College is a time when you’re trying to figure out exactly who you are, and who you want to be. High school didn’t allow so much freedom with your studies, your friends, or your time, really. Now, the world is open to you, with endless possibilities. It may be a little daunting at first, but don’t worry. Here are some books to guide you, and help you understand the whirlwind that is life.
CLASSICS
This is George Orwell’s caricature of a totalitarian future—or at least the future at the time he wrote it. It’s a future where every single action of a person is controlled by the government. But when Winston feels like he doesn’t fit, things begin to change for him. You’ll find this to be a compelling book that has lasted through the years because of its ability to make readers question the world they live in.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley:
Similar to 1984, this book depicts a future much different than our present. The government still controls everything and has very strict rules about everything, except the citizens are programmed to enjoy it all. So is it a dystopia or utopia? You decide.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen:
This is probably one of the most beloved English novels out there. This is the story of a squire who tries to marry off his five daughters, and particularly revolves around his second daughter, Elizabeth Bennet, and her suitor Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Crime & Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky:
Now, I haven’t read this book, so… here’s part of the description from Amazon. “Drawing upon experiences from the author’s own prison days, the author recounts in feverish, compelling tones the story of Raskolnikov, an impoverished student tormented by his own nihilism, and the struggle between good and evil. Believing that he is above the law, and convinced that humanitarian ends justify vile means, he brutally murders an old woman.”
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee:
I haven’t read this book either… I know, blasphemy. Everyone I know has read this book in school or by the time they’ve finished high school, so just in case you missed it then, here it is. And here’s another summary from Amazon. “The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it, To Kill A Mockingbird became both an instant bestseller and a critical success when it was first published in 1960. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was later made into an Academy Award-winning film, also a classic.”
NOT-SO-CLASSICS
Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky:
Made popular by the movie in 2012, this book has actually been around since 1999. It follows a 15-year-old boy, Charlie, through high school along with a few friends. It deals with sadness, and stress, and how to deal with events that happen that you have no control over.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini:
One of my favorite books, it is narrated by a depressed, suicidal teen, Craig, who admits himself into a psychiatric hospital. He slowly learns how to live again, and deal with the responsibilities that come with life. This book is actually based off of the author’s battle with depression. This was also made into 2012 starring Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, and Zach Galifianakis.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher:
This book follows Clay Jensen, who finds some cassette tapes left for him by one of his classmates that committed suicide two weeks earlier. In the tapes, she explains why she ended her life. It will be sure to make you cry.