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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at George Mason University chapter.

I love reading, and as the semester winds down, I plan to spend a lot of my summer reading. Here are some of my favorite books of all time to add to your TBR! 

1. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This book left me devastated yet fulfilled. If you love a story of forbidden love, then this is the book for you. It is also a very empowering read for female readers. I cannot recommend Taylor Jenkins Reid enough; she is an excellently detailed writer.

2. “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding

This book, despite its morbid plotline, is the novel that first really got me into reading. I love how something so outlandish as a bunch of private school boys being trapped on an island served as a broader statement about our society. The novel itself is very anti-capitalist and anti-meritocratic and speaks to the flaws of hierarchical societies.

 3. “The Prophets” by Robert Jones Jr. 

The prose in this book is truly breathtaking. Jones Jr. manages to break your heart multiple times over in this novel about a relationship between two enslaved men. I really enjoyed the book’s discussion of religion and how western religion has been and continues to be used as a tool of oppression. This one is a tear-jerker, and I want to provide a content warning that it deals with topics, including sexual violence and psychological abuse.

4. “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls

I would not even look at my English teacher after I finished this novel. Even though it is a lower-level read, I still recommend you read this if you have not. As an animal lover, it cuts right to the heart and truly shows how pets are a member of the family. 

Related: A Review of “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle

5. “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle

I have written about this memoir before, but I feel this book changed me for the better. I think that every woman should read this book. As women, our actions are so often guided by what other people want and need from us. This book is all about following your intuition and self-trust. Also, a content warning for this novel as it discusses topics such as eating disorders, addiction and sexual abuse. 

Get to reading, collegiette!

Blythe Dellinger

George Mason University '22

Blythe is a senior majoring in Global and Community Health with a minor in Anthropology. She often writes about topics related to physical/mental health and well-being. She is very passionate about substance use and access to healthcare and also enjoys discovering new music and food recipes. She hopes you find a little bit of yourself in her articles!
George Mason Contributor (GMU)

George Mason University '50

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