I’m sure as the semester has progressed, those of us who live on campus have been consumed by the question: what book would someone recommend to me based on where I’m living? I know, I know, I hit a little too close to home. Don’t worry, I’m very much certified to provide the answer you’ve been seeking, seeing as I’ve been living here for all of two months. Here are my certified book recommendations based on what dorm you’re residing in.
Landis: The Secret History by Donna Tart
If you live in Landis, I recommend you pick up The Secret History by Donna Tart. This book follows six elitist college students studying ancient Greek at a pretentious New England college. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Gilchrist: If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
Right next to Landis Hall, I find that if you live in Gilchrist you’ll enjoy what some consider to be the knock-off version of The Secret History. I, however, think If We Were Villains is better than The Secret History, so take that as you will.
Jennie Murphree: The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
I am a Jennie gal forever. Jennie used to be the all-girls dorm, so I’d recommend The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker. This is a retelling of the Trojan War through the woman’s perspective of Briseis, Achilles’ war prize.
Reynolds:Writers & Lovers by Lily King
Honestly, Writers & Lovers by Lily King just fits Reynolds’ vibe. I have no true evidence to back this up other than that I love this book and I love Reynolds.
Bryan: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Bryan is the oldest hall on Florida State University’s campus. With that knowledge in mind, I recommend Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Both this book and the hall have been around since the early 1900s, one being a classic to literature and the other being a classic to campus.
Azalea and Magnolia: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
I don’t know about anyone else, but Azalea and Magnolia were at the top of my list when I was ranking the dorms for my housing application. They’re the newest, most popular dorms. In regards to popularity and hopping on the bandwagon train, I recommend any Colleen Hoover book if you live here. It just makes sense to me.
Dorman and Deviney: Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Always the second choice when put up against Azalea and Magnolia. Maybe in another life, you could’ve gotten your first pick.
Broward: This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
If you asked me to tell you anything about Broward, I wouldn’t know what to say. Therefore, I recommend This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone because similarly, I would not be able to tell you anything about it. It’s just a great book.
Cawthon: Just Kids by Patti Smith
To my music living-learning community students, go pick up Just Kids by Patti Smith. This memoir is about Smith’s life as a musician and poet in New York. It focuses on art, friendship, and the pursuit of creativity.
DeGraff: Red Rising by Pierce Brown
There’s no way the view of McDonald’s outside your window isn’t some sort of futuristic dystopian nightmare, just like the setting of this book!
Salley: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
To my Salley survivors, I hope you resonate with this one. Your bravery is commendable. May the odds be ever in your favor.
Wildwood: These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever
When I first started this book, I thought to myself “Wow, these characters are relatable and great” and then I finished and said, “Oh, wow, never mind.” Kind of how people view Wildwood during and then after orientation. The only difference is I gave These Violent Delights five out of five stars, and I’ll give Wildwood a solid three out of five.
Ragans: Normal People by Sally Rooney
You got lucky with your pickings. Now read this book and contemplate.
I hope you found my selection of recommendations to be up to standards with your living conditions. Happy reading!
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