When I came back to college this year, my mom didn’t let me bring any of my books to read for fun, knowing full well that I would read those instead of doing homework (true.) So before my reading privileges were taken away, I read as many books as I could, and here are my top picks for every reading mood. I’ll be living vicariously through all of you.
1. I know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
It gets to a point in the semester (like, right around now) where our textbooks just don’t cut it anymore as a ~satisfying~ read – as if they ever did. I prefer novels above anything, but sometimes I want to feel like my book has real substance. For that, I turned to Maya Angelou. This is Maya’s story of growing up in a racist society, her experience with rape and molestation, teen pregnancy, and her ability to shine through it all. It’s sad but somehow also heart warming. Maya’s poetic writing will keep you interested and her struggles will keep you humble.
2. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
This horror/mystery/murder novel is for those who want to stay relevant. I’m a firm believer in reading the book before seeing the movie, and if I do say so myself, I timed this one perfectly. Just as summer ended I finished reading The Girl on the Train and talk about a whirlwind of drama, action, and slight confusion. Plus, Emily Blunt apparently kills her role in the movie. I highly recommend this book (but maybe not just before bed…)
3. This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
Another book-turned-movie I have yet to see. The cast rocks though: Jane Fonda, Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, and Dax Shepherd? Yes please. The book is a comedy through tragedy, where a truly dysfunctional family meets to sit shiva for their father’s funeral, and mostly everyone’s life is falling apart. If you want a book to make you laugh while crying, read this one.
4. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
This book was honestly the perfect summer read. It takes place on a personal Island in Massachusetts. There’s lies. There’s secrets. Honestly I’m not telling you anything else just read it – you won’t see this one coming.
5. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
This memoir I had to read in my junior year of high school and I still keep coming back to it. It’s the story of the life of Jeanette Walls and her family’s struggle through poverty in West Virginia. She stands up to her negligent parents who can’t hold a job and gamble away all their money. She and her family borderline on homelessness and she remained optimistic when no one else did.