I know, I know. Reading for leisure during the semester is basically impossible. You already have SO MUCH reading for class, how could you fit in any more? Well, these books will make you feel like reading isn’t a chore. I promise, if you pick up one of these books up, you won’t want to put it down.
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Guys. GUYS. This is the best fiction book I have read in years. When I say the character of Queenie is relatable, I mean it. Everything from the juggling of different friends, the gross messages she receives on dating sites, to dealing with younger cousins is just so spot on. I wound up emotionally connected to Queenie and found myself rooting for her success throughout her breakup, job complications, and every curve life throws at her. This is a must-read for every woman in her twenties.
Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia
I was initially drawn to this book because of the flashy cover and interesting title. I am usually not a non-fiction girl, but this book converted me. Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story gave me feels in all of the right ways. Jacob had me laughing out loud one second, then reflecting on the entire idea of gender the next. I think every human on the planet needs to read this book. Jacob takes you through the journey of their life and growing up as non-bianary. The non-bianary viewpoint is one that many people, including myself (before I read Sissy) do not hear from. This book is entertaining and enlightening. A must-read.
My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
My Sister, The Serial Killer is so easy to get hooked into. It starts off with Korede’s sister murdering her boyfriend, and it only gets crazier from there. Throughout the story, you feel the resentment Korede harbors against her sister, while also feeling the need to protect her. The short chapters make the book extremely easy to read, and the fast pace makes it impossible to put down.
The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk
Okay, okay, this isn’t a novel, but the astrology-obsessed side of me had to put this book on the list. The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need has been around since the 80s, which I like because I know it isn’t just capitalizing off the recent astrology craze. This book makes astrology easy to understand and covers each sign in DETAIL from what keeps them from achieving their dreams to what foods each sign should eat. I could read this book for hours and never get bored. If you are interested in learning more about astrology, this is a great place to start.
Perfect Days by Raphael Montes
One of my favorite genres of fiction is thriller, and this book hits the nail on the head. Perfect Days is SO CREEPY and SO INTERESTING. It takes place in Brazil, where a crush takes a dark turn. A medical student packs up his dream girl in a suitcase, and takes off to secluded areas to spend the rest of their lives together. We follow her attempts to escape, and his attempts to keep her in his clutches. The twist at the end will feel like a punch in the stomach.
Reading these five books will create an oasis in your crazy schedule. I find reading much more fulfilling than watching TV, even if it takes more time. These books are all so easy to read and so incredibly good that you just might pick up reading!