College is crazily busy, we all know that. However, it’s so important to take the time out of your schedule to take care of yourself. Bryn Mawr is wonderful with their Self Care campaigns, calling a lot of attention to the notion. Following that, one of the ways I practice self care is by reading recreationally. Reading is one of my favorites pastimes, and as a prospective English major, I already do a lot of it! If reading is a destresser for you just as much as it is for me, here’s some great books, recent releases and older classics, that’ll be great to cozy up with.
The Mothers-Brit Bennett. Brit Bennett’s debut novel follows the two main characters, Nadia and Luke, through their teenage years to adulthood. The two had a whirlwind romance as teens, but the fallout of their relationship connects them for years to come. It’s an intriguing novel about the choices we make, how they define us, and how whether or not we should have chosen differently comes back to haunt us.
Milk and Honey-Rupi Kaur. For anyone who loves poetry, Milk and Honey is a gorgeous collection that discusses love, romantic relationships, abuse, feminism, and survival. Her writing is beautifully structured and so easy to connect with, regardless of where you are in life or events that have happened to you. It’s been one of my favorite reads of the year so far, and I definitely recommend picking up a copy.
The Goldfinch-Donna Tartt. The 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winner, The Goldfinch is a novel I’ve had on my must-read list for a while. Theo, the protagonist, finds himself living on Park Avenue after his mother is killed in a horrific accident. She adored art, and as a way to connect with her after her untimely death, he clings to a small, mysterious painting that takes him on a path into a strange culture. Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch is a gripping story that’ll be great to binge read!
Inferno-Dan Brown. Another one of Dan Brown’s amazing novels is being turned into a movie starring Tom Hanks, so this is the perfect opportunity to read it before you see the movie. Robert Langdon, the main character, gets sent on a quest to crack mysterious codes that somehow connect with Dante’s Inferno. If he doesn’t solve them before the rapidly approaching deadline, harrowing consequences will occur. Breathlessly paced,this is a wonderful book to read if you want a distraction from coursework.
Three Dark Crowns-Kendare Blake. This is a new Young Adult novel that’s at the top of my must-read list. Reminiscent of Game of Thrones, it follows three sisters in the kingdom of Fennbirn. Each of them have equal claim to the throne and possess unique magical abilities. When the girls turn sixteen, they must embark on a fight to the death to become the Queen Crowned. Who will be the last one standing?
Little Women-Louisa May Alcott. Little Women is one of my favorite books of all time, and it’s a great classical novel to read for destressing. Chronicling four sisters, Jo, Amy, Meg, and Beth, during the Civil War, it’s a beautiful story about family, romance, and life lessons. The engaging story line, involved but not intense, is great for college students looking for a lighter read.
Alexander Hamilton-Ron Chernow. I’m sure everyone has heard of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, written by the amazing Lin-Manuel Miranda, but most haven’t read the biography it’s based on. It’s an in depth narrative on the life of Alexander Hamilton, describing his political influences, personal life, and historical impact. It’s 832 pages, so it’s definitely a time commitment, but it’s a really interesting biography that fans of non fiction will love.
Two by Two-Nicholas Sparks. For those of you who adore romance novels, Nicholas Sparks’s Two by Two is a perfect read. Russell Green, the protagonist, seemingly has the perfect life: great job, loving wife, and adorable child. Suddenly, his life is flipped upside down and he finds himself a single father. Russell has to change the way he’s been living and discovers emotional growth and love he never expected.
What Light-Jay Asher. The author of the beautifully written novel Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher’s latest novels follows Sierra, a teenager that lives in Oregon, except for the Christmas season. Her family runs a Christmas tree farm, and they head to California to set up there during the holiday season. It generates a dichotomy for Sierra, until she meets Caleb. They embark on a relationship, falling in love with each other despite their mistakes and differences. If Jay Asher’s previous works are any indication, What Light will be a gorgeous read that’s great for Christmas!
The Harry Potter Series-J.K Rowling. I’m sure almost everyone on the planet has read Harry Potter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t return for the magic again and again. It’s an engrossing world that’s wonderful for destressing. It chronicles the adventures of Harry Potter through his years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Through the seven novels and years at Hogwarts, Harry and his friends find themselves involved in numerous adventures and learn so many life lessons along the way. It’s difficult to describe how amazing this series is, so if you haven’t picked it up yet, add it to the top of your must-read list!
Reading has so many benefits and is one of the best activities for stress relief, entertainment, and escape. Be sure to add these novels to your must-read list!
Works Cited
“Google Images.” Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web.