One of my absolute favourite things to do is cozy up with a hot cup of tea and a good book. Though I can’t devote much time to leisure reading during school, I try my best to read a chapter or two of whatever book I’m working on every night, right before I go to bed. This is especially nice after a long day, because it helps me relax before bed. Since I read mostly fiction, it is also a great way for me to temporarily ignore my worries and escape into another world where my troubles don’t exist. For this reason, I thought I would share a few of my favourite books with all of you so maybe you’ll find the same escape in them as I did.
Fangirl¸ Rainbow Rowell
Fangirl is about a girl named Cath and her struggle to adjust to her first year in college. When I read this book this summer, I remember wishing that I had read it during my first year, because it was so accurate in describing the difficulties of the transition to university! Cath’s twin sister also attends the same school, and the drama between the two of them is comparable to how our high school friendships change after starting college. Fangirl is a great book to read in general, but especially if you have ever felt even the tiniest bit unsure in your transition to university.
The Truth About Forever, Sarah Dessen
The Truth About Forever chronicles the story of Macy, a girl who, after her father’s sudden death, deals with the loss by attempting to achieve perfection in every aspect of her life. When I first read this book, I found it incredibly relatable because I feel like everyone constantly strives to reach perfection, despite knowing that it’s not realistically feasible. Reading this book helped me to accept my flaws as positive qualities that make me who I am. I still reread it occasionally to remind myself that being imperfect is perfectly okay. Besides, Sarah Dessen is a fabulous writer, so I recommend trying her other books if you like this one.
I Am the Messenger, Markus Zusak
I Am the Messenger is about a nineteen-year-old guy named Ed who feels directionless in his life and doesn’t know whether he ever will figure it out. The book follows Ed as he receives anonymous tasks in the mail and slowly discovers himself as he accomplishes these various assignments. The protagonist is reason enough to read this book, since I think a lot of us have felt the same way at one point or another. Personally, I found this book and its concluding message really inspiring. Markus Zusak just has a way with words, as clichéd as that sounds. One of my favourite quotes comes from this book: “Maybe everyone can live beyond what they’re capable of.”
Just One Day, Gayle Forman
Just One Day is about a completely spontaneous and life-altering day in Paris that Allyson, an American tourist, spends with Willem, a Dutch guy she meets on a train, and the aftermath of that day once it ends. If any of you are like me and suffer from a serious case of wanderlust, this book needs to be next on your reading list. If you don’t already have wanderlust, you’ll probably get it from this book, since it has scenes in countries all over the world. This book touches on a lot of points that I feel are very relevant to collegiettes nowadays, such as finding oneself in the transition to adulthood and how high school friendships change after starting college.
I hope all of you enjoy reading these books as much as I have! Happy reading!
Images obtained from:
http://newslok.com/story_page.php?articleid=283&type=article
http://thebookmusings.com/2012/10/03/why-do-you-love-reading-discussion/
http://cleareyesfullshelves.com/blog/messenger-zusak
http://themindofafictionbooklover.tumblr.com/post/72829052784/my-new-sign-very-relevant-to-my-life
http://fridayspines.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/book-review-the-truth-about-forever-by-sarah-dessen/
http://www.stackedbooks.org/2013/01/just-one-day-by-gayle-forman.html