With the spring semester in full swing and midterms upon us, it’s important to make time for activities that help us recharge.
Reading at the BU Beach or in the Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences is a great way to unwind and get into the spring mindset. If you’re not sure what to read next, here are a few book recommendations you don’t want to miss this season:
- When Breath Becomes Air by Dr. Paul Kalanithi
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When Breath Becomes Air is one of my all-time favorite reads. In this posthumously published memoir, Dr. Paul Kalanithi—a neurosurgeon diagnosed with stage IV metastatic lung cancer—shares his powerful transition from doctor to patient.
His reflections on life, death, and the human connection between patient and physician are deeply moving. This book is a must-read for anyone considering a pre-med or pre-health path, as it highlights the emotional and philosophical impact of practicing medicine.
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
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Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming is an inspiring reflection on identity, womanhood, and perseverance. From her upbringing on the South Side of Chicago to her time at Princeton, Harvard Law, and eventually the White House, she tells her story with vulnerability and strength.
One of my personal favorites, this book serves as a reminder that with resilience and authenticity, anything is possible—no matter your background.
- Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
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Calling all Hunger Games fans and dystopian fiction lovers! Just released in March 2025, Sunrise on the Reaping is a new prequel in the Hunger Games universe. The novel follows Haymitch Abernathy through the 50th Hunger Games—also known as the Second Quarter Quell—and finally gives us the backstory behind his iconic victory. A must-read for anyone who wants more from Panem.
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt
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A dark academic mystery thriller, The Secret History follows six students at a small liberal arts college in New England. When one of them is murdered by the others, the story explores the unraveling of their lives in the aftermath. Tartt’s storytelling is intense, atmospheric, and completely gripping—perfect for readers who love a chilling campus mystery.
Get your hands on these pages for the blooming season!
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