Whether you’re planning a pleasant lay-on-the-couch-ation or a seven day stretch of constant sun to shed your white Wisconsin winter glow, Spring Break is the optimal time to settle into a good read. In the reel of long-ass reading assignments, the school year permits little opportunity to read anything other than your beloved O-Chem book. With that said, break up with the textbooks and instead load your beach tote with this array of fresh reads and let the Spring Break book affair begin;
For the chemistry major, cheat on your boring textbook with The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I promise, you’ll still get your fair share of chemistry.
Summary: Although The Fault in Our Stars can be found in the teen section of the bookstore—that is if anyone actually goes bookstore anymore—don’t underestimate the quality of this book. The Fault in Our Stars is a story of young love, the typical tale of boy meets girl, with a twist. It wouldn’t have been love at first sight for both parties, but Augustus Waters and Hazel Lancaster quickly fall for each other after meeting in the most unlikely of places; a cancer support group. At times, it’s reminiscent of A Walk to Remember, as Augustus and Hazel make an effort to live out their dreams together. This novel should come with a box of tissues, so for the hopeless romantic in need of a good cry, The Fault in Our Stars is definitely for you. Bonus: the film adaption hits theatres this summer starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, who will also be playing brother and sister in Divergent this spring! – IF
Rating: 5 Heinekens—a little spoiler if you know where this beer is produced!
For the English major with a romantic side, sneak out with this little Romeo of a book:
Summary: Eleanor & Park will take you back to the ups and downs of your first boyfriend and make you long to live in the year 1986. This winning romance strikes the perfect balance of punk rock and true love as Eleanor and Park engage in an unlikely yet thrilling relationship that will make you appreciate the imperfect and unforgettable course of first love. With plenty of delicious 80s references and an injection of good humor, this book is a gateway to a Netflix marathon of Pretty in Pink and 16 Candles. This good read will send you on a bipolar rollercoaster of emotion, so giddy up and be prepared to laugh and shed the occasional tear. If you’re looking for some good daydreaming material for when you soak up the sun, this one will heavily supply. – ML
Rating: 5 Long Island Iced Teas—everything you could want in one glass to go with everything you could want in one book.
For the human development and family studies major intrigued by family dynamics, especially the enticing particulars of love, loss, and family, pick up Where You Left Me by Jennifer Gardner Trulson.
Summary: Jennifer Gardner Trulson had a life to be grateful for; a gorgeous and successful husband, two perfect children, a great apartment in New York City, and a summerhouse in the Hamptons. After seven years of bliss, Jennifer’s life, like many, changed forever on September 11, 2001. Where You Left Me tells the true story of coping with death and finding love after loss. Jennifer’s memoir captures the city that came together in the wake of tragedy, giving insight into the day that our generation will always remember. Although some readers find Jennifer shallow and point out that there were many widows worse off financially after 9/11, this book is #1 on my recommendation list. Where You Left Me hits close to home as a New Yorker, and after shedding both happy and sad tears through the entire book, I felt a deep emotional connection to Jennifer (clearly since we’re on a first name basis now). – IF
Rating: 5 Cosmopolitans—because that’s what our favorite New Yorker, Carrie Bradshaw, always has in hand!
For the communication arts major, prepare yourself for the movie by having a date with the book first:
Summary: I’ve always said; book first, movie second, and you’ll definitely want to apply this here. The book is too good to not read first, much like our beloved Hunger Games reads were. The Divergent world is set in futuristic Chicago, where everyone is divided into five factions, each living by a different value; Abnegation the selfless, Dauntless the brave, Erudite the intelligent, Candor the honest, and Amity the peaceful. Upon turning 16, each teenager must decide whether to stay in their faction of birth or permanently switch to another one. This is the case for 16 year old Beatrice Prior who must contemplate staying in a faction she feels not fit for her or leaving her family behind and transferring to another faction. She makes the decision to ultimately join the badass Dauntless clan (literally badass—I’m talking tattoos, piercings, and insane training). What they don’t know about Beatrice is that she harbors a secret; she’s divergent, meaning there isn’t a faction she belongs to. It’s a secret that could ultimately mean death, and she struggles to keep it hidden in her plight. While it’s a quick read, the story is so gripping it’ll have you sacrificing volleyball time to finish one more chapter. Another plus, there’s no obnoxious love triangle, there’s only smoking hot Four (one of the Dauntless who will have you drooling over his intense romance with Beatrice) and we are Team Four all the way. – ML
Rating: 4 Electric Lemonades—it has that familiar Hunger Games feel with a slight edge, and it’s easy to throw back.
For the biology major who’s into saving lives, swap out those med school applications for the novel Me before You by Jojo Moyes.
Summary: Set in London somewhere in the era of modern technology, Me Before You, starts a bit slow with the privileged life of Will Traynor. After an accident leaves Will wheelchair bound in his early thirties, Louisa Clark, an ordinary girl with a quirky sense of fashion, is hired to care for him. Although originally employed under the assumption that she would serve to provide for Will’s daily necessities, as time wears on, it is clear to Louisa that her goal is different. She is tasked with showing Will that his life, drastically different from the vibrant one he was accustomed to, is still worth living. Though the love story of this unlikely pair was expected, Me Before You closes with a dramatic twist underscored by an intense moral and ethical dilemma. – IF
Rating: 4 Spotted Cows – although amazing, this drink, like the book, is a bit predictable for a Friday night in Madison.
Whether you’re lounging in the sun or on the couch, a book makes the perfect companion. Not to mention, a cute guy can’t resist a smart girl with her nose in a book.