By: Audrey Tillman
If a book is well written I always find it too short
– Jane Austen (my favorite author!)
Being fresh into college has its challenges. One of the very serious predicaments for me has been finding the time to read. With that being said, when I do get the chance, these are ten books that I always find myself going back to. Filled with laughter, heartbreak, love, drama, and so much more – I hope that these resonate with you as they have resonated with me over the years, and now. There’s really nothing like a comfort read, and some good suggestions along the way. Let’s begin!
10. All the light we cannot see
By: Anthony Doerr
Are we starting off with some emotionally destressing historical fiction? Yes, we are. I first read this book a few years ago, and it’s what really brought me into the (depressing) world of historical fiction. I’d say it’s my favorite genre. A captivating novel by Anthony Doerr, it traces the three tumultuous stories of three characters whose paths cross during the bombing of the German-occupied French town of Saint-Malo in August of 1944. Here, we learn that curiosity inspires good people, which leads to a greater tale of love, war, loss, and introspection. It is a beautiful book.
9. they both die in the end
By: Adam Silvera
Still going with the sad. I promise it will get better – bear with me. They Both Die in the End is a heartbreaking yet inspiring tale about two boys, Mateo and Rufus, whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day. On September 5th, one fateful night, death-cast calls these two boys with some terrifying news: They’re going to die today. I’ll leave it at that. Aren’t cliffhangers just so great??
8. The complete persepolis
By: Marjane Satrapi
I actually only recently read this book for my writing class, and I absolutely loved it. Graphic novels always make the most powerful of stories come alive in the art on its pages. The author recounts her childhood experiences growing up in Iran during the Islamic revolution, her explorative teenage years in Vienna, and then back again in Iran as an adult. Satrapi shares it all – the terror, the humor, and the love that encompassed her life. I love learning about peoples lives through their own personal lens, and if you do too, then this memoir is for you. Don’t let the jasmine flowers fall out of your bra (if you don’t get that reference, please read! She’s the best character).
7. little women
By: Louisa May Alcott
My favorite part of this book was imagining Timothee Chalamet as Laurie because I have my priorities straight. I’m sure that you have all heard of this beloved classic about the four very different yet dynamic March sisters who trapsize through life in their own colorful ways. Funnily enough, this is a book my own sister and I both love deeply (we also watch the movie all the time). She reminds me of Amy. One of the best coming-of-age novels (in my opinion), it will take you on a wild ride on what it means to be a girl, and then a headstrong woman, in the 19th century.
6. Opposite of always
By: Justin A. Reynolds
Romance? Check. Time-travel? Check again. This enthralling Y/A love story was one I could not put down. Jack King is tangled up in a time loop between the day he meets his girlfriend, Kate, and the day she dies some months later. It’s true to say that sometimes we do really think we are too late – or right on time.
5. anna and the french kiss
By: Stephanie Perkins
Anna can’t wait for her senior year in Atlanta, with her best friend, and a crush that could possibly almost become something. But, we always want what we can’t have. So you can assume that she’s less than thrilled when her father decides to send her to SOAP (School of America in Paris) . But when she meets the charming St. Clair, those predispositions change fast. Is this a year of a romantic fail? Or will Anna finally have her French kiss?
4. The sisterhood of the traveling pants
By: Ann Brashares
For my fellow freshmen, I’m sure that a good part of us are still getting used to being away from our friends from home. One thing I love about this book, other than the camaraderie of the girls, is how relatable it is — leaving your friends behind and doing some exploring of yourself and what you want. That’s the essence of college, and it also proves to have some good life lessons. It all starts – and ends – with a magical pair of jeans. To keep in touch, these girls pass on the pants to one another as well as the adventures they experience when they are apart.
3. the song of achilles
By: Madeline Miller
There are no words that amount to all the love I have for this heartbreaking piece of Greek mythology. It’s always a tragedy spun into an epic tale of romance. Patroclus, exiled by his father to live in the court of Peleus, soon falls in love with the son of his generous host – the mighty and fiery Achilles. From there, they are swept into the tides of life and the Trojan war. There is love behind bloodshed and fury, you just have to look for it.
2. pride and prejudice
By: Jane Austen
This is my favorite classic (regency period) piece of literature. It’s also my favorite movie of all time in the history of the world. Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a mellow country gentleman, will never feel anything but contempt for Mr. Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner – who does not seem to have any compassion in his soul. But the heart wants what it wants. It takes a great deal to overcome your own pride and prejudice (hehe).
1. Love and gelato
By: Jenna Evans Welch
This is my ultimate comfort read and one of the reasons that I really want to visit Italy one day. When Lina’s loses her mom to cancer, she bites her tongue and honors her mom’s dying wish that she spends the summer in Tuscany, with her mother’s longtime college friend, Howard. There is an awkward meeting with the next door neighbor, who just so happens to be her age. People come to Italy for love and gelato, she is told, but sometimes they discover much more.