Literature has always played an important role in my life. I mean, one of the earliest photos of me is infant Sarah laying on the floor surrounded by books. So, it’s no surprise that books would have made an impact on my time in college. While it was hard to narrow it down to a select few, here is a peek at some of the literature that defined my college experience.
1. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
If you had spoken to me at the beginning of my freshman year, I would have vehemently denied liking YA books. I foolishly thought that YA was all schmaltzy romance and vampires, two things I care very little about. Thankfully, throughout my college career, I learned that YA is so much more than vampires, and one key novel that taught me that was Fangirl. I read this the summer after my freshman year in college and was surprised how much it resonated with me. This is one of the first books I mention to people when they ask for recommendations, and I can’t stress how much this book matters, especially when there are so few books about the college experience out there.
2. Chemistry by Weike Wang
At the opposite end of my college career, I read Wang’s debut novel the summer before my senior year. This novel, about a woman who realizes the dreams of her adolescence are no longer what she wants out of life, thus turning her life upside down, speaks to those of us embarking on new chapters of our lives. A quick novel, with lyrical prose, you can easily finish this novel in one sitting, but the themes will remain with you for a long time.
3. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
This classic was always at the top of my list, but I just kept putting off reading it (as I do with many classics—looking at you Jane Eyre). But when I was finally required to read it for a Russian lit class, I was glad I had waited. This is a mature novel, and I am not sure I would have understood it if I had read it sooner. But reading Anna Karenina as the #MeToo movement was beginning was an interesting experience and emphasized how little has changed when it comes to the double standards that exist between men and women. The discussion that accompanied this novel (as well as the 2012 film adaptation) were great bonuses!
4. The Novels of Becky Albertalli
This is a blanket statement covering Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and The Upside of Unrequited, which are two of the best books I have read in a long time. These novels are love stories but are also stories about being a teenager and the ups and downs that come with that period of your life. These novels are full of characters with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, which is one thing that makes reading Albertalli’s novels so fun. A skilled writer, Albertalli does a great job of fleshing out even the most minor characters. And if you were curious, her new novel, Leah on the Offbeat, comes out April 24.
5. Lucy Knisley
I truly enjoy reading comics and graphic novels, but most of them are of the superhero variety. But thanks to one of my best friends, I was able to discover the work of Lucy Knisley. Knisley is an artist who writes graphic novels about a variety of subjects, including food, travel, and marriage. Each of her novels are beautifully illustrated with witty and intelligent commentary. A quick and fun read, I would recommend any of her works, but Relish is a personal favorite!
6. Sara Shepard
College is hard, and in between all of the academic readings and assignments that are required, you need some time for your brain to chill out. This is where Sara Shepard comes in. I have been reading her novels since I started the Pretty Little Liars series in high school and I keep coming back to them whenever I need a break from the stress of college. Shepard’s novels are fun and twisty and compulsively readable—which can make them hard to put down when it’s time to work again. In addition to PLL, I have read books in The Lying Game series, The Perfectionists series, and Amateurs series, and am waiting for her to write a sequel to The Heiresses. Basically, if Sara Shepard writes a book, I will read it!
7. The Gene and The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Even as a fan of non-fiction, I will admit that the genre can border on dry and boring. But both of Mukherjee’s books are game changers. They are dense and cover serious and complicated subjects (cancer biology and genetics), but they are very readable. Instead of drilling into the particular aspects of the science, Mukherjee strives to highlight the intersection of humanity and science, an important reminder for anyone, regardless of their area of study. It will take a while to make it through these bricks, but the reward is worth the struggle.
8. The Untold Stories of Broadway series by Jennifer Ashley Tepper
A more niche pick, Tepper’s series about the history of Broadway theaters is one of the most in depth accounts of theater history I have read. Moving theater by theater (and even covering theaters that are no longer with us), Tepper tells the story of the physical space, but also the individuals who brought the building to life. Full of fun anecdotes, this is a must read for theatre nerds, but also for those who are interested in learning more. Tepper herself is a force to be reckoned with, as she is a passionate advocate for the arts and women’s empowerment. Be prepared to carve out a week or so when you start Volume One, because you won’t be able stop until you’ve read them all.
9. Night Film by Marisha Pessl
I read this novel over spring break of my freshman year. Up until this point, I hadn’t been doing as much reading for fun during college, but this novel marked an important shift. I realized that it is important to take a break from academics and focus on things you enjoy. For me personally, I love to read, and after reading Pessl’s immersive and ambitious novel, I made a conscious effort to make sure I was always making time for my favorite activity: curling up with a good book!
10. The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
Gone Girl is one of my favorite novels and I am always eager to read any book that is described as “the next Gone Girl.” McGinnis’s novel did not disappoint. In what would surely be an interesting read in the era of #MeToo, issues around violence and gender are explored as a small-town mystery unfolds. The Female of the Species is another example of how a YA novel can transcend genres.
11. Yes Please by Amy Poehler
One of my favorite subgenres of literature is “essay collections written by female comedians” and Amy Poehler’s book is one of my favorites. Funny, inspirational, and comforting, Yes Please is a book that I turn to whenever I need motivation or a reminder that I am a powerful woman.
12. Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This entry is cheating a little bit as it is two novels but given that Eligible is a modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice they kind of go together. Reading classics has always been difficult, but after some encouragement from my roommate I read Austen’s beloved novel. Flash-forward two months and I read Sittenfeld’s modern retelling and LOVED it! Eligible is basically a romantic comedy in book form and makes for perfect summer reading with your bestie (I know from personal experience). I have always wanted to be part of a book club and getting to discuss these books with my roommate was the closest I have ever come to achieving that dream!
13. It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
I first read this book during my senior year of high school and re-read it during my senior year of college. This was the first book I have re-read in a very long time, so it was interesting to reflect on how my relationship with the novel had changed. This is a powerful read, chock full of emotion, but, it is oddly comforting. Reading Vizzini’s words feels like you are talking with a dear friend, which is something we all need when we are at a crossroads in our lives.
14. Jack and Louisa series by Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead
These books are written for children—there’s no question about that. But they are fun, light, and full of enough musical theatre references to make the most die-hard Broadway lover happy. These books also relay the important message of being yourself, regardless of what others think. Which is an important lesson no matter how old you are.
15. I Hate Everyone But Youby Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin
A relatively late addition to this list (given that I finished this novel earlier this week), but I was once again ecstatic to find a novel that detailed some portion of the college experience. This story is told in an unconventional format—text messages and emails between friends who are attending college on opposite ends of the county. This novel made me feel incredibly nostalgic as many of the conversations in the story are conversations that I have had with my own friends. This is a fantastic book to read with your friends as you all approach graduation.
All of these books can be found on Amazon, at booksellers, and your local library! Happy reading!