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6 Must-Read Books for Spring Break

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Emerson chapter.

Ah, spring break – no weekly classes, no daily homework, and no nagging professors. What better way to spend your much-deserved time off than getting lost in a good book? Whether you’re hitting the beach, lounging poolside, or having a relaxing staycation at home, spring break is the perfect time to pick up that book you’ve been dying to read.

Have no idea which book to choose? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! Below is a list of six collegiette-approved books that are great for spring break. Between Paula Hawkins’ chilling thriller, Jenny Han’s romantic love story, Amy Poehler’s hilarious autobiography (and more), you’re sure to find a book that sparks your interest. Take a look at our picks below and get reading!

1. The Girl on the Train

Paula Hawkins

Paula Hawkins’ debut novel, The Girl on the Train, has already made it as a #1 New York Times bestseller. The plot revolves around a girl named Rachel who takes a train to work each day. One morning, Rachel witnesses a shocking scene as she stares out the window during her commute. She suddenly finds herself caught up in a dramatic police investigation – one full of secrets, deceit and crime.

2. Beautiful Ruins

Jess Walter

Taking you from the Italian coast, to Edinburgh and Hollywood, this book is a wanderluster’s dream. The novel follows three characters as they fight for love and success and battle their complicated pasts. Jess Walker’s Beautiful Ruins will leave you laughing and in tears; it’s the perfect book to read if you want a little escape from reality!

3. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Cheryl Strayed

Read this one before you see the movie (seriously, it’s been turned into a movie)! Cheryl Strayed’s Wild takes you on an epic journey as she recounts the time she spent hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as a lost and impulsive 26 year-old. Strayed embarked on this ambitious adventure alone. The book follows her struggles and triumphs as she attempts to take back her life and ultimately heal herself. 

4. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Jenny Han

Charming, engaging, hilarious – that’s Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. The novel’s main character, Lara Jean, once wrote intimate love letters to five boys – though she never meant for anyone but herself to read them. Then one day Lara Jean discovers that the letters have all been mailed out – and that changes everything. Follow Lara Jean as she tries to control her outrageous situation and discovers what it really means to love and be loved.

5. Yes Please

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler wrote a book. We can die happy. Pick up Yes Please and prepare to laugh. Poehler gives readers advice, talks about her life and career and just flat-out dominates in her new memoir. If you’re not into reading, then purchase the book via Audible so you can listen to the book (which, bonus, is narrated by Poehler herself)!

6. Insurgent

Veronica Roth

Whether you saw the movie or read the book, chances are that Divergent left you begging to learn what happens next for Tris Prior. Well, now is the perfect time to read the second book in Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy! Insurgent picks up where the first novel left off. It’s full of excitement, mystery, and, of course, badass fight scenes.

 

What book will you be picking up for spring break? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us at @HCEmerson! 

Cassidy is a Digital Production intern at Her Campus. She's currently a junior studying journalism at Emerson College. Cassidy also is a freelance reporter at the Napa Valley Register and a staff writer at Her Campus Emerson. Previously she blogged for Seventeen Magazine at the London 2012 Olympics, wrote for Huffington Post as a teen blogger and was a Team Advisor at the National Student Leadership Conference on Journalism, Film, & Media Arts at University of California, Berkeley and American University in Washington, D.C.. When she's not uploading content to Her Campus or working on her next article, Cassidy can be found planning her next adventure or perfecting her next Instagram. Follow her on Twitter at @cassidyyjayne and @cassidyjhopkins.  
Emerson contributor