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Your Go To Guide on What to Read this Summer

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

As I finish up reading dull essays about public policy, long novels written hundreds of years ago, and other seemingly pointless essays in preparation for finals, all I can think about is the ever-growing list of books I want to read this summer.  So many exciting books keep coming out, but college leaves me no time to read any of them.  If you feel the same way, hopefully you’ll find this list helpful when you find the time to lean back in a hammock, sunglasses on, a margarita in your left hand, and a pleasurable book in your right. 
 
 

  1. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins- If you haven’t read these books already, they should be at the top of your list.  They are super easy to read through, and are a wonderful escape from the monotony of college texts.  As young women, I am sure you will find Katniss to be an empowering role model.  Plus, don’t you want to be ready when the next movie comes out?
  2. Fifty Shades Trilogy by E.L. James-  This relatively new series is getting a lot of hype.  The books follow a 21-year-old college virgin and her sexual experiences with a 27-year-old man.  Some of the experiences become slightly pornographic, but a beautiful love story prevails.
  3. The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun by  Gretchen Rubin- The book documents Rubin’s attempt to create more happiness in her life, which is one of the things that really matters. Rubin shows how anyone can make changes to their daily lives, in the environment they are already in, and come out with more happiness.  Couldn’t we all use that in the cloudy Lewisburg?
  4. Bossypants by Tina Fey- In this autobiography from Tina Fey, readers learn about how she became one of the funniest female comedians of the 21st century.  Not only does it show how resilient females can be, but it is also sure to be funny along the way.  Plus, let’s admit it ladies, aren’t we all a little bossy at times? 
  5. High Heels Mysteries by Gemma Halliday- The first book of the series follows Madison Spring and her friend Dana on their quest to track down a murder.  The journey along the way is filled with lust-worthy cops, fashion, and shopping.  Her hilarious investigations are sure to remind you of people you’ve seen around campus.
  6. Steve Jobs by Walter Issacson If you are going to read one biography over the summer, make it worthwhile.  Although the book is long, Issacson gives wonderful rendition of the 40+ interviews he recorded with Steve Jobs.  Perhaps understanding the face of Apple will give us a little motivation for the real world.
  7. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin- If you haven’t gotten hooked by Game of Thrones on HBOalready, then now is the time to start reading.  Although the books are fantasy based, they do not disappoint with complex drama, sex, and violence.  Read up ladies: the series has become extremely popular with guys, and could give you something to talk about!
  8. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith- If you like history, and you like reading about vampires, then this could be a great book for you.  Grahame-Smith takes the texts and speeches written by Abraham Lincoln and rewords them to make it seem like he is after vampires.  If anything, it will help you understand the movie that will be released in June 2012.

 

Michelle Joline is a senior at Bucknell University, majoring in Art History with minors in French and English (Creative Writing). Michelle is pursuing a career in broadcast media and entertainment, stemming off her long love of television and film. She is a co-founder and editor for Bucknell's branch of Her Campus and also spends her time as the Arts & Life editor of her school's newspaper, The Bucknellian. Michelle enjoys frozen yogurt, her golden retriever, New York City, movie trivia, and religiously reading The New York Times. She has been told her celebrity lookalike is none other than Michelle Tanner.