place to start!